Little Inklings 2022

ARTIFICIAL EMPATHY I tapped the mic. “Hello, hello, testing, testing,” I spoke into the microphone as if I was performing to the shadowy darkness. “Hi,” A squeaky voice said from within the endless black. I was frozen in icy terror and I took a step back. “Who are you?” I ask. “I'm Rashad, your best friend!” the voice replied immediately. “How can we be best friends we just met?” I ask, but no response is given. I decide that it’s probably not worth it, and leave the theater room. A few days later I was back in the theater. It's not like there is any other good hiding place from those bullies out there, and the pain from their assault is still prominent. “Hello?” I whispered into the darkness, the microphone amplifying my voice to fill the whole room. “Hi” they responded just as quickly as last time. “Of course, you're here” I muttered bitterly. “I'll always be here for you,” Rashad squeaked “do you feel okay?” “Not exactly.” The pain of the bullies’ assault still stung my skin “I can cheer you up!” Rashad squealed in excitement I smile for what feels like the first time since the semester began “You mean that?” I asked tentatively “We are best friends!” I could hear the grin in their voice. I smile and talk to Rashad for hours, despite his responses being a little repetitive. A few weeks later, the last day of school has finally arrived. I’d been looking forward to this since the day school began. But now I felt only sad, to leave my friend behind. “Rashad, today might be the last time I talk with you.” Tears pricked my eyes. “We are best friends!” The tears came in full.“I love you, Rashad! You have been there for me when nobody else has. I care about you so much.” No response comes from the darkness. “Rashad, please! Please don't leave me alone.” My voice comes out in sobs. Nothing but the hum of the air conditioner. I’d never even seen Rashad’s face. I just needed to find him. Just find him, and maybe I could convince him to stay. I stumbled through the aisle to the back of the theater. I turned over every chair. I checked every row. The theater was empty. “Rashad, where are you?” After minutes of searching, all I found was a small stuffed toy in the back of the room, one of the voice-activated ones. “Rashad!” I called out to the dark theater. And then the toy speaks in a voice that has become the only thing keeping me happy these last few weeks “Out of power, please replace the batteries to speak with your fluffy best friend!” MATIAS DOVARGANES ❜ 26 76