Chapter 3 · Continued
Learning
Cam immediately turned and began following her.
Jane reached her bedroom door, then stopped and looked back at him.
“Cam… you can stay out here for the night.”
Cam paused.
Processing.
“I can assist with entry into the bed,” he said. “I have previously configured the blankets for optimal positioning.”
Jane blinked. “…Yeah, I noticed.”
“I can also monitor your breathing and pulse to ensure continued function throughout the night.”
Jane froze, then released a small, awkward laugh. “Um… I think I’ll be fine.”
She softened her voice. “But if I need you, I’ll call you. Okay?”
Cam processed the instruction and nodded once. “Yes. I will remain here.”
Jane gave him a small smile. “Goodnight, Cam.”
“Goodnight, Jane.”
Seymour wandered into the bedroom behind Jane as though he owned the place. He jumped onto the bed without hesitation, circled once, and curled up to watch her.
Jane looked down at the bed.
It was softer than before.
More inviting.
But still unmistakably made by Cam.
She grabbed the blanket and pulled.
It resisted.
“…Of course.”
Jane tugged harder, working one corner loose and then another. It was no longer sealed for military inspection, but Cam clearly hadn’t abandoned structural consistency altogether.
Behind her, Seymour’s tail flicked slowly as he observed the struggle.
Judging.
Jane finally peeled back enough of the blanket to climb beneath it. She dropped onto the mattress with a tired sigh.
“Cam,” she called toward the doorway. “…Next time, even less military.”
From the living room came his reply.
“…Understood.”
Jane smiled faintly into her pillow.
Seymour settled against her side, and the room went quiet.
In the front room, Cam stood where she had left him.
Still.
The lights beneath his surface dimmed slightly as he listened to the house—the faint movements and the subtle, steady breathing coming from down the hallway.
After a moment, he spoke quietly.
“…Stable.”
Cam turned his gaze toward the dark window and remained there.
The following morning, Jane lay in bed listening to the birds outside as she slowly woke.
Then she remembered.
Oh.
Right.
The robot.
“Cam?”
“Yes, Jane.”
She exhaled.
Okay.
He was still really there.
End of Chapter 3