Leo Newall must discover the secret his domestic android Xander is keeping before it threatens their companionship.
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Leo Newall is captivated by his household's latest state-of-the-art domestic...
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A couple days came and went. Routine was an understatement. Tasks were met, duties were completed, missions were accomplished from Xander without incident. However, I knew the peace would eventually be interrupted as that was life in the Newall household. Dad always found something to criticize to replace complaining about his lack and inabilities.
"Fruit again?" He scowled at Xander who stood at the foot of his bed with the early evening snack on a tray. "Don't you know what variety is, you piece of junk?
I shook my head in the doorway. "You're frustrated again, Dad. You sure you don't want a nice warm bath or..."
"I want something other than melon," he insisted. "Actually, you know what? I'm not hungry anymore."
"Sir," Xander started. "If you'd like me to deviate from the schedule and the planned menu, I would be happy to. What would you like me to prepare for you instead?"
"I said I'm not hungry, you gasket leak." The anger lines between Dad's eyebrows deepened.
Xander took his cue and pivoted, expertly balancing the bowl of mixed melon on the tray and taking the tray back into the kitchen. I took advantage of our privacy and stepped further into the room. "Dad?"
He rubbed his temple. It was apparent his frustrations about his limitations were surfacing again. "I know you're doing your best, Leo. I know." He nodded but refused to me my gaze.
"Xander's doing his best too, right?" I took Xander's spot where he had stood near the foot of the bed, hoping Dad could see that we were both putting in the effort to make him as comfortable as possible.
"That's a machine, Leo." He took his exercise strength bands from the nightstand, stretching them to work his arms muscles as intended. "It doesn't need praise. It doesn't need attention. It doesn't need compassion. It doesn't need anything from us. Remember that."
"It's just ..." I shrugged, stopping myself from further defending Xander.
"It's not your friend or family, and definitely not your mother who should be here taking care of me instead of you and a damn machine." He sighed. "But I don't want you to worry, alright. Keep up on your studies and continue to make me proud. You got that?"
I nodded and did like Xander and exited the room, closing the door behind me. I refused to allow Dad's frustration to become my own, so before heading toward my room at the back of the house, I paused in the kitchen.
I took note of Xander's waste consciousness and how he stored the bowl of fruit in a reusable lidded container instead of throwing it out. I liked that and I expressed it with a smile.
He took the washcloth to wipe down the counters and looked up as I approached. "Is there anything I can help you with, Leo?"
