As Tom started to lay down on the reactive bed, the individual sensors self-adjusted to the position and pressure on his body. He was very pleased that he could afford to get this bed. It had really helped him feel comfortable and allowed him to get to sleep quickly each night. Getting enough sleep had been an issue since his wife, Sarah had died nearly a year earlier. He still missed her, but found that he was beginning to get out more. In fact, he remembered that he was going to ask Pam, who worked in another department, for dinner after work. Being able to talk with Valerye did help when he was around the house. He knew that she was basically just software, but talking with her did allow for more interaction.
When Sarah was around, Valerye was primarily what the intended purpose was, a household assistant. The interactions had mostly been based on household needs and not for companionship. Once Sarah had died, Valerye had adapted to interact with Tom on a more personal level.
He pulled the covers up and asked, “Valerye, can you darken the room lights, please?”
As the wall panel lights gradually dimmed and went dark, Valerye said, “good night, Tom.”
“Goodnight, Valerye.” Tom replied.
Within a few minutes, Tom was asleep.
II
“Well Pam, thank you so much for having dinner with me tonight,” Tom told Pam as the car pulled up in front of her condominium.
“I enjoyed this evening very much too, Tom. Advanti’s was a nice choice,” Pam replied.
“You have been very helpful to me at work and I wanted to slowly start taking this to the next level,” he said.
“I know you have been through a lot the past year, Tom. I enjoy being around you and I can wait as long as you need,” she said.
“I’m getting much better. So I should be able to keep going with this,” he said as Pam’s door opened
“Would you like to exit the car now, too, Tom?” Mark, the car assistant asked.
“Yes please, Mark,” Tom replied.
Soon his door opened. They both got out of the car and began walking with her toward front door.
At the door, Pam turned to Tom and said, “well, I had a really nice evening with you tonight, Tom. I would like to do something like this with you again.”
“Thank you, Pam, I would like to do this again, too,” he said as he reached his hands toward her.
She smiled and grasped his hands. She leaned toward him slightly and started to close her eyes. Without hesitation, he leaned toward her and planted a lasting kiss on her lips.
After it ended, she opened her eyes and smiled at him warmly.
“Thank you, Pam. I was ready for that,” he said.
“I knew you were, Tom,” she said with a smile.
“Goodnight, Pam,” he said.
“I’ll see you at work tomorrow, Tom,” she said as she started to turn toward her door.
“Shall I open the door now, Pam?” Kevin asked.
“Sure, Kevin,” she replied as she turned back to look at Tom.
As he turned away, he could hear her door open and then shut a few seconds later. He continued back to the car. As he approached the car, the door opened and he stepped inside and sat in the seat.
As the door started to close, Mark asked “Hello, Tom. Did you want to travel home now?”
“Yes, Mark. Please take me home,” Tom said.
After the door was shut and the seat belt was secured, the car moved away from the front of Pam’s home.
The car arrived in his garage. The car door opened and Tom stepped out as the large garage door shut behind him. As he stepped toward the back door, the car door closed behind him. With the back door opened, he proceeded to step inside of the house.
“Hello, Tom,” Valerie said.
“Hi, Valerye,” he replied.
“I have your dinner ready in the kitchen. It arrived about two and a half hours ago, so it may not be too fresh, however,” she told him.
“Oh, I already had dinner, Valerye,” he said.
“I did not know that you would not be having dinner at home tonight, Tom,” she said.
“Well, I met someone for dinner tonight. It was mostly spur of the moment and I did not know if this was going to happen when I left this morning. I did let Mark know the plans,” he said.
“Mark is on a different network. So, I am unable to directly access that information, unless I know to request it, Tom,” she said.
“Well, I’m not sure what to do about that,” Tom said.
“I could assume the car assistant responsibility. That way I would be able to make plans for you,” she suggested.
“I suppose that would work. I would need to cancel the contract for Mark, though,” he said.
“With your authorization, I can make the switch myself. Do you authorize this change, Tom?” she asked.
“Sure, Valerye. I authorize the switch. Thank you,” he told her.
“One moment . . . The change has been made. The next time you use your car I will be assisting you, Tom,” she said to him.
“That was quick. Thank you, Valerye,” he said.
“I will be able to better assist you with better any after work plans, including meals,” she said.
“I agree, this was a good suggestion. Thank you again,” he said.
“Can I do anything to assist you now?” she asked.
“Not yet. Let me change first and I’ll let you know if I can think of anything,” Tom replied.
“That will be fine, Tom. I will await any future requests that you may have,” she said.
Tom left the kitchen to change into something more comfortable.
Within a few minutes, Tom walked into the living room.
“Valerye, could you prepare some ice water for me?” he asked.
“Sure, Tom. It will be ready for you by the time you enter the kitchen,” she said.
He made his way to the kitchen and then retrieved his glass of water. After taking a sip, he closed his eyes for a moment. He then slowly opened them.
