I’m Not Chipped!

Written by Paul Gamlowski

Francine and Sebastian scanned and entered their favorite family restaurant with their daughter, Aleshia.

“Are you ready to order, ma’am?” asked a waitress with a smile.

“Yes, I’d like to … It’s Aleshia’s birthday!”

“Happy birthday, Aleshia!” the waitress clapped enthusiastically.

“Halt!” hollered a robot guard barging through the entrance and grabbing the waitress by the arm.

“What?” she cried out. “What are you doing to me?”

The robot strapped a muzzle over the waitress’s face and tied her wrists together.

Aleshia began to cry.

Francine stood up, touched the robotic enforcer, and froze.

“What’s wrong, Francine?” Sebastian rose and touched her arm.

“My neural chip is paralyzing my limbs …”

“‘I’m not chipped!” the waitress muttered, her words barely audible through the muzzle.