There is nothing artificial about the smell

 

I saw it as if it were a real horse, ready to ride.  My dad saw it as a toy in front of the supermarket tempting little kids to ask their parents for a quarter.  They were both sad when the ride was over.

But the ride never ends.  There is always a new toy, a different temptation, gathering more and more quarters.  Eventually the child becomes the dad, digging into his pocket to buy a little momentary happiness.

But this was different.  Here was a very real horse, tied to a hitching post next to the long line of shopping carts.  There was no coin machine, no mechanical base, nothing but a horse, looking and smelling very real.

A small sign hung from the hitching post that read,

This is an artificial intelligence ride.
It is owned and operated by Google, currently
on loan to this store.
Please limit rides to 1 hour.  No matter
where you go, the horse will automatically
return here.  By sitting on the saddle, you
agree to all rules and charges.
Hold your credit or debit card up to
the horse’s mouth, strip side up.
he will lick it, which activates the charge.
Thank you
Enjoy your ride.