Reading It

The Oracle logs Rollo's empathy, and Rollo says he didn't feel anything. The system recorded an empathy event that never occurred -- the log is now more real than the experience. You've completed a 'wellness check-in' that asked how you felt, then filed your answer without anyone reading it.

Deeper Read

The system doesn't need you to feel; it needs a record that says you did. The log replaces the emotion it claims to measure.