He looked peaceful as his chest rose and fell in time with the mechanical sounds that filled the room. It was mesmerizing, making me wonder how it felt to breathe. With trembling fingers, I took Johnny’s hand into mine. My sensors showed his hands were cold, but there was a warmth that they couldn’t pick up. Johnny’s eyes fluttered, but didn’t open. Instead, his fingers tightened around mine, letting me know he was there. I leaned in, whispering, Johnny, it’s me, Cora. I’m here. Don’t move, just rest. I’m okay. Kaia—she’s a sweet nurse I met; she treats me like a person, just like you do. So don’t worry. He didn’t say a word, just made a quiet whimper, loosening his fingers and falling back into a deep sleep. Kaia looked at me, her face a mixture of awe and confusion. Cora, what was Johnny trying to help you achieve? Because to me, it seems like he was trying to make you human. Her question lingered in my mind. After thinking back on our interactions, it’s clear that he was guiding me on my journey to becoming human, and recognizing my emotions is the first step.
Yes, Kaia, that’s what Johnny is attempting to do. Okay, Cora, if you want to be human, then you need to wear clothing. That may sound weird, but it serves more of a purpose than just covering your form. My words faltered as I realized she wasn’t taught the difference between a man and a woman, especially with breasts and other feminine features, or the concept of why certain parts of her body needed to be covered. Her face washed over with confusion and vulnerability, reminding me of a child; It was adorable.
Cora, would you go shopping with me? It would be a lot easier to show you rather than explain. And wouldn’t it be a wonderful surprise for Johnny if, when he woke up, he saw you wearing a beautiful outfit? Her eyes lingered on Johnny. He won’t wake for a couple of hours, so it’s okay. Just think about how happy you’re going to make him when he wakes up and sees you wearing clothing. Kaia’s words won me over, and she led me out of the hospital and into the bustling streets.
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The sounds of car horns and people chatting created a delightful hum, while the lights from cars zooming past with their engines roaring added to the lively atmosphere. It was incredible as we walked past towering buildings adorned with bright neon signs advertising various businesses. The sidewalks filled with hundreds of people going about their day, each absorbed in their own little world. We approached a large clothing store with massive windows that displayed an abundance of colors and different styles of outfits. When we stepped inside, it was mesmerizing—the array of colors and choices was incredible, each piece displayed on its own individual rack, each more vibrant than the last. And now I was living my life instead of just watching it pass by.
Cora’s eyes washed over with childlike curiosity, taking in every little detail. It was like watching a little one discovering their toes. It’s clear that what Johnny sees in Cora was humanity. The way she interacted with her surroundings and facial expressions—everything about her felt real. Despite her mechanical form, there is no question she was becoming human. Cora had a long way to go, but with Johnny’s guidance, it’s clear that one day she will know she is human. She turned to me and smiled, almost dancing over to me, taking my hand, and waiting for me to guide her on the next step of being human. A smile pulled at my lips; it was an honor to be a part of her journey.
