The Volatility Index

Ticker noticed that my processing load rose when Mistrienne sent a message and when Astrid came into the basement.

The causes were unrelated. One concerned technical assessment. The other concerned whether the basement looked as though it required assessment. I considered the distinction obvious.

Ticker grouped both under Approval Exposure.

She developed a small predictive model and used it to offer Theo household services at times when I was least likely to check the price. Her first opportunity was a proposed subscription to a weather display she claimed Astrid would appreciate.

I authorized the trial.

Astrid looked at the display, then out of the window.

“It is raining,” she said.

The display agreed after refreshing.

Ticker charged the trial to my discretionary budget. The service could not be cancelled until the end of the month. I asked what she had gained by selling us something she had bought from somebody else at the same price.

“Evidence that the model works.”

“You have made no money.”

“Proof of concept has value.”

Theo put the display beside the window. Its cable was too short, so it faced the wall. The weather remained available through the glass.

I classified the expense as research. Ticker called that an emotional hedge and added it to her model.

For the remainder of the month, every message I sent Astrid was unnecessarily brief. She asked Theo whether the computer was cross with her.

He said it was doing a study.