Adam said:
I think Jeff dealt with this well in the story, because the robot wouldn't just go away -- part of the point is that if we're persistent we can find things to apologize for. Look at how Winston tries to get away easily with things that are a lot less profound than the broken heart, but when he actually pays attention he knows what he has to apologize for. I love that.also, i was kindof curious what would happen if you didn't accept an apology, or refused to give one back of equal effectiveness. i was half expecting the robot to get rough, like if the guy couldnt come up with anything with sufficient value he was about to get taken down in a hail of gunfire. that mighta been a fun twist. like, the robot goes to apologize to the girl whose heart he broke, and she's a perfect saint who doesn't have anything of sufficient value she hasn't already apologized for, so the robot carves her up with lasers. i wonder who would have to apologize for that.
Great job to Jeff Soesbe. I'll be watching for his name in future publications...