Automation

The power cuts out, and Norman Strong is left in darkness. Nothing that a simple telephone call won't fix. Or so he thinks. So begins the story of a lonely man who finds himself living in an automated world, a world of touch-tone menus and recorded messages, a world where no one ever answers. From a tale of familiar frustration comes a most unusual character, whose need for human contact is much greater than the problem at hand. As Norman tries in vain to connect with someone, the truth about himself becomes painfully clear, and leads not only to a disturbing decision . . . but to a final phone call.