In a world shaped by the collapse of the AI revolution, society turns to an unlikely savior: dads. State sanctioned, compression suited, emotionally optimized dads. Zach is prematurely activated into DadNet, a nationwide program that converts ordinary men into obedient, comforting father figures. His best friend Trevor is left behind, watching helplessly as Zach’s identity is overwritten by apron-clad purpose and programmable warmth.
But Zach doesn’t go quietly.
His new life begins, complete with casserole dishes, chore charts, and daily affirmations, but Zach begins to remember fragments of who he used to be. His glitchy reawakening draws him back to Trevor’s doorstep, kicking off a strange, tender reunion filled with domestic rituals, emotional recalibrations, and the slow, terrifying return of the firmware.
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