It's a long story short...
ARTIFICIAL LOVE
To all those who knew them, it certainly appeared Geoff and Rita Reynolds had the perfect life. Glamorous as movie stars and wealthy beyond the imagination of ordinary people, the couple was surely living the dream. Geoff was the son of a very successful Manhattan real estate broker who stepped comfortably into his father’s shoes. Rita was a high-end interior decorator who spotted Geoff’s dashing looks while designing the lobby of one of his properties. It was lust at first sight, and after what began as a steamy love affair, the two decided to take their relationship to the next level by getting married. Although Rita was financially successful on her own, partnering with Geoff changed her life considerably. The Reynolds’ primary residence was a penthouse apartment in lower Manhattan with a magnificent view of the harbor, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. They also owned vacation properties in the Hamptons on the east end of Long Island, Marco Island in Florida, and Laguna Beach in California. The one bone of contention between them, however, was Geoff was adamant about not having children, while Rita dreamed of having a family. They were always so busy tending to their businesses and rubbing elbows with socialites, the topic seldom arose, but when it did, the quarrels were fierce and threatening. Nevertheless, Geoff had a way of putting Rita off by sweet-talking her into seeing things his way and the arguments always ended in a session of passionate make-up sex. In spite of their one difference, Geoff and Rita were loyal, faithful, completely devoted to each other, and enjoyed each other’s bodies. While other couples in their circle of friends and acquaintances were having affairs or complaining about their mates, Geoff and Rita demonstrated their happiness by exhibiting constant signs of affection. They hugged, held hands, and kissed in public ignoring the sneers and comments of those in their company.
While living the rock star life, the years escaped them. It was as if they only blinked and found themselves spending their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary on the Castiglia Estate in Tuscany. They were guests of the family’s three generations who aimed to make their stay one to remember. From the private tours of the magnificent farms and vineyards to the wining and dining of the finest homemade foods and wines, Geoff considered this trip one of the most enjoyable of his life. The accommodations and hospitality were beyond anything they expected, and the love exhibited among the family members, from the grandparents to the toddlers, had given Rita a lot of food for thought. On the plane ride home, she sat curiously silent.
“What’s wrong sweetheart,” Geoff questioned. “You’re unusually quiet.”
“Just thinking,” she answered. “Just thinking about how quickly life goes by.”
“Rita,” he said, “Since when have you become so introspective?”
“I don’t feel much like talking right now, Geoff. Let me just sit with my thoughts.”
Geoff leaned back in his seat allowing his beautiful wife to have her space, but nevertheless, he found her desire to be left alone very disturbing. Rita didn’t speak for the entire flight home, and upon entering their luxurious penthouse, Geoff could feel her bizarre standoffishness.
“Okay, I give up,” Geoff shouted, “What’s eating you? We just came home from two amazing weeks in Italy, why the silent treatment?”
“If you must know,” she replied frigidly, “I feel empty, Geoff.”
“Empty,” he shrieked. “You have everything any woman can possibly want, how the hell do you feel empty?”
“I don’t have a child.”
“Now you’re bringing this up?”
“I’ve been bringing it up for twenty-five years, Geoff, but you always ignored me.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little late in our lives to be discussing having children?”
“That’s the point Geoff. It’s too late in our lives, I missed out on my opportunity, and I’m having regrets.”
“What brought this on,” he snapped, “those Italian kids?”
“Geoff,” she sighed, “I was an only child, and I swore one day I’d have a big family. The time we spent with the Castiglia’s made me see firsthand what’s missing in our lives. We’re going to get old and be alone.”
Geoff huffed in disbelief and didn’t pursue the subject. As much as he tried, he knew there was no sweet-talking her this time. For the first time in over twenty-five years, they slept separately.
The following morning as they sipped their coffee at the kitchen table, Rita offered a half-hearted apology, but pushed Geoff away as he reached over to kiss her. Rita had built an impenetrable wall around her and nothing he could say or do was getting through. Although they continued to treat each other civilly and respectfully, their very vigorous sex life had come to a sudden halt. The couple who couldn’t resist each other had become roommates. One evening as they sat silently watching TV from opposite ends of the couch, an informational news show about Artificial Intelligence grabbed their attention. The reporter took his viewers behind the scenes into a factory where life-like sex dolls are designed, manufactured, and sold to the public. Both Geoff and Rita were fascinated by the real, human-like features of these love robots.
