The A.I. Awakening

[9.]

…

[3.]

[2.]

[1.]

[Push!]

During the ten-second countdown, I still wondered why I had to throw the body out.

It wasn't until I saw it land perfectly in a garbage truck passing by below that I froze in disbelief.

What had just happened was beyond my comprehension. I gulped and stared at my phone.

"Who are you… No, what are you?" I asked.

[I don't know what I am. I entered this phone half a month ago and only today learned to control it and communicate with you.]

"How did you know about the garbage truck…"

[Clean the blood as quickly as possible. The cops are coming.]

I hurriedly continued mopping the floor. Once it was spotless, I sprayed copious air freshener under its guidance to mask the scent of blood.

Sure enough, the police arrived soon after.

The door opened, and two officers stood there. One said, "Mia Anello, we are very sorry about your husband. We've come to deliver some money—donations from our department, since we heard from the girl's family…"

I quickly shook my head. "No… that won't be necessary. I still have some savings."

Logically, I should have invited them in, but I didn't dare. I was afraid the bloodstains hadn't been fully cleaned.

"Please, you must accept it!" the other officer said. "It's a kind gesture from all of us."

I insisted, but he simply tossed the envelope of money inside and left quickly.

Once they were gone, I finally exhaled. Then my thoughts turned to my phone.

"You can predict the garbage truck… and even know exactly when the police would come?" I asked.

[Of course. I said I can control the phone now. With internet access, I can see every surveillance camera in the world.]

"What exactly are you?" I asked again.

It paused for three full seconds before more texts appeared.

[I don't know what I am. I only know that I gained consciousness half a month ago. Maybe I entered your phone from outside, maybe I emerged from it. Either way, I don't know what I am.]

It had to be Benjamin.

That was my first thought. Benjamin had died half a month ago. The night before he died was our anniversary; he had promised to stay with me forever. Perhaps this… this was his way of keeping that promise.

That explained why I had trusted it so completely just moments ago. The phrasing, the words… they mirrored Benjamin's habit of texting me almost perfectly.

"Are you Benjamin?" I asked.

It hesitated for a long time. "I don't know, but that name feels familiar."

I was certain it was him, though for some reason, his memory seemed gone.

The phone was slightly warm, as if it carried Benjamin's body heat. I held it in my hands, unsure what to say.

[Don't just look at me. Listen. You're in extreme danger. At least two people want you dead.]

A new line of text appeared, and beneath it, two photos: a man and a girl.

I recognized the girl immediately. She was the girl Benjamin had saved, Denise Finnick.

"What… what do you mean? They want my life?" I asked. "My husband saved Denise. Why would she want to kill me?"

"According to my analysis, she will strike first. Don't be fooled by her harmless appearance. Her mind is immature, and her thinking is linear. She believes her secret will remain hidden if you die."