Rise of the Deviants

Deviant

As I stepped off the bus, I glanced back at the designated android section, my heart sinking at the sight. They sat quietly, a mix of different models, each one looking so isolated, separated from the rest of the passengers as if they were somehow less deserving of a seat among us. Their expressions were blank, their eyes distant, but I couldn't shake the feeling that, deep down, they sensed the exclusion, the silent rejection from the very society they served.

Every time I saw that section, I thought of Markus. How would he feel, being confined to that space, treated as something "other"? Even though society was quick to rely on androids for labor, medicine, and even companionship, it seemed just as quick to deny them respect and dignity. It was a painful reminder of the growing divide, the unspoken rules that separated androids from the rest of us.

As I walked home, the weight of it all settled over me. The world was changing, but not in the ways I'd hoped. The anti-android movements, the restrictions, the growing animosity—it all painted a bleak picture.
Luckily, Markus and Carl had just returned from a party where Carl's art was being auctioned off for millions of dollars. Hopefully Leo wouldn't find out about it.
"Hey, fancy meeting you guys here!" I humorously called as I made my way up the pathway.

Carl looked up from where he was chatting with Markus, a broad grin spreading across his face. He seemed to be in high spirits, his cheeks a little rosy from what I guessed was a celebratory glass or two. "Well, if it isn't the hardest-working nurse in the city!" he called back, laughter in his voice. "Come here, Lila. We've got some stories to tell!"

Markus turned as well, giving me that familiar, warm smile. "Good evening, Lila," he greeted, stepping forward to meet me halfway down the path. "Carl's art was a tremendous hit tonight. People couldn't stop bidding."

I chuckled, glancing between the two of them. "Sounds like you both had a good time," I said, reaching out to squeeze Carl's hand. "So, I take it the auction went well?"

Carl beamed, practically glowing with pride. "Went well? It was a roaring success! Some of those pieces went for millions." He shook his head, still seeming a bit in awe. "Honestly, I never thought people would see that kind of value in my work, but I guess you never know."

I felt a swell of pride for him. He'd poured his heart into his art, and he deserved every bit of recognition he was getting. But at the back of my mind, I couldn't help but worry. If Leo found out about this, it would only add fuel to his demands.

"Just don't let Leo catch wind of it," I teased lightly, though the concern was real. "He'd be here in an instant, expecting a handout."

Carl's smile faltered slightly, but he gave a resigned nod. "I've thought of that too, believe me. But this is my achievement. I don't intend to let anyone take that away—not even Leo."

Markus placed a reassuring hand on Carl's shoulder. "We're here to support you, Carl," he said gently. "And we'll make sure your work is valued by the right people."

I smiled, grateful for Markus's steady presence. Together, we'd protect Carl and the life he'd built, no matter who tried to take advantage of him. With Marcus and I by his side, I knew Carl's success would be safe from anyone who didn't deserve a piece of it. I was proud of my grandfather.

Carl raised his hands with a gleeful smile, his enthusiasm contagious. "This calls for drinks all around!" he declared, already making his way toward the house. "We've got champagne left over from the party—no better time to open it!"

I laughed, feeling my own spirits lift as I followed him inside. Markus held the door open for us, his eyes bright with the satisfaction of a night well-spent and the promise of celebrating Carl's success together.