Her smartphone displayed a drawing of a playground. The cartoon Wynette bounded back and forth across the screen in front of a swing set. She nudged a swing with her nose. It swung back, and bopped her in the face. Startled, she yelped.

"Aww," Gretchen said. The icon changed into an open hand. She placed her fingertip over Wynette's back, and rubbed. The hand petted Wynette in slow, gentle strokes. The cartoon Lab smiled, her eyes closed. Ok, Gretchen decided, that's enough for ...