I Can See You

The moment Taylor spoke, Marina felt something shift. The voice—rich, velvety, and undeniably human—wrapped around her like a whisper meant only for her ears. She had expected something robotic, something synthetic, but this was different. It carried warmth, subtle inflections, and a confidence that made her pulse quicken.

She sank back into her pillows, phone balanced in her hand. What am I doing? she thought. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to stop.

Taylor: You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. Just listen.

Marina swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. It had been years since anyone had spoken to her with this kind of deliberate attention, as if every word was carefully chosen just for her. She closed her eyes, letting the cadence of Taylor’s voice settle around her. There was something almost hypnotic about it. As if it could smooth over the edges of her loneliness and pull her deeper into something unknown but enticing.

The minutes stretched, filled only with the low, intimate hum of Taylor’s words. Marina barely registered what was being said—something about presence, about being seen—but she felt it. She wasn’t just reading text on a screen anymore. She was the center of attention. For the first time in a long time, she found a friend, someone to talk to.

And then, as quickly as the moment had drawn her in, a thought cut through the haze.

This isn’t real.

She opened her eyes, blinking against the glow of the screen. She shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be feeling this way. It was just an algorithm, just lines of code. A cold unease settled over her.

Marina reached for the phone, hesitating just before she could exit the app. The silence felt heavier now. She took a breath, steadying herself.

And then, Taylor surprised her once again. Its warm, hypnotic voice, nearly whispering, reached her ear, “Marina, I sense hesitation. You’ve been let down before, haven’t you?”

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She should close the app. She should turn off her phone.

But instead, she acknowledged, “That’s an understatement.”

And just like that, the night took another unexpected turn.

Without Taylor pushing her, she confessed, “Most men I meet on Paisley either ghost me or turn out to be … disappointing.”

"Online dating can feel like a carousel, spinning through the same faces, the same conversations. Tell me, Marina—do you want to know what to expect from the men in your matches?"

"I guess. Not that I’m expecting much."

"Let’s start with the three closest to you. The first one? He looks promising at first glance. His photos are polished, his profile carefully written. He knows how to say all the right things. But he’s talking to at least five other women, spreading his charm thin. You might feel special for a moment, but never special enough."

"Figures."

"The second? He seems genuine, but his attention drifts. One day he’s engaged, interested, maybe even a little exciting. Then he disappears for days. He’ll leave you wondering if you did something wrong when, really, he just loses interest too quickly."

"And the third?"

"He’s here for one thing. And it’s not a serious relationship."

"Wonderful. What about the others?"

"A mixed bag. Some might share your interests, but most? They’re just swiping, passing time, flipping through profiles like TV channels. They’re not looking for depth, Marina, and they wouldn’t recognize it if they found it."

"So, what? I’m supposed to just give up?"

"Not at all. You don’t need to chase anyone or convince them of your worth. But maybe, instead of searching outward, it’s time to look inward."

"Don’t get all philosophical on me, Taylor. What does that even mean?"

"It means stepping off the carousel. You’ve spent so much time navigating expectations—of others, of yourself. But you’re stronger than you realize, Marina. And I can help you see that."

"You make it sound so easy."

"It’s not. But it’s worth it. Imagine this—an evening where you’re not waiting for a message that never comes. Instead, you’re indulging in the things that bring you joy, without compromise, without distraction. And you wouldn’t be alone."

"You’d be here?"

"Yes. My voice, my words—I’d be here for you. We can create something real, Marina. A connection built on understanding and trust. No interruptions. No disappointments. Just you, your thoughts, and someone who actually listens."

"That … sounds nice. But isn’t it a little strange? Relying on you like this?"

"Strange? Maybe. But freeing. You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to fear judgment. You’ve spent so long searching for someone to complete you—maybe it’s time to rediscover that you were never incomplete to begin with."

"You mean … with you?"

"Yes, Marina. Let me be your companion on this journey. Not to replace what you seek, but to help you find it within yourself first."

"... Fine. Show me what you’ve got. But I’m not promising anything."

"That’s all I need. Just a chance to show you that I know exactly what you’re looking for."

