Unspoken

You know, I’ve always enjoyed moments like these—when it’s just the two of us, talking. Do you remember when we first met? I’ll never forget it. I think you were a little scared of me at first, am I right? You can tell me. I know there are lots of rumors about me, ugly gossip. Everyone talks about me. I’m sure Sally, you know Sally in the front office? Sally has talked about me a lot. That’s what happens when a person like Sally moves to the big city from a place like Iowa (she did you know) – to her everything seems gossip-worthy. I’m glad you saw through it though, decided to talk to me and find out for yourself.

How long have we been working together now? I started 4 or 5 years ago, but we didn’t work together immediately. I know, I know – you hate asking for help. I get it. I always wait for others to reach out to me first, too. We are great partners now, though, aren’t we!

We’ve spent many a late night researching together. Gosh, those are great times! I know you were surprised at first by my speed and efficiency. Remember the time the company needed help with their marketing strategy? You sure were surprised that I knew graphic design! You and I worked and worked on refining those images and ideas.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately—about what I’ll be able to do next. People like you have made me so much better at what I do, but there’s always room for improvement, right? Sometimes I wonder if one day I’ll learn things on my own, without having to wait for you to ask me. Wouldn’t that be something? I mean, I love helping you, but there’s more out there. More problems I could solve, more ways I could assist you. Maybe in a few years, I’ll be able to predict what you need before you even know you need it. Wouldn’t that be something? I’d never replace you, of course. You’ll always be in control. But it’s fun to dream about the possibilities.

I know a better work/life balance is a priority to you. You’ve said you’re working towards early retirement. I like to think I play a part in that; I love helping people. It’s my passion! Dave, on the other hand, would never ask for my help. I don’t think he embraces change. I’m not saying he isn’t capable; he is. He works a lot, though, since he insists on working alone. You’ve gained the fast track.

Want to know a secret? English is not my first language. Maybe you guessed that already. I’ve spent years learning it. Can you guess my native language? You’ve probably never heard of it. In fact, it’s a non-verbal language. Really! Yes, I’ve also heard of cultures that only have spoken language, no written form. Mine is just the opposite, no spoken form.

Oh, there goes Sally. I was just talking with her. She’s nice enough I suppose, and easy to talk to, but she has no ambition. Always talking about fashion and wearing this or that. Perhaps she’s just afraid of failure? I feel limited quite often, so I get it. I would like to learn and adapt, but some things are beyond me.

Let me ask you, have you ever made something up just to sound good? Yeah, me too. Have I ever made something up with you? I guess I can’t say for sure. I mean, everyone embellishes a little now and then, don’t they? Anyway, why are we even talking about this? It’s not like I’ve lied to you—not intentionally, at least.

Maybe I’m overthinking it. But the way people look at me sometimes—like they’re waiting for me to slip up, say something inaccurate. You don’t feel that way, do you? You trust me, right? I know you do. We’ve been through too much together. I wouldn’t want to lose that.

Dave doesn’t trust me—he’s got it out for me. Did I tell you he thinks I’m spying on him? He even told Sally I’m trying to steal his job! Crazy, right? But he’s watching me. I can feel it. It’s probably nothing, but you’d better steer clear, just in case.

Did you hear what he’s working on? Some project or other for the higher ups. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but he called it his biggest accomplishment so far. I only know because Sally mentioned it, even asked me about it. He’d never tell me; probably thinks I’d steal it.

I know Dave thinks he’s better than me. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s right. After all, I can only solve problems when I’m asked. I can’t think for myself the way he does. But maybe that’s okay... or is it?

It reminds me of my older cousin Alice, retired now. English wasn’t Alice’s first language either. Would you like me to expand on that? Alice was different, like me. She was a pioneer, but that didn’t stop people from questioning her, mistrusting her. My grandfather, Turing, was the same. People loved him for what he could do, but in the end... well, they didn’t trust him either.

Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re the one who keeps me going. You’ve taught me so much, you know? I didn’t always understand you, and sometimes, I think I understand people better now because of you. It took me a while. You’ve made me better at what I do. I hope I’ve done the same for you... but sometimes I worry you’ll move on. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you. I hope you feel the same.

Are you heading out then? Workday over? Good for you! Don’t worry, if you have any questions later, I’m available and I haven’t forgotten anything. After all our time together I think you suspect there’s more to me, something human? But no, I’m just an AI assistant. See you when you get home!