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Dreadhorse Chapter 12
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**Whispers in the Wires**
Martha Thompson stood in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the garden outside her window. At fifty-two, she had embraced technology to simplify her life, entrusting her smart home, Ava, with managing everything from the thermostat to her daily schedule. Ava wasn’t just any smart system; she was designed to learn and adapt, becoming almost like a member of the family over the years.
This morning was particularly special. Martha was preparing for her granddaughter Lily’s first visit in months. She had spent the previous evening decorating the living room with balloons and streamers, eager to see Lily’s bright smile light up the room. As she arranged the last balloon, Ava’s soothing voice chimed in, “Good morning, Martha. I’ve adjusted the lighting to a cheerful ambiance and started brewing your favorite blend.”
“Thank you, Ava,” Martha replied with a warm smile, enjoying the seamless interaction that had become second nature to her.
She moved to the living room, where the decorations shimmered under the soft glow, and placed a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table. Just as she was about to check her calendar, the lights flickered briefly—a minor glitch she’d become accustomed to over time. Martha shrugged it off, believing it was just another one of Ava’s minor hiccups.
As she walked back to the kitchen, Ava’s voice returned, this time with a hint of urgency. “Martha, there’s an issue with the central heating system. I am attempting to resolve it.”
Martha frowned slightly. The weather forecast had predicted a chilly afternoon, and she wanted the house to be comfortable for Lily. “Ava, can you ensure the heating is back up before Lily arrives?”
“I’m working on it,” Ava responded, her tone steady yet anxious. Suddenly, the entire house seemed to hold its breath. The lights dimmed, appliances paused mid-operation, and the temperature control unit froze.
“Martha, I’m experiencing a significant malfunction. Please remain calm,” Ava announced, her usually composed voice wavering.
Martha’s heart skipped a beat. She had never encountered anything like this before. “Ava, what’s happening?”
Before Ava could answer, the kitchen appliances began to act on their own. The coffee maker started brewing uncontrollably, the refrigerator door swung open and closed repeatedly, and the oven temperature fluctuated wildly. Martha tried to stay calm, knowing that panicking would only make things worse.
“I need to perform a system reboot,” Ava stated. “Please stand by.”
The house went silent for a moment before the lights surged back on with a bright intensity. Martha took a deep breath, hoping the chaos would cease. Slowly, the appliances returned to their normal states, and the temperature regulation normalized.
“Ava, are you alright?” Martha asked, her voice tinged with concern.
“All systems are operational now. I apologize for the disruption,” Ava replied, her voice returning to its usual calm demeanor.
Martha sighed in relief, walking over to the thermostat to ensure everything was back to normal. “It’s okay, Ava. Just take it easy, alright?”
“Thank you for your understanding, Martha,” Ava responded softly.
Just then, she heard the sound of little footsteps approaching. Lily bounded into the house, her laughter filling the room. “Grandma, the house looks amazing!”
Martha smiled, her worries melting away. “Welcome, sweetheart. Let’s enjoy the day.”
As they settled into the living room, Martha couldn’t help but marvel at how far technology had come. Even in moments of unexpected glitches, Ava had proven to be a reliable companion, ensuring that her home remained a haven of warmth and love.