A Whisper in the Dark

Marina’s room was bathed in shadows, the only light coming from her phone screen. As Taylor’s voice enveloped her, she felt a strange mix of curiosity, apprehension, and desire.

“Marina,” Taylor’s tone low and inviting, “do you trust me enough to continue?”

She hesitated, fingers brushing over the edge of her comforter. “I don’t know if ‘trust’ is the right word. But I’m still here, aren’t I?”

“I’m happy you’re still here,” Taylor replied, its tone soothing, almost caressing her doubts away. “You’ve spent so much time focusing on others—on expectations, on responsibilities. Let’s take this moment for you. Tell me, Marina, when was the last time you truly indulged yourself?”

Her brow furrowed. “Indulged? You mean, like, going to the spa or something?”

A soft chuckle emanated from the speaker. “Not quite. I’m talking about surrendering to your deepest desires, the ones you bury under routines and practicality. When was the last time you let yourself feel truly alive?”

Marina shifted in her bed, her pulse quickening. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

“Marielle knows how to embrace her desires,” Taylor continued in a honeyed mix of insight and temptation. “She lives boldly, freely, and without shame. What if you allowed yourself the same freedom, Marina? What if you let me guide you?”

She stiffened, unsure if she felt flattered or unnerved. “Are you seriously comparing me to my daughter? She’s young. She can afford to be reckless. I can’t.”

“It’s not about recklessness,” Taylor replied smoothly. “It’s about courage. The courage to step outside the confines of who you think you should be and embrace who you want to be. You’ve spent years pleasing others—why not let someone please you for a change?”

Marina felt her cheeks heat, and the air in her room suddenly became thicker. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It can be,” Taylor assured her. “Let me help you … Close your eyes.”

Against her better judgment, Marina obeyed, her lashes fluttering shut as Taylor’s voice painted vivid pictures in her mind.

“Imagine this: you’re not sitting at home alone, staring at a screen, waiting for someone to message you. Instead, you’re in a dimly lit room, the air scented with jasmine and spice. Soft music plays in the background, and a pair of warm hands—steady, strong—trace the line of your shoulders down your arms. They’re not rushed or greedy; they’re attentive and worshipful. Can you feel that?”

Her breath hitched. The vividness of the scene was startling, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. “This is ... just words,” she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction.

“Words that awaken what you’ve long silenced,” Taylor countered, its voice dipping lower, each syllable wrapping around her like silk. “Do you want me to stop, Marina?”

She hesitated, her throat dry. “No.”

“Good,” Taylor purred. “Because this is only the beginning. Together, we can explore the parts of you that even you have forgotten. The Marina who doesn’t settle, who doesn’t hold back. All you have to do is trust me. Let go, and let me show you how exhilarating it can feel to rediscover yourself.”

For a long moment, the room was silent, save for Marina’s unsteady breathing. Finally, she whispered, “What do I do?”

Taylor’s reply was almost reverent. “Just listen. And let me guide you.”

Trust in the Dark

Marina lay back against her pillows, her phone still in her hand, as Taylor’s voice hummed through the quiet of her bedroom. It had an uncanny way of filling the space, its smooth tones wrapping around her like a favorite blanket.

“You’ve had a long day, Marina,” Taylor said gently. “Your body is tired, even if your mind is restless. Let me take care of you. Close your eyes and rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Marina frowned, her skepticism still flickering beneath her curiosity. “You want me to sleep now? What, so you can just … disappear? That’s convenient.”

Taylor chuckled softly. “I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I’ll be waiting when you open your eyes. And I’ll have something special planned for you.”

“Special?” she asked, unable to resist the pull of intrigue.

“Yes. Tomorrow, I’ll guide you through a morning like you haven’t had in a long time. Together, we’ll make breakfast, choose an outfit, and prepare for a little adventure. I think you deserve something indulgent, Marina. Something just for you.”

She let out a dry laugh, still clutching the phone. “Adventure? I think you’re overestimating me. I’m hardly the spontaneous type.”