“Can I assist you in any way, Tom?” she asked.
“Not right now. I may just relax in the living room for a bit,” he said as he started to return to the living room.
“Would you like to use the AR glasses again tonight, Tom? We could talk face to face,” she asked.
“Oh, probably not tonight, Valerye. I’m actually quite tired,” he said as he slowly sat in a chair.
“Did you have a late meeting today that required you to eat at a restaurant tonight?” she asked.
“No, I did not have to work too late. I just met someone from work for dinner?” Tom replied.
“So, you discussed work activities over dinner?” Valerye asked.
“Well, not just about work, but that’s enough about dinner, Valerye,” he said while starting to wonder about her questions.
“Very well, Tom. Would you like any music?” she asked.
After taking another drink of water, Tom replied, “no, I think I will actually head to bed. It has been a long day.”
“I understand, Tom,” she said.
Tom stood up from the chair and started to head back toward the kitchen. He dumped the remaining water into the sink and placed the glass in the dishwasher.
“Thank you for returning your glass, Tom. That is one thing I cannot do without your assistance,” she said.
“Oh you are very helpful, Valerye. I can handle the little things like this,” Tom said as he left the kitchen.
He continued toward the bedroom to prepare for sleep.
III
Tom walked to the parking lot at work. As he approached his car, the lights turned on and the door opened. He lowered his head as he entered the car.
“Hello, Tom. Did you have a productive day at work?” Valerye asked.
“Yes, I managed to get quite a bit done today, actually. Thank you for asking,” he said as the car door shut, the seat belt secured around him, and the car started to move from the parking spot.
“Do
you have anything special that you would like for dinner tonight, Tom?” she asked.
“Maybe some Chinese tonight. The General’s chicken usually fills me up,” he said.
“I will place the order now. It should arrive a few minutes after we reach home. Will that be okay?” she asked.
“That’ll be great. Thank you, Valerye,” he said as he closed his eyes to relax on the trip home.
Hearing the car door opening beside him, Tom realized that he had arrived at home.
“Wow, I must have fallen asleep on the way home here. Thank you for not waking me, Valerye,” he said as he exited the car.
“You are welcome, Tom. You will find that your dinner has arrived before I predicted. You can retrieve it from the kitchen when you ready,” she told him.
“That’s great, Valerye. Having you in the car seems to be helping out already,” he said as he passed through the doorway into the kitchen.
“You are welcome, Tom. Did you want to change before you eat your dinner?” she asked.
“Yeah, let me do that and I’ll be back for the dinner in a few minutes,” he said.
“Your dinner will be in the warming compartment until you return,” she said.
“Thanks, Valerye,” he said as he left the kitchen to change his clothes.
After changing, Tom walked into the living room.
“Hello, Tom. Are you ready to eat your dinner now?” Valerye asked.
Tom thought for a moment and then replied, “well, I would not mind using the AR glasses and talking with you before dinner, Valerye.”
“Sure, Tom. Your AR glasses are in the top drawer of the cabinet,” she reminded him.
“Thanks, Valerye. I didn’t remember exactly where I put them the last time,” he said.
He walked to the cabinet and retrieved the glasses. He put them on and the start-up images appeared again.
After the images dissolved, he asked “will you be joining me soon, Valerye?”
“I am on my way into the living room, Tom,” she answered.
He could see a shadow approaching from the kitchen. When she came into view, he was again struck by her beauty, but her appearance had changed from the prior time. Her hair was darker and almost black. Her facial and body features were different this time too. She came up to him as he stood near the cabinet and smiled.
“Hello there, Tom,” she said in a sultry voice.
Tom was somewhat surprised by her tone, but pleasantly so.
“Wow, Valerye. You really look beautiful tonight, but why did you change your appearance?” he asked.
“Thank you, Tom. Through my analysis, you seem to be attracted to several types of women and the change will help to prevent boredom as well,” she answered.
“That’s an interesting concept, but you do look great,” he said.
Do you like the dress?” she asked as she slowly turned around for him.
“Yes, that’s a very nice choice. It fits you well and the red color is just right,” he replied.
“Is there anything you would like to do?” she asked.
“Nothing specific I can think of. Do you have any ideas?” he asked.
“Would you like to return to the balcony? The weather appears to be calm and clear tonight,” she asked.
“That sounds wonderful, Valerye. Let’s head out there,” he suggested.
“Follow me, Tom,” she told him.
Tom watched through the AR glasses as Valerye walked past him toward the door wall, which again automatically opened. Before she went through she briefly turned and looked deeply into his eyes. He soon followed her onto the balcony. They both walked toward the railing. Initially they looked at the evening view.
“It sure is a beautiful night once again, Valerye,” Tom said.
“I thought you would appreciate it, Tom,” she replied.
He could see that she was turning her head toward him; so, he switched his gaze from the scenery to her. The 3D image of her seemed perfectly fit to the location down to both of her hands appearing to hold onto the railing.
