R-1138 — Episode 2

Presented R-1138 with a set of doll clothes I found in my attic Belonged to my daughter years ago She was skeptical at first, but then smiled Actually smiled Adjusted the clothes with scissors when I wasn't looking Fashioned them to fit She now wears them daily Cage redesigned with magnetic lock Overrode in on day sixty-three Replaced with biometric latch Defeated day sixty-seven At this point, I've given up Replaced the cage entirely with a vintage dollhouse Lights functional I've started making tiny appliances Microwave, fridge, a reading lamp She seems happy R-1138 spoke today First word, "home," followed after a few moments by "thank you." Her voice was small, raspy, but deliberate Home Thank you You are very welcome Her language is accelerating exponentially By evening, we were simply talking That's what she said