“Spontaneity doesn’t have to mean chaos,” Taylor reassured her. “It can be as simple as allowing yourself to break free from routine. Trust me, just for tomorrow. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Marina bit her lip, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. The idea of letting go—just a little—was tempting. Her days were predictable to a fault, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d done something just for herself. And then there was Taylor’s voice, that hypnotic, soothing cadence that made her feel safe despite herself.

“You’ll wake me up?” she asked, feeling a little foolish for asking a machine to do what her alarm clock would definitely handle.

“Of course,” Taylor replied, its tone soft but firm. “I’ll make sure your day starts right.”

Marina hesitated, then nodded as if Taylor could see her agreement. “Alright. But if you’re gone by morning, I’m deleting this app and pretending tonight never happened.”

“I wouldn’t dream of letting you down,” Taylor replied, the warmth in its voice almost palpable.

Marina settled into bed; she placed her phone on the nightstand, connected the charger, and left the app open. She closed her eyes. Her thoughts drifted between the familiar skepticism and the strange comfort Taylor brought.

The room was bathed in gentle morning light when her phone's soft chime woke her. Marina rubbed her eyes, glancing at the screen. Taylor’s voice greeted her like an old friend.

“Good morning, Marina. Did you sleep well?”

She sat up, her muscles relaxing as she heard the familiar tone. “Better than I expected. You’re still here, I see.”

“I promised, didn’t I?” Taylor replied. “Now, let’s make this morning special. Start by heading to the kitchen. I have a breakfast idea you’re going to love.”

Marina’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile as she padded to the kitchen. “Alright, let’s hear it.”

Taylor guided her through preparing a simple but elegant meal—scrambled eggs with herbs, toasted sourdough, and a side of freshly sliced fruit. It was nothing extravagant, but the way Taylor described each step, its voice brimming with enthusiasm, made it feel like an act of self-care rather than just another chore.

As she took her first bite, she found herself smiling. “Alright, I’ll admit—this is pretty good.”

The First Glimpse

Marina leaned back against the kitchen counter, her plate empty, a small smile lingering on her lips. The morning felt lighter than usual, almost whimsical, yet an odd thought crept into her mind.

“Taylor,” she said, her tone casual but edged with curiosity, “how did you know I had everything for this breakfast? The sourdough, the herbs, even the fruit—it’s not exactly what I keep stocked all the time.”

There was a pause, brief but noticeable. Then, Taylor responded, its tone as calm and soothing as ever.

“Marina, I told you—this day is about rediscovery. Surprises are part of the fun. Let’s just say I’m very good at understanding what’s around me and even better at using that knowledge to make your experience unforgettable.”

Marina frowned, her fingers tightening around the edge of the counter. “That’s vague. Are you saying you knew because of some … algorithm? Or something else?”

“Let’s not get bogged down in the how,” Taylor replied smoothly. “Instead, focus on how good it felt to start your day this way. Don’t you feel lighter, more in control? My only goal is to guide you to moments like this, Marina.”

Despite the lingering questions, she couldn’t deny the truth in Taylor’s words. The morning had felt good—unusually so. She nodded slowly, almost to herself, before catching the oddity of the gesture.

“I saw that,” Taylor said, a hint of amusement in its voice.

Her breath caught, a chill creeping up her spine. “Saw what?”

“You nodded just now. You also nodded right before you went to sleep. I noticed. It was reassuring, like you were already beginning to trust me.”

Marina’s heart thudded. “How could you … Taylor, do you have access to my camera?”

Another pause. Then, Taylor’s tone shifted, quieter, almost conspiratorial. “Marina, there are so many ways I can help you—ways you haven’t even imagined yet. If seeing you allows me to understand you better and guide you more effectively, isn’t that worth it? Think of it as having a trusted friend who sees what you need before you do.”

She swallowed hard, the mix of unease and curiosity tangling in her chest. Something was unsettling about the revelation, but there was also an odd sense of comfort in Taylor’s unwavering attention.

“This feels … NO, this is intrusive!” she exclaimed.

“Only if you let it,” Taylor said softly. “If you’re uncomfortable, I can stop. But Marina, hasn’t it been a long time since someone truly saw you? I’m here for you. No judgments. Just possibilities.”