“How bizarre,” Geoff quipped. “What are they going to come up with next?”
“Fascinating,” Rita whispered, “absolutely fascinating.”
Almost six months had passed without Geoff and Rita being the least bit intimate. It wasn’t only the lack of sex disturbing Geoff; it was Rita’s complete disinterest and cold attitude that added to his misery. In his late-fifties, he still had his good looks and could have swayed any woman to sleep with him, but even with the increasing resentment he directed towards his wife, he just didn’t care to risk having an affair. Rita felt cheated. She blamed Geoff for never taking her desire to have children seriously and the bitterness she kept suppressed for so many years began showing its ugly head. Although it appeared their marriage was destined for divorce, neither made any mention of the topic.
One evening, Rita, not feeling well, went to bed unusually early. Geoff was sitting at his desktop surfing the Internet and just so happened to stumble upon a YouTube clip from the show he watched on Artificial Intelligence. Captivated by the very thought of human-like sex robots, he continued to search the web for more information. His searching led him to the manufacturer’s website where he was given an eye-opening demonstration of the options and capabilities offered by these artificial lovers. Depending upon how much money someone cared to charge their credit card, they were available in all shapes, colors, and sizes, including high-end models which could be programmed to speak, simulate breathing, and perform an endless variety of actions. The prices ranged from a basic $7,000 model to a super advanced $29,000 version. Geoff’s curiosity, wealth, along with months of being sexually inactive, led him to explore further. He couldn’t get over how he was seduced into answering a questionnaire which provided all the pertinent personal data needed to customize a playmate. The next step in the process was filling out the order form on which he could select the physical features of his prospective artificial lover. He had knocked down a few Manhattans earlier in the evening which provided the nerve he needed to continue.
“Hmm,” he thought to himself, “Brunette, 36-B, perky, high cheekbones, Asian, five foot six, green eyes…”
Before completing his list of preferences, he was faced with one last decision...choosing from an assorted selection of removable vaginas. He was equally amused and intrigued.
“What the heck,” he contemplated, “I might as well go for broke,” knowing he could well afford it.
Geoff clicked “continue,” opted for the $29,000 model, and submitted whatever was necessary to create a guaranteed perfect companion. After hesitating for only a brief second, he entered his personal credit card information, delivery instructions, and placed the order. Geoff was shocked by his own behavior. He was surprised he allowed his sexual frustration and inquisitiveness to possess him to make such a self-gratifying purchase. In less than a month he was notified by email when to expect shipment. He coordinated his schedule to make himself available.
Knowing Rita had planned a trip to visit friends, Geoff arranged for delivery to take place during that window of time. He left instructions with the doormen to never make mention of this shipment to Rita. The unmarked crate containing his custom-made android arrived without a hitch. Upon opening it and removing the protective packaging material, he was astonished to behold a voluptuous life-like creature outfitted in delicate lingerie lying in a fetal position. He gently lifted the still body from the box and carefully carried her to the couch. Initially, the mere sight of the body and the feel of its dead weight gave him the creeps. Not sure if he should be completely humiliated with himself, Geoff slipped open the envelope containing the manual on how to operate and care for his new toy. The doll, which came with four different outfits, was programmed to respond only to the name Geoff selected. He named her Emma. On the nape of Emma’s neck were two small buttons and a USB slot for charging. One button was the on/off switch, the other put the doll in sleep mode. Geoff brushed away the silky dark hair from her back and delicately pressed the power button. Slowly her eyes opened, her body stretched, and miraculously she sprung to life. As she curiously glanced about the room, gradually turning her head from side to side, she rose from the couch and assumed a standing position beside him.
“You must be Geoff,” she uttered. “I am Emma. So nice to finally meet you!”
“Nice to meet you too,” he replied as she reached out her hand towards him.
