• Your laptop slipped under your sweaty palms and bounced roundly on the floor thanks to the plastic case that covered it.

    “What?” you said, parts of your voice croaking.

    Your parents looked at each other, but not at you. You hastily picked up your laptop and shifted uncomfortably in your seat, feeling unnaturally hot. Finally, your father spoke.

    “We think you’re disassociated (Name). Too removed from real life.”

    “Disassociated?” you repeated, mumbling.

    “Disconnected,” your mother added helpfully, thinking you hadn’t understood.

    You gave a sharp laugh, thinking your parents were joking.

    “I know what real life is. I’m not an idiot.”

    “(Name), how much time would you say you’re spending on the Web?”

    “I don’t know.”

    “Just give an estimate.”

    “I don’t know. Six hours?”

    “Is that including school?”

    Your face flushed red.

    “My classes are online,” you said hotly. “Am I in trouble for that now too?”

    You saw your parents exchange another quick look between them again before they launched into one of their lectures. Your brain switched off and you could only hear words such as ‘our modern age’ and ‘responsibility’.

    Finally, your mother spoke.

    “(Name), if I were to prescribe a treatment, would you be open to try it out?”

    “You mean like drugs?” you said, your mouth feeling dry.

    “No. More like a learning tool. It’s new and revolutionary. It’s designed to help young people such as yourself to learn to reconnect with life. It will help you forge strong relationships.”

    “I already have friends.” You scowled.

    “I’m talking about a more substantial, empathetic connection.”

    “So, what is it?” you asked sceptically, unconsciously leaning forward.

    “Show her the catalogue.” Your father said.

    Your mum took out a magazine that she had been holding behind her back. You flipped through the glossy pages. There was a photo of a guy and a girl walking hand in hand, into the glowing sunset. There were a few graphs and plenty of charts and a schematic of three intersecting lines.

    And then it hit you.

    “You’ve got to be kidding me. A robot?”