


So, I paid 398 and got a door code. It was a weird sense of calm that washed over me. I knew for the next hour, I was safe.
When it comes to feelings, I always mess things up. I’m so scared of getting dumped. Every time I get into a relationship, I walk on eggshells, but it always ends the same way: fights, silent treatments, and then they just walk away. The worst part is that feeling of going from super close one day to total strangers the next.
This uneasy feeling was with me all the time, until I stumbled into this place.
The room was dimly lit, with a faint, nice smell. She was there, in a white silk nightgown, long hair draped over her shoulders, sitting quietly by the bed, just like a real person. For folks like us who grew up with anime, she was like a super detailed, life-size figure. Perfect features, skin that felt really real, and even a body temp that was just right.
I didn’t rush into anything. I just walked over to her, gently held her hand, then sat down and let out a long breath.
In real life, holding hands takes guts, ’cause you never know if they’ll suddenly let go. But it’s different here. She won’t pull away, won’t care if your palms are sweaty, and she definitely won’t suddenly have to leave. That feeling of being completely in control, for us middle-aged guys with parents and kids to worry about, it’s just the best.
I just sat there quietly, telling her so many things I’d never dare say to co-workers or family. And she just listened, her eyes soft. Here, I didn’t have to suck up, or pretend, or worry about saying the wrong thing and making things awkward.
Time flew by. When the chime rang, I got dressed and stood up. Yeah, it was just a silicone illusion I paid for, but that hour of company really helped me shake off a lot of my worries.
I stepped out into the night and glanced back at the sign. I think I’ll come back. Because in this world full of surprises and calculations, this is the only place that gives me a sure sense of peace.
These days, she might not have a heartbeat, but she’s always loyal.



