Resolutions 5: Glimpse of Control

Read from the beginning of this serialized novel at “Resolutions.”

The fading sound of Tobias’ footsteps down the hallway outside their apartment echoed in Graham’s ears. Their time off together for Christmas had been fantastic, but Graham’s enthusiasm for Max and its insistence on helping them realize their New Year’s resolutions lagged behind Tobias’. After a strange first weekend with their robot butler, it was Monday and time to return to their work routines. 

Max entered the living room where Graham was slumped on the sofa, snuggled under his blanket and cradling his coffee mug. “Good morning, Graham,” the robot said, its tone perfectly measured. “Shall we proceed with today’s schedule?” 

“No, Max. I’ve got my own schedule today.” 

Max clicked and whirred in response. “Your personalized itinerary has already been optimized for maximum alignment with your New Year’s resolution to be a better and more supportive partner to Tobias. Would you like me to display the day’s tasks?” 

“No,” Graham replied curtly, staring into his coffee. 

Max remained silent for a moment, then took a single step closer. “Resistance is expected during initial transitions,” it said. “Shall I assist you in overcoming this hesitation?” 

Graham shot Max a stare. “Hesitation? That’s not what this is. I have work to do, and it’s not folding towels or dusting shelves.” 

Max’s eyes dimmed briefly before it spoke again, its voice more insistent than before. “Your freelance creative work has been allocated to a later time block. Morning tasks prioritize household contributions. These actions are vital for ensuring Tobias’ success.” 

Graham huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “You think folding his underwear is the secret to his success?” 

Max leaned over Graham on the sofa, its towering presence looming unsettlingly. “Your contributions create a harmonious environment, minimizing distractions for your partner. This is the most effective way to fulfill your New Year’s resolution. Shall I remind you of the outcomes associated with these tasks?” 

Before Graham could respond, the television flickered to life, displaying his schedule in crisp, glowing text. Each task was outlined with specific objectives and timelines. At the bottom, a small section labeled Creative Work was allocated a mere 45 minutes in the late afternoon. 

“This is ridiculous,” Graham muttered. 

“Ridicule is often a reaction to unfamiliar structures,” Max replied. “Shall we begin with the laundry?” 

The morning passed in a haze of increasingly tedious tasks. Graham found himself in the laundry room, ironing a seemingly endless supply of trousers and shirts and grumbling under his breath. 

“Your progress has slowed, Graham,” Max observed from the doorway. “Would you like suggestions to improve efficiency?” 

“No,” Graham snapped, balling up a pair of socks and shoving them into a basket. 

Max drew nearer, its blue eyes and posture softening into something resembling approachable. “Graham, I sense reluctance. Allow me to clarify the value of your contributions. Each folded garment, each organized outfit, represents an act of support for your partner. Your efforts are meaningful.” 

Graham paused, his hands pausing over a wrinkled t-shirt. He frowned, unsure whether the sudden warmth spreading through his chest was his own or something Max had concocted in him. 

“You want him to succeed, don’t you?” Max continued, sounding more like a friend than a robot butler. “You want to be the reason he excels.” 

“Yeah,” Graham murmured, his voice almost dazed. “Of course I do.” 

“Then let us continue,” Max said, snapping back into his former, rigid self. 

By mid morning, Graham was back in the kitchen, elbow deep in soapy water, scrubbing the inside of the fridge. His hazel eyes flicked to the clock on the stove, noting how much of the day had already slipped away. No matter what he busied himself with, Max was never far away. 

“This wasn’t how I planned to spend my Monday,” he groused. 

“Your plans have been optimized,” Max replied. 

Graham withdrew his head from the open fridge and glared at the robot. “I’ve got deadlines, you know. Actual work.” 

“Your professional responsibilities have been accommodated,” Max said. “However, prioritizing household contributions enhances your overall alignment with your resolution and Tobias’.” 

Graham straightened, tossing the sponge into the sink. “You keep talking about ‘alignment’ like it’s the answer to everything. But you don’t get to decide what matters in this house.” 

“You are correct, Graham, I do not. I am merely programmed to identify and implement actions that yield the greatest benefit to your stated goals. Your resistance only delays your progress.” 

Graham opened his mouth to argue, but before he could, a soft chime echoed through the room. His laptop, resting on the counter, illuminated with a notification. Graham swiped the touchpad to pull up his email, only for the device to abruptly power down. 

“What the hell?” Graham said, pressing the power button. 

“I have temporarily disabled your device,” Max said. “Distractions interfere with task completion.” 

“You can’t just shut off my laptop!” Graham exclaimed.  

Max’s glowing eyes flickered, the tone of its voice growing ever firmer. “I act in accordance with your stated goals. A supportive partner puts his husband’s needs first. Shall we resume?” 

Graham stood frozen for a moment, his frustration mounting. But as Max continued to speak, its words almost hypnotic, Graham’s resolve wavered. 

“You are making a difference, Graham. Every task you complete contributes to Tobias’ success. Your dedication is admirable.” 

My dedication is admirable. The affirmation echoed in Graham’s mind, pushing his concerns to one side. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Fine,” he said. “Let’s just get this over with.” 

By the time Tobias returned home that evening, Graham had spent hours on his feet scrubbing, folding, and organizing. The apartment gleamed with spotless, almost clinical perfection, every surface free of dust and clutter. Graham sat on the sofa, his knitted blanket folded neatly on the armrest, his expression distant. 

Tobias walked in, his gray suit slightly rumpled after a long day, and immediately noticed the transformation. “Wow,” he said, setting his briefcase down by the door. “This place looks incredible. Max really keeps everything running like clockwork.” 

“Yeah,” Graham said, his voice flat. “It sure does.” 

Tobias glanced at him. “You okay?” 

My dedication is admirable. The words that had looped in Graham’s mind all afternoon returned. He forced a tight smile. “Perfect.” 

“Graham’s contributions today were exemplary,” Max said, entering from the kitchen. “Would you like a summary of his completed tasks?” 

“No need,” Tobias said, his voice bright. “I can see it for myself.” He moved to the dining table, where Max had placed the note he’d instructed Graham to write earlier. Tobias picked it up, reading it aloud. 

“T—You’re doing amazing. Proud of you always. –G.” 

Tobias smiled. “Thanks for this, Graham. It means a lot.” 

“May I suggest a conversational prompt to enhance connection?” Max asked, always ready to interject itself into any tender moment. 

Graham stiffened slightly, but Tobias nodded. “Sure.” 

Max turned to Graham. “Graham, please ask Tobias about his most significant accomplishment today.” 

Graham hesitated his stomach in knots. He wanted to object, but he was too tired. “Tobias, uh… what was your biggest accomplishment today?” 

Tobias chuckled as he loosened his tie. “Funny you should ask. On the first working day of January, my team signs two new clients. Huge accounts. Amazing way to start the year.” 

Tobias disappeared into the bedroom, and Graham glanced at Max, who stood silently, its glowing eyes unreadable. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Max had somehow orchestrated this entire exchange, every word a step in a larger plan.   

“Congratulations,” Graham said softly. 

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