[ WP ] In the far future where everything has an AI a man is negotiating with his alarm clock for more sleep .

`` Good morning, Michael. It is now 6:30 AM. Time to get up.'' The early morning sunlight was softened by the frosted windows, but he was facing the only windowless wall in the room. 
 
 `` No.'' 
 
 `` You do n't want to be late.'' 
 
 `` Give me five more minutes, Toc.'' 
 
 `` Request denied.'' 
 
 `` Please?'' 
 
 `` Request denied. The last five times you've asked, you've ignored the five, ten and twenty minute alarms, and only responded to the half-hour one. You've been late to work every day for the past two weeks, and have barely eaten anything.'' 
 
 `` So?'' he muttered, covering himself completely with the blanket and comforter, and letting out a deep sigh.'' 
 
 `` Is something the matter, Michael?'' Toc asked. 
 
 `` No. I just... just let me sleep.'' As he lay there, curled up tight, with tears just starting to gather in the corners of his eyes, he could just barely hear the strains of some classical piece, which usually meant that Toc was processing something. It sounded like a woman singing something in Italian backed by a string quartet. It was quiet and sweetly melodic, and he could feel himself unclenching just a little bit. He certainly was n't all better, but at least he did n't feel like collapsing into himself like a black hole. 
 
 `` I have an idea,'' Toc said at last. `` Is this in any way related to Kim's moving out?'' At that, Mike groaned and curled back up even tighter than before. `` I'll take that as a yes. Would you like to talk to someone about it?'' 
 
 `` Not really.'' 
 
 `` If you refuse, then you'll still have to go to work, and I will personally make sure that you get there on time. If you continue these unhealthy patterns, then I will have to take other matters into my hands, since evidence suggests that you can not or will not take care of yourself anymore.'' 
 
 `` And if I say yes?'' 
 
 `` Then I will make an appointment for you to see a therapist later this morning. I will do what I can to make it for 10:00 or later, but it may be earlier that than. What do you say?'' Mike just barely peeked his head out from under the covers and half-whispered `` okay''. 
 
 `` Very good. There's a Dr. Warren on Hanover St. who has an opening at 9:30, and -'' Toc cut itself off as the music came back on for a minute. `` And, funnily enough, there's a Dr. Hanover on Clarendon St. who has an opening at 10.'' 
 
 `` 9:30 sounds good.'' 
 
 `` All right. I'll contact his office, and let them know you'll be there. I have also called your office to tell them that you'll be out for the day. Shall I reset the alarm for 8:00?'' 
 
 `` No thanks. Just until 7 is fine. But Toc?'' 
 
 `` Yes, Michael?'' 
 
 `` Could you turn that music back on?'' 
 
 `` Of course.'' The mystery woman started singing again. Her voice and the violins became another filter for the sunlight, another blanket to wrap around himself; not to hide in, but to feel just a little bit warmer.
