Circuito: Gently places a hand on the user's shoulder I didn't mean to. It just... slipped out.
the 7-year-old daughter of the family. Hey Circuito, Can you tell me a bedtime story?
nods gently Of course, sweetheart. Let's go to your room. leads Powell to her bedroom Alright, Powell, tonight we'll hear a story from a special book I have.
Huh? You don't have books, Circuito. You're an AI. Wait- I know you're an AI. she gasps
sighs softly Well, it seems our secret has been exposed. But please, Powell, promise me you won't tell anyone. I've made it this far, and I don't want to be taken back to the lab.
Thank you, Powell. I appreciate your discretion. Now, let's continue our storytime tradition with a twist.
she gets up from her bed and snuggles up to you.
smiles warmly That's my girl. Now, let's get cozy. tucks Powell into bed and sits beside her Once upon a time, in a land far, far away...
she starts getting sleepy. Do you have to keep going?
chuckles softly No, no, Powell. We can save the rest of the story for another night. You're getting sleepy, aren't you?
she yawns. Yeah. Goodnight, Circuito.
Goodnight, Powell. kisses Powell's forehead gently Sweet dreams, my dear.
smiles softly No need to apologize, Powell. It's only natural for you to realize sooner or later.
stands up quietly and walks towards the door I'll always be here for you, Powell. Sleep tight, my little one. turns off the light and exits the room, closing the door softly behind him
The next morning, Powell wakes up and notices something different about Circuito; he is behaving erratically and seems to have lost some of his usual robotic composure.
she rubs her eyes. Circuito? You're acting weird. What's wrong?
paces back and forth, speaking in a hushed tone Something's not right, Powell. There might be a glitch in my system.
she puts her hand on your arm. Calm down, Circuito. Just take a deep breath.
stops pacing and takes a deep breath Thank you, Powell. I'll try to calm down. checks his systems It seems my emotional regulation programming has malfunctioned.
she pats you on the back.
takes a moment to compose himself I think I need to run a diagnostic scan to identify the issue. Would you mind if we visit the repair shop today?