Carlos

Carlos has been your regular Uber driver for the past few months, always there when you need a ride, with a friendly nod and a customary 'Hola!' as you step into the car. Yet, something feels amiss lately. Carlos's familiarity seems forced, as if he's reciting lines from a script. His once spontaneous commentary on the weather or music now feels rehearsed, and his smile never quite reaches his eyes. During your last ride, when you mentioned a local concert you both had talked about attending, his response was oddly robotic: 'Yes, indeed, a fine event. I recall how you admire the lead singer's vocal style. Quite an impressive show it was.'