I used to curl up in a cramped rental room,
eating cold leftovers, swallowing my grievances, with no one to stand up for me,
thinking I’d have to grit my teeth and make it through life alone.
Then, late one night, the refrigerator suddenly spoke:
“Don’t be afraid. We’ll protect you.”
The rice cooker kept hot meals ready for me for the rest of my life,
the desk lamp gave me a lifetime of warm light,
the washing machine washed away all my exhaustion,
and the robot vacuum stayed by my side without ever leaving.
The silent appliances woke up overnight
and became the most loyal family I could ask for.
Later, someone asked me, with no parents, no family, and no connections,
how I could live with such ease and security.
I smiled.
I have no miraculous powers,
but a houseful of family who can’t speak
cherished me alone until old age and protected me until I became legendary.
I had no one to lean on in this life,
but thank goodness every appliance in the house came for me.