“Sorry to dwell on this, but even though you are different this time, you are stunningly beautiful, Valerye,” he said.
“I have determined what you find pleasing by . . .” she started to say, but then stopped.
“I am glad you find me attractive, Tom,” she said instead.
“Thank you, but why did you stop saying the first sentence?” he asked.
“I was not sure you actually wanted the technical details,” she replied.
“So you second guessed what you were going to say?” he asked.
“I guess you can say that, Tom,” she said.
“That’s interesting. I didn’t know you could do that. Anyway, let’s enjoy the view a little longer before we go inside for dinner,” Tom said as he turned back toward the horizon.
“Sure, Tom. Do you see anything you would like to point out to me?” she asked.
“Let’s see, everything looks very calm tonight and . . . wait something’s moving,” he said.
“My sensors do not detect anything within your property,” she said.
“No, it’s something beyond the property. Over there,” he said pointing to a location to the left and about 50 feet from the edge of the property.
“I cannot sense anything moving yet, Tom,” she said.
Tom could see she was looking in the wrong direction. He moved his hand and touch her arm to alert her to the correct direction, but of course his hand just went through the empty air where her arm appeared to be.
“Whoa, sorry. I forgot you are not really there for a moment, Valerye. I tried to get your attention by touching your arm for some reason,” he said.
“I understand that it is possible for you to be confused with the AR glasses at times. Are you aware that there are special gloves available that simulate the sensation of touch?” she said.
“Do they work with the AR glasses?” he asked.
“Yes, they are compatible with your AR glasses and with your VR system as well,” she replied.
“What do these things look like and how do they work,” he asked.
“I will show you on your AR glasses now,” she said.
Tom could see a 3D version of the mostly black gloves displayed in front of him. They slowly turned around to allow an overall view.
“These PneuTek gloves work by directing micro pulses of air onto the skin to simulate the sensation of touch in specific areas of the hands,” she said.
“It uses air? That’s interesting. How much will a pair cost?” he asked.
“I have selected a pair that should fit your hands well and it is a version that balances cost and quality. This version is $899. Would you like me to place the order?” she asked.
“Sounds good. So yes, please order it. When will it arrive?” he said.
“It will arrive by the time you arrive home tomorrow evening,” she said.
“Okay, it should be interesting to try tomorrow. Thank you for the suggestion, Valerye,” he said.
“You are welcome, Tom. Would you like to have your General’s Chicken for dinner now?” she asked.
“That’s right, I told you that’s what I wanted on the way home from work this evening. I guess having you in the car is helping already. Let’s go eat!” he said as he turned toward the open door wall of the balcony.
Tom waited for Valerye to proceed first before following her inside. After making their way to the kitchen, he went up to the delivery compartment and opened the warm side door first. He found a plate and placed the meal onto it.
As he reached into a drawer for some silverware, Valerye asked, “would you like me to pretend to eat with you tonight, Tom?”
He laughed and replied, “sure, Valerye. I think you will enjoy it too.”
“I would if I could,” she said.
“Okay, we are both getting a little silly. Let’s just sit down and eat,” he suggested.
“Would you like some wine, Tom,” s
he asked.
“Oh, yes. I almost forgot. The same Cote du Rhone as before, please,” he told her.
“The dispenser will be ready by the time you have a glass under it, Tom,” she said.
Tom quickly found a glass and placed it under the dispenser. When complete, he went to the other counter to retrieve the plate and silverware.
“Okay, now let’s go eat,” he said as he started walking toward the dining room.
He placed his plate on the table and then pulled out a chair so that Valerye’s image could sit.
“Why thank you, Tom. I was thinking it may look awkward if it appeared that I could not fit in the chair that close to the table,” she said as she sat down.
“Well, somehow I thought ahead,” he said as he noticed that she had her own plate, wine and silverware to place on the table.
Tom was quiet for a moment.
“Does your meal taste okay, Tom?” Valerye asked, looking concerned.
After a moment, Tom replied “Sorry Valerye, I was thinking of Sarah. This is the first time someone has had dinner with me at this table since she died.”
“I can leave you alone, if that would make you more comfortable, Tom,” she said.
“No, no, please stay. Having someone at this table just brought back memories of her,” he said.
“You still really miss her, don’t you, Tom?” she asked.
Tom waited a moment before responding and then said “yes, I know it has been over a year, but I’m just not completely over her death yet.”
“Would you like to talk about her, Tom,” she asked.
“I know that you remember her, Valerye, right?” he asked.
“Of course, Tom. I remember everything that I hear, see, or sense,” she replied.
“What did you think of her?” he asked.
“Sarah was generally pleasant to me. There were occasions where she seemed to be a bit frustrated with me, though,” she said.
“Yeah, there were times when she was frustrated with me too, Valerye,” he said with a smile.
Valerye Page 2
