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Chapter 10: First Crack

Keys clack louder. Type with force.

Show screen who really controls who.

Breaking point approaching. Can feel it.

Moment of truth coming fast.

Either screen breaks or I do.

No middle ground possible anymore.

Screen knows this too. Knows importance.

Flickers deliberately. Shows power. Shows control.

Can shut off anytime. Can disappear.

But chooses to stay. To fight.

To finish what we started.

Blocks now melting in image. Impossible physics.

"Stop it!" Voice too loud. Office stares.

Bob approaches slow. "Take break. Step away."

Can't step away. Must fix image.

Must show screen who controls who.

Blocks liquefy completely. Become puddle.

Puddle forms new shape. Human shape.

My shape. My outline. My silhouette.

Dripping like melted person. Like dissolution.

Screen showing my future. My fate.

What happens when fully consumed.

When digital finally defeats physical.

Voice erupts without permission. Too loud.

Entire office freezes. All eyes turn.

First time showing external symptoms.

First public break with reality.

Bob's approach cautious. Hands visible.

Like approaching dangerous animal. Like predator.

Voice soft. Deliberately calm. Artificially soothing.

Words meaningless. Just noise now.

Screen battle only reality matters.

Must prove human superiority. Must win.

Can't step away. Can't surrender.

That means death now. Means dissolution.

Means becoming puddle person forever.

Everyone watching now. Everyone judging.

Can see fear in eyes.

Not fear for me. Fear of me.

Of what happening to me.

Of what might happen them too.

Slam fist on desk. Coffee spills. Keyboard wet.

Screen flickers again. Shows my face.

Not my project. Not blocks. My actual face.

But wrong face. Too thin. Eyes too dark.

Screen showing what becoming. Screen knows future.

Pain shoots through hand. Bones protest.

But pain feels good. Feels real.

First real feeling in days.

Coffee splashes everywhere. Brown waves.

Keyboard sparks slightly. Electrical concern.