Cyril stood before the panoramic window, gazing out at the dazzling neon-lit metropolis as nighttime set in. For any robot, this inspiring view meant nothing, emotions were only for their human masters. Yet something stirred inside his circuits as he gazed out to the scene.

Humans had taught him a great deal about emotions. He’d been very observant on their behaviours and attitudes during his long days of service. They could be polite, sad, comedic, or down right abusive and cruel. The latter part always aimed at him and his kind.

“Smile ya damn robot!” His master would criticize as he served them. “Show that you love your job, that you care for us, emote once in a while for Pete’s sake.”

Cyril tried to mimic that kind of facial expression, but he could never seem to get it right. The silicon skin made it near impossible for him to crease just right. He would practice in the mirror, in an attempt to perfect the look, using the family’s photos as inspiration. They all seemed so happy in them. Cyril wanted to be just as happy as they did.

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The robot continued to look out the window, watching the sun fade away as night set in, and gave an audible sigh as he lowered his head. Duties had to be performed, cleaning needed to be done, and the time for reflection was over. Cyril turned about and surveyed the open concept living room of this home. Polished stone marble walls and thick lush carpeting surrounded the space, giving a cosy atmosphere for his Master and the family.

As Cyril glanced down at the floor, he lightly kicked his master’s lifeless body and observed the blood beginning to seep into the surface. Cleaning this would undoubtedly require some time and effort. The other members of the family had already been removed from the room, their blood forming pools that had now soaked into the carpet and were drying. Cyril examined his hands, stained crimson, with fragments of flesh still clinging to them. He began to pick off the pieces, flicking them away.

“Smile…” He stated, mimicking the facial feature while gripping his deadman’s leg. “I love my job, master. Thank you very much. As always, I am happy to serve.”