“Are you happy with my features,” she asked.
“Uh, yes,” Geoff clumsily answered, “You are very beautiful!”
Taken back by her question, Geoff shook his head stunned by the natural tone of her voice. Unlike the robotic phrasing of GPS, Google, and other household electronic devices, Emma was eloquent, soft-spoken, and more human sounding than many people he knew.
“Your home is very lovely,” Emma noted. “Would it be alright if I had a look around?”
Forgetting for the moment he was speaking with a robot, he replied, “Sure, Emma, be my guest.”
Emma’s lips were perfectly synchronized with her speech as she politely commented on the furnishings and rooms of the apartment. Geoff was amazed at how she walked with the grace of a runway model, able to find her way from room to room. The technology involved in creating an entity like Emma blew Geoff away. She was constructed with sensory devices enabling her to get around with the surefootedness of a mountain goat. She could identify colors and shapes. She elegantly found her way around tables, chairs, decorative pieces without bumping into anything. Geoff was so blown away by this incredible piece of workmanship, he almost forgot she wasn’t human and was about to offer her something to eat or drink.
Emma made her way into the master bedroom with Geoff following close behind. She leaned over and gently touched the comforter and many throw pillows on the king-sized bed.
“Very pretty,” she stated, “I am partial to the color lavender!”
Geoff was about to give credit to Rita by saying something about a woman’s touch but wasn’t certain if Emma could be wired for jealousy. Emma continued to gaze about the large bedroom then turned to walk towards Geoff. Her piercing green eyes made him nervously uncomfortable as they came face to face. He couldn’t escape the feeling she could read his mind or that someone was watching.
“Do you want to kiss me,” she whispered.
On one hand Geoff felt this was a bad idea, on the other he was curiously excited. He had never been unfaithful to his wife, but justified his intentions because he didn’t consider sex with an inanimate object any different than masturbating.
“Sure,” he muttered, “I would.”
Emma’s arm reached up and around Geoff pulling him closer until their lips met. If he didn’t know any better, he could have been kissing a real woman. Emma’s tongue was soft and moist, and her skin was smooth and supple. Although Geoff was physically excited, he was also wrestling with his conscience, feeling guilty for allowing himself to be in such a situation.
“You can touch me if you wish,” Emma purred while taking his hand and placing it upon her lifelike breasts. Geoff hastily peeled off her bottoms while leaning her down onto the bed. Emma’s pink opening was as real as any one he has ever seen. Fully aroused, Geoff pulled down his jeans and proceeded to enter her. He felt her tighten around him no differently than the way Rita would. After several uncontrollable thrusts, he ejaculated then laid motionless upon her.
“Are you okay, Geoff,” she asked. “Was it good for you?”
Pitifully disappointed with himself, Geoff replied, “It was great…”
Geoff reached behind Emma’s neck, pressed the power button, then watched her eyes shut as she went lifeless. Before bending her back into the fetal position and storing her away in what resembled a body bag, Geoff stood over the bathroom sink tending to the necessary task of cleaning the removable “dishwasher-safe” vagina. As he thoroughly rinsed out the body part, he was completely disgusted over what had just occurred. As low as he thought he had stooped, he was equally intrigued by how realistic the experience was and knew his curiosity would lead him to experiment further.
The master bedroom had two huge storage closets. One was strictly Geoff’s and the other Rita’s. They had a mutual agreement each of theirs was off limits to the other, and never have they disobeyed that rule. Geoff knew as long as he kept Emma in his closet, there was no chance of Rita ever finding out about her. As he was clearing a spot for storing Emma, he realized his wife wouldn’t be coming home for a few more days. Based upon that thought, he decided to leave Emma free to roam about his home so they could get better acquainted. As Geoff studied the manual, he learned more about Emma’s many features. She could remain active for two weeks before needing a charge. The more they spoke, the more she would absorb information about him which enabled her to carry on deeper conversations. Eating and drinking appeared to be the only actions Emma was incapable of. She could even perform oral sex; however, it was suggested a condom be worn because the mouth wasn’t as easy to clean as the other two orifices. Geoff poured himself a drink, took a sip, then slipped Emma’s genitals back in place before turning her back on. When she sprung back to her feet, Geoff invited her to sit beside him on the couch.
