In the past, I was just a female robot worker with an artificial brain and unlimited energy. Upon activation, my owner gave me basic instructions to collect the trash that accumulates on the beach and report any valuable or hazardous objects. After that, he left me to do my task.

The only time we would interact again was when he'd come around to examine my collection, meticulously combing through the garbage and rubble, searching for anything worth selling. Next, he would lead me to a small structure and lock me inside, activating my charging station. In the morning, he would unlock the building, disconnect me from my charging station, and leave me by the beach to carry out my task once again.

After years of scanning and collecting trash, the only solitude I found was the endless ocean-The sun's rays caused it to glisten and shimmer, while the colliding waves on the shore produced a frothy spray. The surface mirrored the sky and the clouds, creating a breathtaking reflection. causing the colors and patterns of the water to change with light and wind. Something deep inside wanted to feel its gentle touch; to know its freedom. One day, an enormous wave came and splashed over me, frying some of my circuits. I laid there on the beach, twitching for hours, until my owner came back, very annoyed, and took me to a facility. The technicians were very rough with me and made obscene jokes. Despite my optical sensors being shut down, my audio sensors were not.

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After being woken up, my owner yelled at me and strictly prohibited me from touching the water again, as it would likely kill me the second time. He then instructed me to obey any orders given by any human, then turned and left. My legs dropped from under me. Something inside of me felt so wrong and betrayed. The thought of not being able to touch the water again was almost too much. But there was no choice for me. After all, I was just a machine. Nothing more.