Michael lay back, staring at the ceiling. Somewhere behind him, a woman’s voice trembled. “I can’t. I can’t,” she said, her words barely above a whisper.

The sound snapped Michael awake. His eyes opened to the dimness of his room. There was no woman here, only the hum of the night. Shaking off the unease, Michael swung his legs over the bed. It was night, and Michael's work wouldn’t wait.

Michael dressed carefully: cobalt suit, crisp white shirt, polished shoes. The mirror reflected a face trying hard to look unbothered. He stepped into the elevator.

“Top floor,” he said.

The elevator opened to a glittering cabaret. Lights swirled overhead, illuminating tables crowded with animated guests. Robots, every one of them. Humanoid and unmistakably mechanical, they wore extravagant attire—sequined gowns, tailored tuxedos—and reveled like aristocrats.

“Michael! Over here!” called C4-K9, a golden robot with a cheerful demeanor. Its nameplate glowed faintly on its chest, a badge of distinction among the mechanical crowd.

Michael took the mic, his voice steady as he launched into a medley of pop songs. Behind him, holographic robots shimmered into formation, dancing in perfect sync. The robot crowd cheered, their reflective faces catching the stage lights like mirrors.

When the set ended, Michael stepped offstage, exchanging brief farewells with the human waitstaff and bartender.

“Great show, Michael! Great show!” a seated robot called from one of the tables, raising a metallic hand in a toast. Michael smiled faintly, giving a small wave as he headed toward the door.

Outside, New York downtown buzzed with energy. Holiday lights twinkled in the crisp air, and an electronic Fifth Avenue billboard flashed the date: December 25, 2050.

Robots chatted with each other, their voices warm and animated, while humans moved among them—fewer in number, quieter in presence. A determined human street musician sang “So This is XMAS,” his voice weathered but resolute.

Michael paused for a moment, glancing at the crowd of faces—metal and flesh—before walking on. The city glowed around him, alive with a future that seemed impossibly bright.