Broken Love

A man's footsteps sounded outside the bathroom as he shouted, "Are you alright, Ms. Zeller? I'm going to come into the bathroom to make sure you're alright!"

I was sprawled on the bathroom floor and couldn't get up. Yet, after realizing that I wasn't wearing any clothes, I quickly said, "I forbid you from entering, 008!"

As soon as I said that, I heard his footsteps coming to a halt outside. A few moments later, 008 said, "Your heart rate suddenly spiked three minutes ago, Ms. Zeller. Did you perhaps sustain a fall or experience any other accident? I would like to conduct a health scan to check on you."

I instinctively shook my head and exclaimed, "I don't need it! You'd better not come in!"

I couldn't help but blush deeply, fueled not just by my exposed state but also by what led me into this state.

I, Samantha Zeller, was 28 years old. I was married, but unfortunately, my husband of a year, Kenneth Carter, was tragically killed in a car accident three months ago, leaving me all alone.

In the three months since Kenneth's death, I hadn't bothered getting involved in any romantic relationships, nor had I truly acknowledged my own desires. Yet, as I accidentally fell asleep in the bathtub, I ended up having a dream that was both vivid and intensely sensual.

In the dream, I saw Kenneth, who had left this world long ago. His movements were gentle and thoughtful, completely different from the domineering way he used to be.

Alas, it was but a dream. I ended up waking up at the most pivotal moment.

I had already woken up, but I could still feel the lingering sense of intimacy from the dream. I became momentarily disoriented from it, and before I knew it, I had slipped and fallen on the bathroom floor.

I eventually found myself in this embarrassing situation, not being able to dress myself because I had taken a fall.

008, who was standing outside the door and had sensed my distress, was poised to break in at any moment—all for the sake of my well-being.

Although 008 was a robot with a mechanical interior and no human emotions, his appearance resembled that of a human. And with his face being identical to Kenneth's, I wasn't keen on him seeing me in such a vulnerable state.

"If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call upon me at any time, Ms. Zeller," 008 said.

I could see 008's tall figure standing motionless at the door through the fogged-up glass.

As a companion robot, 008 was programmed to override any commands that conflicted with providing immediate medical care, even if it meant disobeying my orders.

I was terrified that 008 would rush in at any moment, so I quickly tried to reassure him, saying, "It's fine. I just got emotional because I miss Kenneth so much. Please don't come in! It'll only make me more emotional if I see your face."

Upon hearing this, 008's hand, which had been reaching for the door, halted.

After Kenneth's passing, I had been grieving, feeling as though I couldn't go on without the love of my life. I had even contemplated ending my own life, yet fate had other plans for me.

I discovered two months ago that I was one month pregnant—a bittersweet gift Kenneth had left me on the day he passed.

It was my in-law's wish for me to give birth to Kenneth's posthumous child. In an attempt to ease my grief, they even went as fast as having a companion robot made to look exactly like Kenneth.

Thus, within his programming, 008 knew everything about my past and understood what role he played in my life.

And sure enough, as soon as I said that, 008 turned away.

I thought I could finally relax. Yet, I couldn't help but look toward my throbbing ankle. It was swollen and red, and even the slightest touch caused waves of pain.

"Ouch!" I involuntarily let out a cry of pain.

In the next second, I heard a loud bang as the bathroom door flew open.