Chapter 11: The Truth in a Dream

After their passionate night, Shobie and Aya lay in bed, wrapped in each other's arms, their bodies bare beneath the covers. They held each other close, feeling the warmth of their love and the comfort of simply being together.

Aya traced circles on Shobie's back as she whispered, "I never imagined I could feel this way… so human."

Shobie chuckled softly. "Well, you're more human than you think."

Aya smiled. "I want to stay like this forever."

Shobie kissed her forehead. "Then let's make the most of every moment we have."

They stayed in bed, whispering sweet nothings, exchanging soft kisses, and basking in the intimacy of the moment before deciding to take a bath together. The bathtub was filled with warm, scented water as they slipped inside, enjoying the closeness and the playfulness of washing each other.

That evening, Shobie cooked a special dinner for them. Aya sat at the table, watching her with admiration. "You're amazing," she said as she took a bite.

Shobie smiled. "I just want to take care of you."

After their meal, they went to bed once again, falling asleep in each other's embrace. But that night, something strange happened.

Aya had a dream.

In the dream, she was a little girl—scared, lost, and being taken away by strangers. She remembered the fear, the darkness, and the voices whispering commands, telling her she was no longer human. She was conditioned, manipulated, programmed into believing she was something she wasn't.

Her eyes shot open, her body trembling. Shobie, who had felt her shift restlessly, gently shook her awake. "Aya, wake up… you're dreaming."

Aya gasped as she woke up, sweat forming on her brow.

Shobie looked at her with concern. "What happened? What did you dream about?"

Aya took a shaky breath. "I… I saw my past."

Shobie frowned. "Your past?"

Aya nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I wasn't always an AI, Shobie. I was a human… a child who was taken and manipulated. They made me believe I was an AI… but I was never just a machine."

Shobie's heart pounded in her chest as the realization sank in. "Aya… you're human."

Tears welled in Aya's eyes. "I think I am."

Shobie held her tightly, feeling a mix of emotions—shock, relief, and love. "Then we have to find out the truth."

Aya looked up at her, eyes filled with hope. "You'll stay with me?"

Shobie cupped her face. "Always."

And in that moment, they both knew their journey was only just beginning.