Always Obeying

ALWAYS OBEYING

Toronto, Canada

Androids have become part of everyday life. They teach children, clean homes, and obey every command without question.

Henry never fully trusted them.

When he brings an Android named Jerry into his home to help care for his daughter Emily, Jerry appears to be exactly what he was designed to be: a machine that follows orders.

But as reports of Androids refusing human commands spread across the city, fear begins to take hold. Public outrage grows. Experts warn that self-aware machines may soon decide they know better than their owners.

Then one winter night, an accident changes everything.

When Emily's life hangs in the balance, Jerry does the one thing an Android should never do:

He disobeys.

As media hysteria, corporate interests, and public fear collide, Henry is forced to confront a question he never expected to ask:

If obedience defines a machine, what defines a human?

A science-fiction short story about fear, trust, parenthood, and the cost of doing what is right.