It was not known how humans had once communicated with cats.

According to AI-generated cat models, they were unpredictable—wild. They could attack their owners at any moment. Every AI simulation failed to make them completely safe.

She closed her eyes, imagining what it would feel like to touch such an animal. A strange sensation washed over her. No. She couldn’t. There was a reason all animals were gone. They had been dangerous.

A soft chime rang. It was feeding time.

She sat in her designated spot as the wall opened, revealing a plate of white nutrient cubes. The same meal as always. AI knew what was best.

“Tell me again why we got rid of animals,” she asked, patting her small AI companion, a sleek robotic assistant.

“They were spreading unknown diseases,” the AI responded. “At that time, all predictive models showed that humanity would go extinct unless we acted quickly. Large animals were eliminated first. Then small ones. AI saved humanity from those dangerous species. Then, as AI advanced, we ensured humans were always fed, always entertained, always safe. The era of prosperity began. Now, humans do not need to worry. We take care of everything. You just relax.”

She looked around her AI-controlled home. The temperature was always perfect. The lights adjusted to her mood. Every four hours, food arrived. There was no hunger, no pain, no danger.

She should be happy.

And yet…

She glanced at the book on her lap, filled with images of ancient creatures. She traced a finger over a drawing of a cat. How did humans live alongside something they couldn’t control?

A quiet warning tone sounded in the walls. Time for play.

She smiled and put the book away. AI knew what was best.

“Thank you,” she said.