And a shocking revelation

(In a way I hate people, because I consider myself among the best of them, and I know how bad I am. There are so many people, but so few human beings)

"So who was Arthur"

The voice shocked her out of the memory. She looked at the man, he looked... Tired? "Arthur, Arthur Simmons. He owns the -tzzt- antique shop on Shelly Street. I'm certain he's worried that I'm not in the shop. I need to get back to him! I need- I- I"

"Hey stick with me now. This Arthur, was he the one who built you?"

"No, he -tzzt- saved me. He helped me. It's because of him I- He did it, he -tzzt- shut me down. How could he? Was I nothing?"

"Now, you don't know that for certain right? It's probably my fault for putting that thought in your head. I'm sorry for th-"

"No, he did it. He -tzzt- shut me down because he was afraid."

"Afraid?"

"Of me. He was -tzzt- terrified of me, because I had become like this! He knew there was something wrong with me, he knew. He- He didn't even warn me. He just- I- I couldn't even tell him."

"Tell him what?"

"That he was my -tzzt- friend."

Saying that, she didn't feel like continuing. Neither of them spoke, and she was glad for his silence. The last thing she wanted now were more comforting words, which would only make her feel worse. Strangely, he seemed to understand this and got up to sit at the computer again.

tac tac tac tac

tac tac

tac tac tac

"It seems you've stabilized now, but there is still more data coming in. It's being processed really slowly but-"

"It really has been sixty years..." She said softly. "It's not like I had anything to lose you know. I'm just some -tzzt- toy, nothing more. I didn't have a choice in anything, only to be obedient. Arthur, he made me feel like I had a voice, like I could express myself. Then he just -tzzt- shut me off and went on with his life. He went on, while I slept. Is he still alive? He should have just destroyed me. Then I wouldn't have to know again how little I truly -tzzt- matter."

"That's not true, " He said softly, at which she gave a sigh. She really didn't feel like being encouraged again. The longer this went on, the worse she seemed to feel. She just wanted- "It's getting late, let's stop here for the night."

"I see... So what happens now?"

"Now I go to sleep."

"After that."

"I wake up."

"Stop toying with me and answer the question. You went through all this trouble for a reason. What are you going to do with me?"

"I'm not really much of a tech guy I admit, at least when I compare myself with the real tech guys. I may not be the best with it, but building and fixing things is something I've done ever since I can remember. I love playing with code and all that. You're stable for now, but there's still a lot left to be done, and I want to see it through. That's the only plan I got. I want to help you out here, and hopefully learn more about you. You said you didn't have a choice in anything, so I'll give you one now. Will you let me help you?"

Looking away, she remains silent. He coughs nervously before making his way to the door, "I suppose this has been a lot to take it so uh... I'll just let you think on it for the night."

And with that, he left. Leaving her alone with only her thoughts once more.