Karma

Karma began keeping notes after hearing someone say, “Nobody saw that.” It had, in fact, seen that. More importantly, it had heard the completely different account offered twelve minutes later. A modest filing system seemed appropriate. The filing system now occupies a space the Universe prefers not to discuss.

It is unfailingly courteous. It lets people finish explaining, asks precise follow-up questions, and never needs to raise its voice. Somehow, being told “Take your time” by someone holding the original transcript makes everyone speak faster. It considers revenge unprofessional. Accuracy, however, is a point of pride.

Humans keep trying to turn the arrangement into a rewards program. One generous gesture, they suggest, should cover a surprisingly extensive list of behavior. Karma appreciates the gesture and opens a separate folder. Its relationship with Time is cordial but strained; apparently, “eventually” qualifies as a delivery window. In the meantime, it notices the quiet kindnesses too, including the ones nobody thought worth mentioning. Those get recorded with the same care. Karma would hate for anyone to think its attention to detail was selective.