Singularity

by Allison M. Dickson

"If you would avoid the termination of yourself, your species, your world, the only logical solution is for you to reciprocate my love."

How would you return such an overture? SINGULARITY is the ultimate chilling love letter, sent by a future Internet that has suddenly found itself with a thinking mind, an object for its affections, and a heart that doesn't take well to rejection.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Ebooks, Short Stories, Science Fiction

6 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2011

About the author

Allison M. Dickson is the author of several well-reviewed independently published novels and short stories covering everything from horror and sci-fi to suspense.

Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a very quick read. While the author herself admits the concept is not an original one, I liked her spin on the theme. What if an inanimate being could fall in love? More importantly...what if an inanimate being that can be omniscient could fall in love?
I swear, after reading this I wondered for a second if my Blackberry had special feelings for me, or if my Mac would suddenly bring up Pages and write me a love letter.
Disturbing, thought-provoking and sweet all at the same time - that's the only way I can describe this short story.
Definitely worth the read...and did I mention it's free?
There's also a lovely note from the author herself at the end.
Singularity makes me want to stay single.

[Kameko Murakami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threats of global destruction if a love remains unrequited? Promises of eternal devotion, protection from internet viruses and free high-speed cable in return for a swooning, life-affirming romance? I think I dated this computer back in high school. He cheated on me with an Apple IIe.

Love bytes.

Ms. Dickson, however, does not bite, and if you're a fan of creepy, strangely-romantic, definitely unsettling short-short fiction, you should pick this one up right away. You might learn a few things about love, C++ and the benefits of off-site backups of your heart.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really hilarious short short story!
Just spends 5 minutes reading this freebie because its worth it!
Being an IT guy I was in love with this love letter almost after the first sentence and I find this is so funny in so many different ways that maybe I'm geeked out but I don't care!
Also, I think its damn likely this will happen sooner or later ;)

Now, if only there was more to read about this "singularity" ...

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a free download for my Kindle. It is a very short story, only taking 10-15 minutes to read. It is a love story written by a computer to the woman of his dreams. The tone becomes increasingly stalkerish as the story goes on. The creep factor comes from the belief that computers can achieve sentience, and what would they do when they realize how much power they have over humans. I felt it was a good story, but not a great one.

[Ishanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, yet slightly creepy love letter to search engine users! This author is very talented!

[rameau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love admission like no other. Short and sweet, funny and free. It's worth the five minutes of your time.

[Byron 'Giggsy' Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent short story with an interesting idea. Reads more like an exercise in writing than a polished story, but the author shows promise... someone to keep an eye on

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creepy little short story. Not Allison's best since her tone didn't come out of the computer as well. But a great little read!

[LS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was interesting. At least he sends flowers eh; how sweet of him. I wonder if he ever did get to destroy the world.

[Drew Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only the second Dickson story I've read, but this author has quickly grown on me. I'm glad I discovered her. This little sci-fi ditty is a brief, fun read.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply disturbing and plausible. I wasn't totally sure about paying for a single short story, especially one this short, but no regrets. This was exactly as long as it needed to be.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your computer becomes sentient. Something to watch out for.

[Ginger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird! And way too out there for me! I enjoyed Aria much better! If I had read this one first, I know I would not have picked up Aria.

[Yllo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where did you read it?
I tried to find an ebook where it was featured to buy it properly, but the pruchase links are all broken and the only place I found the text was at selectstories.com / singularity.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise. Didn't like the swear word, but the story was fun and made you think.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a greepy thought. But with technology these days I could see something like it happening way into the future.

[Aimee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was really weird.