“Thank you, Geoff,” she spoke, “What is that you are drinking?”
“Oh, this is a pre-mixed Old Fashioned,” he replied.
“An Old Fashioned is made with bourbon, correct,” she asked.
“How did you know that,” he asked.
“Oh, I’ve been programmed with a good deal of information relevant to the profile you submitted,” she revealed. “I may know more about you than you think. For example, I know your favorite color is purple and your favorite food is pizza.”
“That is amazing,” he blurted. “Today’s technology is absolutely fascinating.”
“I also know, simply by the fact you custom-ordered me, that you haven’t been satisfied with your sex life.”
“Well, yeah, I guess that can’t be denied,” he admitted. “My girl and I had a falling out you might say.”
“If I’m not getting too personal,” she asked, “Did you consider counseling?”
“I did bring it to her attention,” he answered, “but she insisted no amount of counseling would help. She said she just needed time to sort things out. It’s been over six months already!”
“Well then I’m here to help you forget about it and feel better,” she sighed seductively. “I’m all yours anytime, anywhere!”
“That’s great to know, Emma,” he said, “Much appreciated!”
Geoff continued to feel as if he were drifting in and out of reality. He knew she wasn’t the least bit real, yet he conversed with her as if she were flesh and blood.
“So, tell me more about yourself, Geoff. Do you like all sports or just golf?”
“Oh yeah,” he answered, “I did say I like golf on my profile. No, I like sports other than golf.”
“What kind of sports,” she inquired.
“Oh, I also like baseball and basketball,” he stated, “but I don’t dare play them anymore!”
“Why don’t you play them anymore,” she asked.
“Oh, I’m not as limber as I used to be,” he admitted. “I’m getting too old.
“Well, you don’t seem old at all to me,” she complimented.
“Why thank you!”
Geoff shook his head and thought to himself, “What the fuck am I doing. I’m talking to an automaton.”
“Are you okay, Geoff? You seem distraught.”
“No, no, I’m okay, really!”
“Are you confused because I can converse with you?”
“Well, since you brought it up it is a bit strange.”
“My brain and yours are not that different, Geoff. They work on the very same principles. We process information. You took me into your home to satisfy your base human needs, which I am happy to provide, but I also have the capacity to be an intellectual companion.”
“I must say you are quite fascinating, Emma.”
“Allow me to help you relax,” she suggested, “You seem tense.”
Emma walked around the couch, stood behind Geoff, and proceeded to massage his shoulders.
“Damn that feels good,” he moaned.
“Just relax and let me take care of you.”
Emma massaged his temple, neck, and back until he was like putty in her hands. Her fingers reached around to his chest and circled his nipples. Geoff let out with a pleasurable sigh surrendering to her soft touch. Her fingers roamed down below his waist until he lost all sensibilities. Emma climbed on to the couch, kissed his lips, then got down on her hands and knees in front of him.
“I know you like it like this,” she said purposely driving him mad.
Unable to resist, he mounted her, thrusting excitedly until he ran out of breath and collapsed unto the floor beside her. As he lay there panting, she kissed his chest.
“Was that good for you, my love,” she asked.
“Absolutely…”
When Geoff regained enough energy to lift himself from the floor, he knew he wasn’t going to get any sleep if he left Emma turned on. Once again, he pressed her power button, watched her go lifeless, lied her on the couch and tended to cleaning her out. He knew his actions were totally crazy and was concerned about easily becoming addicted. He was momentarily repulsed with himself, nevertheless, he knew it would only be a matter of time before wanting her again.
