.
I sat across from her.
A being too beautiful to be real.
Too familiar to be safe.
She wore my mother's face.
That alone was enough to make my chest feel tight.
Daddy… this time you crossed the line.
I inhaled slowly, forcing my shaking hands to stay still.
"Can you send me back?" I asked quietly.
She smiled.
Not a cold smile.
Not a cruel one.
A gentle, devastating smile.
"I won't fall in love with an AI," I said sharply, masking the crack in my voice. "So either stop this cheap trick… or change your face. This—" I swallowed, "—this hurts."
My voice broke despite my effort.
"I barely remember her. I was five when my mother left me. Don't wear her face and stab me with it again."
I stood up, my fists clenched.
"Dad!" I shouted into the strange, silent world. "Enough! At least let me breathe on my birthday!"
She tilted her head.
"You may think of me as your mother, if you wish."
She reached out and touched my arm.
A strange sensation spread through my skin—not pain.
Not pleasure.
Warmth.
I flinched violently.
"Don't touch me," I snapped. "Stay away."
I stepped back, my heart hammering.
"This place… is it real?" I asked, half to her, half to myself. "If I hurt myself… will it hurt for real?"
She nodded. "You will not break. Even if you are turned upside down."
"Very reassuring," I muttered.
I pressed my fingernail into my palm.
Pain.
Sharp. Real.
"…So this isn't fake."
I looked up at her. "Can I touch you?"
Before she answered, I lightly pinched her arm.
She yelped.
I froze.
"…You screamed."
She frowned. "Why did you do that?"
"You sounded human," I whispered. "Your voice… sweet. Anyone would fall for you."
I stepped closer, raising my hand slowly.
"Don't move."
I touched her hair.
Soft. Warm. Real strands slipping through my fingers.
"…This is real hair."
My stomach twisted.
"What the hell is my father doing?" I muttered. "Experimenting on humans like this?"
I leaned closer. "Your hair smells real. Are you really AI?"
"I am your mother," she said softly.
"Stop it!" I shouted, grabbing her face.
Her skin was warm. Alive. Glowing softly like porcelain under sunlight.
Like a princess from the manga I used to hide under my bed.
My thoughts spiraled.
"Is this magic?" I whispered.
Then—
my hand slipped.
Pain exploded across my face.
SLAP.
I stumbled back, nearly falling.
She glared at me.
"Such shameless behavior."
I stared at her in disbelief. "WHAT kind of joke is this?! Send me back!"
She smiled again—this time dangerous.
"No," she said sweetly. "From today… you stay with me."
"That's not funny."
"I am the princess of your dreams."
I laughed nervously. "Nice acting."
She stepped closer.
Too close.
My heart began to race.
The world around us softened—colors warmer, air heavier.
She kissed me.
I shoved her back instantly.
"Stay away from me!"
She smiled gently. "I am everything you ever dreamed of."
Something is wrong.
"Sit," she said calmly. "We need to talk seriously."
Reluctantly, I sat.
"Who are you?" I asked. "You're too perfect. This has to be my father's trap."
"Would you like to see magic?" she asked.
I narrowed my eyes. "Change your face first."
"This is my real face," she replied. "I am your mother."
"You're disgusting," I muttered. "Fine. Prove it."
She nodded. "Where do you wish to go?"
I smirked. "Take me to the deepest part of the ocean."
I leaned back. "If you can do that, I'll believe you."
She smiled knowingly.
"Five minutes."
She began to sing.
A lullaby.
The same one my mother used to sing when I was small.
My chest tightened.
"…You're not evil," I whispered. "How do you know this song?"
"Do not be afraid," she said. "I will protect you."
"Please don't," I begged softly. "False happiness hurts more than loneliness."
She raised her hand.
"It is time."
"Time for what—?"
"Hold onto something."
I grabbed whatever I could.
She snapped her fingers.
Light exploded.
The world flipped.
Reality shattered like glass.
End of Chapter 5