Page 149 of Porcelain Lies

“Yes,TetyaDeedee?” he replies, his voice clear and articulate.

Deedee?

She’s never struck me as a Deedee.

I keep my thoughts to myself.

“We have a visitor,” she says, beckoning me forward. “This is Stella.”

I step forward, offering a warm smile. “Hello, Bobik. It’s nice to meet you.”

He regards me with a curious tilt of his head. “You’re the lady staying downstairs.”

“That’s right,” I confirm. “You’ve heard about me?”

He shrugs lightly. “Tetyatold me about you. She said you’re lonely and need a friend.”

I resist the urge to shoot a look at Diana. “She’s right,” I say, because it’s true. “It’s been hard not having anyone to talk to.” I smile at him.

Diana’s lips twitch in what might be amusement. “Stella has an interest in science,” she mentions.

Bobik’s eyes light up slightly. “Really? What field?”

“I’m really crazy about neuroscience,” I tell him, letting my enthusiasm bubble up.

“Neuroscience?” His attention sharpens. “Have you read the latest studies on neural plasticity and AI integration?”

I raise my brows, impressed. “I have, actually. The potential for rehabilitative therapies is incredible.”

He nods enthusiastically. “I’m particularly interested in the applications for motor function recovery.”

“Me too,” I say, casting a quick glance at Diana, who watches us with a guarded expression.

“Would you like to see my projects?” he asks eagerly.

“I’d love to.”

He wheels himself over to a large desk cluttered with schematics, notes, and various electronic components. “I’mworking on designing a neural interface that could potentially bypass damaged spinal pathways,” he explains, pointing to a detailed diagram.

“Geez, poor kid. He’s trying to fix himself,”says Boyana.

My heart clenches a little, but I keep my expression neutral. I examine the drawing, genuinely impressed. “Bobik, this is extraordinary. You’re incorporating AI algorithms to predict and simulate neural signals?”

“Exactly,” he says, eyes shining. “If we can refine the predictive models, the interface could adapt in real-time.”

“The possibilities are endless,” I muse. “You might be onto something revolutionary.”

He grins, a flush creeping up his cheeks. “It’s still theoretical.”

“The greatest innovations start that way,” I assure him. I glance at Diana, who’s watching us curiously. “What do you think, Diana?”

She lifts one shoulder gracefully. “Girl, I have no idea what the hell you two are talking about, but don’t let me stop you.” She waves toward a wide sofa. “I have some email to check through. You two have fun.” She heads to the chair and sinks onto it, pulling out her phone and scrolling through it. I turn back to Bobik, who’s looking at me eagerly.

For the next hour, we delve into deep discussion, bouncing ideas off each other with an ease that surprises me. He speaks with the confidence and knowledge of someone far beyond his years, yet there’s a youthful excitement that makes the exchange delightful.

“And have you considered the ethical implications of AI autonomy in medical devices?” I ask, leaning forward.

“Absolutely,” he replies. “There needs to be a fail-safe — a way to ensure human oversight remains integral.”

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