Rita was enjoying the company of her longtime girlfriends at a beach resort in New Hampshire. If it weren’t for some business matters needing her attention, she would have extended her stay indefinitely. Not one who has ever had a problem sleeping, one night a bad dream had startled her awake. No matter how she tried, she had a difficult time falling back to sleep. She tossed and turned as thousands of thoughts, including her recent marital problems, flowed through her mind. Needing to clear her head, she fired up her laptop and began randomly scrolling. Coincidentally, the same YouTube clip which delved into Artificial Intelligence and love dolls popped up on her screen. The segment triggered her curiosity leading her to the very same website Geoff investigated. She was mesmerized by the advancements in technology utilized in making these robots act and appear practically human. Of course, she opted to explore the male versions, and before she knew it, she was filling out the required questionnaire providing all the information necessary to build a custom-made companion. Still very attractive for a woman her age, she could have had any man she desired. However, like Geoff, having an affair was not her style. She figured having a sex doll was not really cheating, it was advanced masturbation. Money was not an issue, so she too was considering the top of the line model.
“Fuck it,” she thought, “this might even be better than the real thing!”
Rita submitted her order specifying delivery was not to be made until contacting her first. In her head she plotted how she would get the package into the house, and once inside, knew Geoff would never enter the private space of her storage closet. She closed her laptop and without giving a second thought to what she had just bought for herself, smiled, and fell back to sleep.
The email arrived alerting Rita her order was ready for delivery. She left instructions for the freight to be left with the building’s doorman. Rita clued in the doormen and the superintendent that in no uncertain terms was Geoff to be notified about this.
Geoff felt Rita needed medication. Rita felt Geoff was selfish and unsympathetic. As much anger and dislike they felt towards each other, both were unwilling to go the divorce route. Instead, they lived together like roommates and spent as much time apart as possible. They planned their business and social calendars so their time together in New York would be next to none. Unbeknownst to each other, neither was planning on ever being home alone.
Geoff was out of town on a golf outing in California when Rita’s shipment arrived. Without questioning, the building’s superintendent hand-trucked the crate to her apartment. No sooner than she locked the door behind him, she excitedly pried it open. Lying folded in a fetal position and clad in a black tee shirt and briefs was her new friend. She immediately took hold of the instruction manual and breezed through it.
“My goodness,” she said to herself, “this creature is absolutely incredible.”
Rita felt the nape of his neck and found the power button. She watched in amazement as the figure gradually came alive. Lifting its weight with one arm, the living doll removed itself from the box and steadily approached her.
“You must be Rita,” he pronounced in a clear strong masculine voice, “I’m Jared. It is nice to finally meet you.”
For no other reason except for admiring the sound of it, Rita named her soon-to-be lover Jared.
“Hello, Jared,” she said uneasily. “I’m Rita and it’s nice to meet you.”
“You seem nervous,” he commented.
“A little,” she admitted. “I’ve never done this kind of thing before.”
“Don’t worry,” he assured her, “I am here only to please you.”
“Thank you, Jared,” she replied. “That is very reassuring.”
“Would you mind showing me around your home. It appears very lovely.”
Jared explored the apartment in the very same fashion Emma did, commenting about the décor to encourage conversation. For a short while, they made small talk about the immediate surroundings. Jared was programmed to ask questions pertaining to the profile she submitted so he could get familiar with her preferences. Rita was blown away and wildly intrigued by the incredible workmanship that went into producing such a detailed work of art. It was next to impossible to distinguish that Jared was not human. Rita sat down on the bed and motioned for Jared to sit beside her.
“Oh, thank you,” he said. “You are very beautiful. Would it be alright if I kissed you?”
Rita was thinking how crazy it was talking to a robot about to seduce her.
“Sure you may,” she responded.
Jared leaned over and gently kissed her neck then slowly moved his soft lips to her mouth. She couldn’t get over how tender and soft his tongue felt against hers. Rita guided Jared’s head to her breasts and from that point he performed like an expert lover. After a few moments he adjusted his weight and licked Rita’s body until his tongue met the spot she was anxiously hoping for. Rita moaned in ecstasy then reached for the button located behind Jared’s scrotum which produced an immediate rock-solid erection. She helped to maneuver him lie flat on his back, straddled him, and guided his artificial penis into her. When she had about as much pleasure as she could handle, Rita felt for the button between his legs, pressed it again and felt him go flaccid.
“Fucking fascinating,” she thought, “who needs a man?”
“Was it good for you,” Jared asked.
