Birthday

His colleagues wished him a very happy birthday; Anthony thanked them sincerely and packed to leave early for the day. "Good luck with the clan," someone said, walking by his cubicle. "There's always drama when you get the whole family together!" He laughed at that, left promptly, and made two stops driving home (to pick up the cake he'd ordered at the bakery and to buy some champagne). Back at the apartment, Anthony took his time setting the table, arranging the flowers, and plating the cake just like a grandmother would have done it back in the 40s (eat your heart out, Betty Crocker). He showered and changed into a casual but presentable outfit and set the tablet into its holder at the appropriate time. After logging in, the party started in earnest; set by his preferences, the AI provided loving parents, loyal and inspiring siblings, and a host of impossibly intelligent and gracious friends from all over the world. They toasted Anthony, sang the birthday song, cooed over the cake, and took pictures with the tablet's camera (all digitally mastered to look epic and worthy of saving as wallpaper). They talked and laughed for almost three hours, before he offered his heartfelt thanks, excused them with promises to do it again soon, and logged out of the program. In the quiet of the after party, Anthony noted that he didn't feel self-conscious anymore; he felt relaxed and happy and celebrated in a way his real life had failed to provide. He was still on the fence about creating a partner, but it could wait until it felt more organic than pathetic; Anthony was done with all of the labels designed to make you feel lacking in some way. He had given himself a break from conflict, manipulation, and harm for his birthday, and it had been the happiest one yet.