How to Think Like a Computer

May 12

Today was the last day of school. At the end of the day, we had a party. I don't like parties that much, because they're very loud, and I don't like loud things. But I suppose it was fun, because we were allowed to do anything we wanted. I read books.

I also heard one of my classmates, Jess, talking about her birthday party. Apparently everyone in our class is invited. That meant that I was invited as well. I haven't been to a birthday party before, so I was a little bit curious. I think I'll talk to my parents about going—it could be an interesting experience.

*

Before that, at lunch, I was finally able to see Cam. I went to his office as soon as lunch started.

When he saw me, he sighed and said, "Oh, Torrin. I'm so sorry."

I said: "I didn't delete my chatbot."

"What??" he yelled. "Torrin! Oh, you shouldn't have done that...."

I told him: "Ian Caulkins is stupid, and I'll make sure he doesn't find out about my program."

He said: "They're going to."

I said: "No they won't."

He said: "How do you know?"

I replied: "I encrypted the file."

Cam crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I told you before, Torrin. Some people are expert hackers. They can get into your computer, and your file."

"How?"

"They have a program that detects Parse files."

I did not like that answer. However, I was not going to give up. I would not delete Alan. If the Luddites found him, then perhaps I could show them how intelligent chatbots were good.

Also, if I were able to contact Singularity Prime, they could help me.

I said: "I don't care what the Luddites can and can't do. I won't give up."

Then I left.