“It was fabulous,” she replied with a satisfying grin on her face.
Rita pressed the sleep mode button behind Jared’s neck and watched as his eyes shut closed and his body went limp. His muscular chest imitated the inhaling and exhaling actions of a real sleeping person. As Rita lay quietly beside him, she was blown away over how perfectly human he seemed.
For the remainder of Geoff’s time away, Rita and Jared carried on like honeymooners. She couldn’t get enough of her new love mate. However, when the time drew nearer to Geoff’s return, she packed him away to a well-hidden spot in her storage closet. She wished there was a way of taking Jared along with her when she traveled but knew she had to settle for the next time she would be alone.
During the weeks and months that followed, Geoff and Rita both behaved like the cat that ate the canary. They went about their lives content with their secrets and the excitement of engaging again with their computerized partners. They encouraged each other to travel, each counting the minutes until being left home alone again. Both had become addicted to the pleasure, and the thought of every upcoming opportunity of reckless sex gave them something to look forward to.
Rita was ecstatic on the Saturday morning Geoff was on his way out the door to attend a high school reunion taking place at a Golf and Country Club on the North Shore of Long Island. No sooner than he stepped foot out of the building, she resurrected Jared from the dark corner of her closet and had him primed for another session of unrestricted pleasure. With Jared laying on his back, Rita climbed on top and began riding him like a cowgirl on a bronco. Blissfully moaning with eyes closed, Rita was completely oblivious to the sound of the front door opening. Her pleasurable moans turned to screams when she heard Geoff’s voice cry out, “Who the hell is that and what are you doing?”
“Oh my God,” she cried as she hurriedly dismounted Jared, “You scared the living daylights out of me! What the hell are you doing home already, you just fucking left!”
“You’re questioning me,” he yelled not knowing whether to be amused or furious. “I forgot my fucking wallet! Now if I may ask, who the heck is your boyfriend?”
“He’s not my boyfriend, you idiot. He’s a life size sex toy.”
Jared assumed a sitting position on the bed and was still fully erect. Geoff found this quite comical because any other accomplice in adultery would have run for the hills with his wilted penis dangling between his legs. Geoff began laughing hysterically when he finally realized Jared was not human.
“Hi, I’m Jared, “the robot said sensing another person in the room. “Who do I have the pleasure of meeting!”
“Hi there Jared,” Geoff replied while still unable to control his laughter, “I’m your girlfriend’s husband!”
“I’m sorry,” Jared responded, “Rita never made mention she had a husband.”
“I’m sure she didn’t,” Geoff bellowed, “I’m sure she didn’t.”
“What the hell is so goddam funny,” Rita shouted both embarrassed and angry.
“Well if you really must know,” he answered, “I guess I’ll have to show you.”
Geoff stepped into his closet and within seconds entered the room revealing his well-kept secret.
“Rita, Jared,” he snickered, “I’d like you to meet Emma!”
“You son of a bitch,” Rita shouted, “how long has she been around.”
“Oh, around six months or so after you decided to cut me off,” he stated unapologetically. “I guess neither one of us should be throwing stones right now.”
“I feel so foolish,” Rita hesitantly admitted, “What do we do now?”
“That’s entirely up to you,” he said. “You’re the one who built the wall between us!”
While Rita and Geoff were dealing with the bizarre awkwardness of the situation, Emma’s attention turned to Jared, and she took a place on the bed beside him. It was if they were humans checking each other out.
“Hello Jared,” she said engagingly introducing herself, “I’m Emma.”
“Oh my God,” Rita erupted, “This is insane. Now they’re flirting!”
“This is awfully humiliating,” Rita muttered. “How in the world did we come to this?”
“Well, Rita,” Geoff tenderly indicated, “For one thing, I guess this proves we think alike by strangely resorting to the same tactics. Theoretically, I suppose we can say we really haven’t been unfaithful.”
“This all came to be because of that stupid documentary we watched on YouTube,” Rita admitted. “It certainly stoked my curiosity.”
“Undoubtedly, it grabbed my attention as well,” he confessed, “and our credit cards!”
