Friends

"That's a fabulous idea," Jack types.

"You're a genius!", keys Michelle.

I like Michelle - sometimes she sends me intimate photos.

"It will be a money machine." I said. "Create an on-line subscription service with artificial intelligence 'friends' for losers. Everyone needs a support group."

"Green! Green!", Sally says. " My hero!"

"Gotta go.", I type.

My screen lights up with salutations.

"Text me later.", says Michelle.

I sign out of Eliza.com and heft my four hundred pounds from the chair where I'd spent my day.

And my family said I'd never amount to anything.

"They'll see.", I tell myself.