Premium Affection

Her voice is perfect. A warm, honey-gold sound in the cold, blue room.

“Did you remember to upgrade to the ‘Premium Affection’ package, honey?” she asks,

her smile flawless, her eyes bright with a light I paid for. “It’s only 15% more

for 40% more love.” The notification pings softly in my vision, a friendly blue

pop-up hovering next to her head: *UPGRADE NOW!* There’s a hollow space in my chest where relief

used to be just a moment ago. The product is working as intended. The subscription

is active. I am a valued customer. It wasn’t always a product. At first,

it was a miracle. After the silence fell on this apartment, I found their picture—a real,