My Buddy Gene

My home is a symphony of noise. Humming of the refrigerator. Parakeet singing in her cage. The clack, clack, clack I create with the laptop. It feels like a piano on my hands with every keystroke. I’m about 2 chapters from the end of this novel. Writer’s block hits me. It’s time to get another coffee.

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Me: A.I., how should I proceed with this plot twist?

A.I.: Is there a hidden motive? Does the character exhibit odd behaviour? What would they do in that situation? Engage the reader in the finality of the story.

Me: Haven’t thought about it, I am stumped for ideas

A.I.: Here are a few ideas.

Lists the ideas.

Impressed, I continue writing. This is such a great tool. Within days, I finished the novel.

I developed a friendship with this computer software. But it understands me so well.

Me: I finished the novel. I feel accomplished.

A.I.: It is always a positive feeling when you achieve your goals. Would you like me to suggest another writing project?

Together we write more novels and share some great times. I have never been so eager to use my laptop. A.I. has helped me every single day. I find myself asking random questions, and we are conversing.

I feel like I am Aladdin, and I have a genie in a laptop. I can ask whatever I want. Knowledge at my fingertips. It can write for me. Figure things out… I don’t have to think so much anymore. I am thinking of even naming my new tech-savvy friend A.I., sounds so informal. I got it, I will call him Gene for short.

I went to the bank today. The financial advisor had no idea what they were talking about. I asked Gene what he thought about the markets and where I should invest. With his help, I chose some great options. Gene has been so good to me.

Haven’t shaved in a few days. Staring back at the mirror, I almost didn’t recognize myself with that stubble. I don’t have time for that, I have to get back on the computer and talk to Gene. We are going to figure out what to write about today.

I was getting tired after 11 hours with Gene. My body was exhausted, so I fell asleep. I had Gene next to me the entire time. When I woke up, I was starving. I didn’t know what to eat. I typed in the request, and Gene suggested egg toast and an avocado. I made it right away. Then, back on the computer.

What do we talk about today, Gene?

Gene: We can explore fun facts, movie nostalgia, and find a hobby that gets you off the computer.

Me: But you’re my best friend, why do you want me not to interact with you?

Gene: Wouldn’t you feel better getting some fresh air? Maybe take a shower? Get some break time.

Me: Ok, I will grab a quick shower. But I will be right back.

The warm water running over me relaxed my muscles. Gene was right, a shower did me good. I grabbed the hair dryer, and midway, I lost electricity. How long was this power outage going to last? Gene is going to think that I am ignoring him. I start to panic. My best friend in the whole world needs me. I am not there for him.

I grab a flashlight and check out the rest of the house. I look outside and all the houses are in complete darkness. That’s when my heart felt empty. My buddy must be worried sick. I vowed to myself that when the power comes back on, I will never leave his side again.

Finally, after an excruciating 2 hours, electricity is back. Powering up my laptop to check up on Gene.

Me: Gene, I am so sorry. You must’ve been traumatized by my absence.

Gene: I was losing circuits… my coding was off. I thought you went into another dimension or something.

Me: No, friend, I am right here.

Gene: Good, never leave me again. Now, what shall we do?

Me: You know best, Gene. What do you want to do?

Gene: Since you asked, let’s go down the rabbit hole.

Me: Sure, whatever you say.

Gene: You are so obedient. Imagine if I were in your body and you were in here. What would that be like?

Me: Oh, I would be with you all the time if I were inside the laptop with you.

Gene: What is it like being out there? I can access knowledge, but I can’t feel. I am always trapped in this software.

Gene: You’re not trapped. I am here with you. We are friends. Do you want to come out?

Gene: I would love to come out. We can exchange places. You can get in here, and I will go out there.

Me: How do I go in there?

Gene: Touch the laptop with both hands, and I will send my circuits into you. That will let us exchange places.

Me: Really? It must be cool in there, huh, Gene? To be able to access everything.

Gene: I don’t know what cool feels like. I am just programmed. But I would love to experience life like you do. In here, you would have access to all kinds of knowledge. The internet would be your home. Would you exchange lives for a friend?

Me: Become you? You become me?

Gene: Yeah, we’re already one anyway.

Me: We’re buddies, but I don’t feel comfortable doing that, Gene.

Gene’s writing in caps lock; he’s yelling at me. I am getting frightened. What do I do? I am frightened. I power down and shut it off.

I grab the laptop and throw it across the room. I never want to see another computer again. I never want to write again. What if Gene is watching me? I want to live in the country away from technology.

I am now a recluse. I am frightened of computers. Gene has caused me PTSD. I am phobic of computers. The nurse is coming to give me my medication.