How did she do it? Adelle always seemed to find him, and she never failed to share her information with Gianna, or….a version of Gianna. But what is she this time? he wondered.

He looked around him uncertainly. This was not the first time his home was simulated around him. They both thought he was stupid just because he was part-robot. On the contrary… Even this little spark of hope could not make him smile.

“What’s going on here, Adelle?” he said and gave her his most disappointed, disapproving gaze. She shifted under his stare.

“Gianna said she couldn’t find you.”

“Did you stop to think that I didn’t want to be found?” He ignored Gianna, deciding she was a pre-recorded hologram and posed no threat.

Adelle looked shocked. “Fame! How can you say that? Gianna is so good to you!” She seemed not to realize that the Gianna standing with them was just a hologram. He filled her in. She looked confused at first, then embarrassed, and finally ashamed. “I’m sorry, Fame, but I can’t lose you.”