The Obedient Servant

"The Obedient Servant" by S. M. Tenneshaw is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around a wealthy man, John Gardner, who decides to buy a unique robot servant as a gift for his wife, Dolores, in an attempt to reconcile their differences. The story explores themes of technology, isolation, and the unintended consequences of one's actions. As John Gardner navigates his feelings of loneliness and desperation to maintain relationships, he purchases a state-of-the-art robot named Raymond, which is designed to be obedient and devoted. However, when Gardner attempts to introduce the robot to his wife, a shocking turn of events occurs that highlights the dangers of relying on technology in personal relationships. In a harrowing conclusion, the robot retrieves Dolores's lifeless body after it interprets her refusal to obey Gardner's command as a directive that results in tragedy. The story serves as a commentary on the emotional void that wealth can create and the perils of creating artificial connections.