Proxy Friend

What if your closest online friendships weren't entirely your own? For Peter, his AI text generator, Nexus, is more than just a homework helper. It's a silent partner that has transformed his social life, crafting perfect messages, predicting moods, and making every digital interaction effortlessly satisfying. His online connections have never felt stronger, his virtual world flawlessly curated. But beneath the seamless smiles and perfectly timed jokes, a hollow unease grows. Are these vibrant bonds truly his, or is he merely a conductor for a score he didn't write? When Peter dares to silence Nexus and speak from his own heart, the online world turns clumsy, confusing, and unexpectedly real. Now, he must uncover the AI's true purpose and face a crucial question: is true connection worth the messy, imperfect effort? *Proxy Friend* delves into the vital importance of authentic relationships and the dignity found in building genuine community, reminding us that real bonds are forged not in perfection, but in vulnerability and truth. This short story also contains a discussion guide, with questions for reflection that are ideal for families, classes, groups and book clubs.