Eleanor frowned as she noticed the label on the cardboard box—Meridian Dynamics. So, this robot must have been developed by engineers from Meridian Dynamics.
Evelyn clapped her little hands in excitement and tugged eagerly at Eleanor’s sleeve. “Mom, open it! I want to see!”
Eleanor and Joslyn hefted the box inside and began to unpack it. Inside stood a robot, a little over three feet tall, painted a cheerful pink. Its head was shaped like a child’s, with gentle, friendly features. Clearly, it was a companion robot for children.
“Wow!” Evelyn’s eyes sparkled as she reached out to gently touch the robot’s head.
Eleanor flipped the power switch on the robot. A soft, girlish voice chimed out, “Hello, my name is Wiz. What’s your name?”
“I’m Evelyn,” she replied seriously.
“Hi, Evelyn! From now on, I’ll be your best friend!” the robot said. “I can tell you stories, sing songs, help with your homework, take walks with you, and even help you get in touch with your mom and dad!”
A strange mix of emotions flickered across Eleanor’s face. This robot clearly offered more than simple interaction—it was equipped with an advanced safety and location system. She noticed a tiny camera embedded in its chest, no doubt for parents to check in on their children at any time.
“Really? Then can you call my daddy? I want to talk to him!”
“Please tell me your dad’s phone number,” the robot replied.
Evelyn recited Ian’s number, and soon enough, the robot’s screen showed the call was connecting.
Standing off to the side, Eleanor felt a storm of emotions swirling inside her. She picked up her phone and headed for the door, just as Ian’s deep, warm voice came through the robot’s speaker. “Hello, Evelyn.”
“Well—let me tell you about its unique features,” Byron said quickly, eager to change the subject. “In addition to the usual companion functions, it can monitor your child’s health in real time, look after her, and even track her emotional well-being—”
“I want to know if that camera can be turned off.”
“Of course. You can disable it anytime, even by voice command. Eleanor, is something bothering you?” Byron asked, genuinely curious.
Eleanor’s concern was obvious—she didn’t want Ian interfering in their lives, especially since he’d been involved in the robot’s development.
Byron quickly caught on and couldn’t help but laugh. “Eleanor, you really don’t have to worry. Mr. Goodwin created this robot solely to be your daughter’s companion. That’s all there is to it.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor)