"They'll never sell," I said. "What do you mean? They're genius. Everyone will want one." She followed me out onto the sidewalk, holding her invention in the small box in her hand.

"You're half right. They're earplugs."

"Right! Genius earplugs. They block out everything you don't wanna hear. How could they not sell?"

"Are you wearing them now?" She shook her head. "Then you can see that humans are good enough at that already." Mouth hanging open, she stopped, and I left her behind.