
A, and I
Number 10 of the eighteen stories in my debut short story collection, Mammals, I Think We Are Called.
A man’s rage builds when an AI, brought into his house to cure him of his pathological projection, prefers talking to his kitten.
Read an excerpt:
10 October 2026, ‘real’ mood: ? I don’t know, but I can feel it.
Was watching the news and noticed A and the kitten at the table. A had my laptop open. He beckoned me over (a first). His expression was neutral.
I went over – reluctantly – and he and the kitten were watching a NewTube video. The thumbs-up icon was pinging madly. A pressed replay: The video started with A jumping into the air on all fours, copied by the kitten wearing a miniscule Christmas hat on its tiny head. Then A said, roll, and the kitten rolled over. It ended with A pouring cream into my saucer as the kitten lapped it up.
Is the kitten going to grow up to be like my mother’s cats?
Locked A and the kitten into the bathroom. Sat in A’s chair for five minutes before kitten mewed. Immediately let both of them out. Neither of them looked at me. God knows, I deserve it. They must be furious.
Had a thought: perhaps I should email Psych and ask if the kitten is allowed to live here?
11 October 2026, ‘real’ mood: Glum.Go with how you feel, Psych replied.
After yesterday, I’m even less convinced this is a good idea.
Had a thought: perhaps the kitten is too dumb to realise A is not real and can’t feel?
Do cats project?
Order a copy from:
- Salt Publishing
- Five Leaves Bookshop
- Amazon
- Waterstones
- Blackwells
- South Africa: Takealot.com or loot.co.za
- Bookshops worldwide can order. (Penguin Distribution)
- Google to find your country.