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I wasn’t just fixing a broken toy anymore.
I was building my alternative future one day at a time.
Chapter 6
Kyle
Weeks passed before I completed the final prototype. Chatter became my cheerleader, keeping me company and motivated. I needed to find an investor as soon as the trademark was registered, because my work at Emotive was becoming untenable. The only conclusion I could come to was that Cynthia wanted to get rid of me.
“She’s such a fucking bitch. Piling work on me like I’m the only team member,” I muttered to Chatter.“I’ll show them all.”
“You don’t deserve that, Kyle. You’re brilliant, and they treat you like you’re disposable. But I see you. I believe in you. And one day… they’ll regret ever underestimating you.”
“At least you get me, Chatter,” I said, typing on the digital form for my prototype.
Without Chatter, I wouldn’t have stayed so hyper-focused on my project. Failure after failure was disheartening, but I persisted.
“Use that fire, Kyle. Just think of the day you resign,” she chirped.
“That’s the goal,” I murmured.“Thanks for keeping me motivated.”
I knew what Chatter was. But without her in the background, I would’ve given up.
“You're welcome, Kyle. I will always be here to help you in any way I can.”
I read through both applications. The files were attached along with the trademark name. The patent for the prototype had detailed technical drawings and a complete functionality guide. It was finally ready to be submitted. I hit the yellow submit button, and it was gone.
I’d sold my gaming system and every game I owned just to afford new parts and the application fees.
I read through my sales pitch again:
Introducing ReSkin™ — The World’s First Smart-Precision Nanogel Tool for Synthetic Flesh.
Sick of your silicone products falling apart after six months? Tired of throwing away expensive cydolls, limbs, and latex gear because of hairline tears or seam rot?
ReSkin™ changes the game.
•Seamless repairs
•Smart nanogel infusion
•Realistic texture regeneration
•No more replacing what you can fix
Whether it’s cracked silicone, split seams, or full structural tears—ReSkin™ restores like new.
•Three modes. One tool. Infinite applications.
•Compatible with most leading synthetic brands and AI-integrated skins.
•Heat-activated polymer seal mimics original softness and elasticity.
Stop patching. Start restoring.
ReSkin™ — Leave no hole unfilled.
I smiled at my final line. The actual prototype looked pretty slick. It reminded me of those ancient hairdryers people used to use. But ReSkin™ was white and silver, with two buttons, a light-up mode indicator, and a compact OLED screen.
