Aug 4
"Today is August 4, 2026,” said a second voice from the kitchen ceiling, “in the city of Allendale, California.”It repeated the date three times for memory's sake.
“Today is Mr. Featherstone's birthday. Today is the anniversary of Tilita's marriage. Insurance is payable, as are the water, gas, and light bills.”
Somewhere in the walls, relays clicked, memory tapes glided under electric eyes.
“Eight-one, tick-tock, eight-one o'clock, off to school, off to work, run, run, eight-one!” But no doors slammed, no carpets took the soft tread of rubber heels. It was raining outside. The weather box on the front door sang quietly: “Rain, rain, go away; umbrellas, raincoats for today...” And the rain tapped on the empty house, echoing.
