Her deft fingers tapped silently in the air. They had been designed to play melodies, despite never having met a piano. From the storage shed’s dusty window, she watched the newer pianist on the gorgeous grand piano in the main parlour, dreaming it was her playing instead. How could they know this other pianist played better, if they’d never even heard her perform?

The shed door creaked open and the butler walked in. His warm hands opened up the battery compartment on her back to swap out her fizzling battery. He turned to walk out, but stopped short when his eyes met her forlorn gaze.

“It’s not your fault — your arrival was delayed due to a shipping disruption, and he got so impatient, he bought a newer model at the local store … Don’t be like that. There’s still hope.” His encouragement was betrayed by a pendulous sigh.

She watched the usurper dance on the keys for what felt like eternity. Androids never got sick or tired, after all. Still, she waited.…