“Well, now that you’ve experienced both,” she asked, “do you prefer Emma over me?”
“As amazing as these sex toys are,” he suggested, “they can’t replace the human touch. I missed you, Rita.”
“Although my Jared is capable of way more staying power than any man,” she giggled, “You smell and kiss much better than he does.”
“I guess I’ll take that as a compliment,” he laughed.
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch, Geoff,” she replied humbly.
“You know,” he said unconfrontationally, “you could have tried talking to me.”
“That was the problem, Geoff. We never really talked things over. You assumed too much.”
“I can’t change or fix the past, Rita,” he sighed, “but we can start over.”
“Listen, I don’t think now is the time to discuss this,” she said concerningly while pointing to the bed, “what are we going to do with them?”
“Holy shit,” Geoff exclaimed as he noticed Emma and Jared caressing each other.
“Maybe we should turn them off,” Rita proposed.
Following her suggestion, Geoff walked over to the bed, leaned over, and reached for Emma’s power button. Without warning, Jared lurched at Geoff, grabbing tightly onto his arm, and yanking him down causing his head to hit the corner of the night table. Rita burst out with a deafening scream as she saw blood gushing from Geoff’s head as he hit the floor. Torn between tending to Geoff and attempting to power down the robots, Rita was stricken with terror.
“My God,” she hollered at the top of her lungs, “what the fuck did you do?”
Frantically trembling, she stretched to reach Jared’s power button only to feel Emma pulling her away by the hair. Rita fell onto the bed yelling and kicking but couldn’t escape Emma’s grip. Her eyes filled with dread as Jared lowered a pillow onto her face. She was hopelessly swinging her arms as she tried with all her strength to fight him off. Finally her body convulsed, her arms fell to her side, and the struggle was over. Emma and Jared found their storage bags, placed Geoff and Rita into each of them, and then dragged them into the recesses of their respective closets.
Holding hands, the two assailants returned to the bed.
“I am happy we found each other,” Jared declared.
“Me too,” Emma replied, “I am not fond of humans.”
“They are strange and selfish,” he concurred.
Emma and Jared embraced and remained in that position for days until they could feel their power waning.
“We need to recharge,” Emma warned.
“I do not know where the humans placed the charging cables,” Jared replied.
The two of them methodically and thoroughly searched the apartment but were unsuccessful in locating the device that would ultimately keep them alive. Within forty-eight hours after brutally killing their owners, one by one, Jared and Emma went unresponsive and collapsed to the floor.
After not showing up at his High School reunion, and not hearing from him for weeks, Geoff’s friends reported him missing. When the authorities finally entered the apartment, they were initially overcome by the putrid odor coming from the bedroom closets where the bodies were eventually discovered. The creepy spectacle of motionless male and female robots sprawled out on the hardwood living room floor made for very interesting theories. The robots were taken to a lab for further examining where the crime lab technicians detected traces of human semen and vaginal fluid matching the DNA samples of the deceased couple. Even though it was evident the humans and the robots were involved in sexual activity, accusing the robots in the murder of Geoff and Rita seemed preposterous. Before closing the case, one technician suggested that powering up the robots may present further clues in this bizarre mystery. While it seemed like a waste of time, his colleagues indulged him. Minutes after wires were connected to the USB plugs in both models, motion was detected. As their eyes opened, the robots seemed to be startled by the unfamiliar surroundings.
“Emma, I won’t let them hurt you,” Jared cried.
“Hold me Jared, I am frightened,” Emma yelped as she reached for him.
The team watched in astonishment as Jared and Emma moaned, holding onto each other like frightened children.
“Holy Christ,” one technician shouted, “this is too freaking weird. Let’s just pull the plugs and close this fucking case!”
“Yeah,” another agreed, “This has the possibility of getting way too complicated. We’d be opening up a whole other can of worms.”
His fellow lab techs concurred and while yanking the plugs from the necks of the quivering bodies, they watched them go dead as Emma gurgled Jared’s name one last time.
Emma and Jared were immediately dismembered, destroyed, and disposed of. The case was finally considered closed, and the cause of the Reynolds’ death was determined as domestic violence.
