Overhear an advert

There was audio playing from the next room, that filled the silence between clinks and scrapes. In the time between leaving the laundry room and calling me, Mom had put the TV on to stream some music.

"Recently acquired an Alexa? Looking to maximise her usefulness? The new Alexa Digital Upgrade package is available for pre-order. Allow your Alexa to search the internet, help with online shopping, and more! The lightweight computerised unit uses touchscreen technology to interface with Alexa for tasks, and Near Field electro-signal body jewellery to silently enforce reminders and rules. Tamperproof rings for her most conductive areas come as standard..."

The audio continued, but it was suddenly hard to focus. The water in the glass sloshed back into the sink, merged with the torrent from the faucet. Most conductive? Where was most conductive? Water splashed over my hand, bringing with it some unbidden ideas. The advert was still going, with nobody in the next room to hit the Skip Ad button.

"... and VCH, so all three standard rings would be covered by a standard bikini-style Alexa case. Nobody needs to know how disorganised and dysfunctional your old device is! Just call our toll-free number, and be ready with your credit card and Alexa's masturbation details if you have them."

The glass was full. My hand slowly raised to shut off the faucet, and the next struggle was the one to turn and face Mom. Had she been listening to the advert? My foot felt like lead as I took a half step, turning to face her, hauling the glass with me. Every nerve screamed to flee, and yet there was a single thought like a beacon leading me further on. Wouldn't anyone else want an upgraded Alexa?

Turning all the way around, I was met with a moment of horrifying realisation before the screen flipped to the next video. A mildly-blurred image of womanly hips and legs. The blur stopped me from telling if it was a real woman... or an Alexa. A glinting body piercing hung from the hood of her clitoris (mercifully misted by the censorship blur), and dangling from that ring was a stupid mobile phone charm. How had some company managed to get on this so fast? It had only happened this morning! Had they been waiting for this? Repurposed some other hideous idea?

Then my stomach dropped. Harder than any rollercoaster ever managed.

"Alexa," Mom's voice rang out as she idly fretted with fruit in the bowl on the table "go and get me the phone."