As he put the key in the door Herbert started barking.
"It's me!" he called. The dog continued barking. "Herbert! It's me!" This time it understood and stopped barking. The door swung open and Herbert sat looking at him, his shining face beaming. Kev knew it was bizarre to fall in love with a robot, but Herbert was adorable.
"Hello, boy," he said. The artificial dog swayed towards him, its tail high in the air, wagging.
"How have you been today?" Herbert asked.
"Just swell, thanks Herb. You?"
"I've been busy. As usual." Herbert flashed over a list of tasks he had completed - or rather had instructed the main house to do. Kev nodded and scratched the metal head.
"Thanks, boy," he said.
"Would you like me to fix a drink?" Herbert asked.
"Nah," Kev said. "I wanna go out for a run. Fancy joining me?"
"I would love to, thank you!" Herbert barked, and his tail began to wag harder.
...
