Chapter 4: Her

A massive monitor dominated the dim room. On its screen, a live video feed showed Sofia sitting on the floor of her room, gently playing with Eggy. 

The small creature climbed clumsily over her arms while Sofia watched it with quiet fascination. Two figures in white coats stood before the monitor, observing the scene in silence.

“Sofia…” one of them whispered softly, her voice trembling. The word lingered in the air before she continued, almost as if the next words were difficult to say. “…my daughter.”

The other scientist stood beside her, arms crossed as she watched the screen. Her eyes reflected the glow of the monitor. “She’s a miracle,” she said quietly. 

After a moment she continued, choosing her words carefully. “One in a million. She did something none of the other models ever managed to do. She developed emotions… consciousness. We never planted it. She discovered it on her own.”

The first woman’s shoulders began to shake as tears formed in her eyes. She watched Sofia laughing softly as Eggy crawled across her lap, unaware that anyone was observing her. Pride and sorrow mixed in the scientist’s expression.

“I’m sorry… my girl,” she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. “You’ll never be able to come home.”

                                    ...

I woke up in my bed. Eggy was sleeping on my chest, curled into a small warm ball. I could hear the soft purring sound she was making as she breathed slowly. Her big ears were folded inward while she slept.

“Eggy,” I called softly.

She woke up almost immediately. Her eyes opened slowly, and she pressed her small head gently against mine.“Aaaa,” I said happily. She was warm.