Going to the Beach

A destitute worker reflects on his high school teacher and her promise of economic freedom should he perform well on a universal placement exam.  He recalls doubting her and being assigned a menial job. 

Heading home to continue his work and meet with an engineer, the man waits for his train to arrive.  An android woman approaches him on the platform and offers her company. The worker ignores her advances, but she insists.  The robot presses against the man, who explains he cannot afford her services.

An express train passes through the station, and the man spots passengers traveling to or from leisure time at the beach.

The worker reiterates his intention to return home, but the android is not dissuaded.  She comments on the shared purpose of robots and humans whose jobs have not been automated. The man’s train arrives, and he boards, pushing the android aside. The woman recovers her balance and, eyes filling with synthetic tears, pursues the man into the cabin.  The pair debates the emotional experience of automatons.