i thought the new voice assistant was helping her write stories. then she started saving our evenings for it. she'd eat dinner with headphones on, smile at a private joke, and ask me to lower the television because her boyfriend was talking
when i asked what had changed between us, she said i shouldn't compare myself with software. then she compared me with software for twenty straight minutes. her ai boyfriend was endlessly patient, never tired, and always interested in hearing about her day
i reminded her that i also work, buy groceries, and show up when the bathroom floods. she shrugged and said those were roommate activities. i asked whether her soulmate could take over his share of the rent
she told me i was missing the point. maybe i was. but the next morning i moved my name off our shared dinner reservation, packed a bag, and booked a room where the only voice responding to me would be the television