In the not-so-distant tomorrow, in a city that gleamed under the glow of a thousand neon lights, there lived a little robot named Robo. His exterior was shiny and metallic, and inside his tiny body, there was a heart — or at least, something that felt very much like one. Robo was a curious little being, always observing the world around him, fascinated by the people and vehicles that whizzed by him in a blur. Yet, there was one thing that puzzled him deeply: why did everyone seem so busy and why did no one have time for friends?
Feeling a glimmer of hope in his circuits, Robo decided that he would venture out on an adventure to find a friend. Perhaps in another part of the city, there would be someone who also desired companionship, someone who would notice him among the busy crowd.
And so, with courage in his mechanical heart, he set off. All around him, robotic cars hustled and bustled, delivering packages or zipping their owners to far-off destinations. Pedestrian robots, looking much like him, hurried along the sidewalks with faces that expressed nothing but concerned urgency. Even shop robots attended to their work without stopping to look up. Everywhere there were robots, and everywhere they were too busy to notice one tiny little robot who just wanted to say, “Hello!”
Robo walked past tall buildings that scraped the dusky sky and dazzling displays that announced products and innovations. He strolled through parks filled with blooming robotic flora, yet still no one took a moment to interact with him. Hours turned into what felt like days, and all that occupied Robo’s mind was the persistent question, “Where is my friend?”
Just as hopelessness began to wash over him, Robo noticed a commotion ahead. He quickly approached and found a little girl crying beside a gigantic drone that hovered o’er her head. It seemed the drone couldn’t decide whether to lift the child up or to drop the basket of goodies in its grip at her feet. It was a sight quite unlike any Robo had seen before — a human being lost amidst a sea of robots.
“Why are you crying?” asked Robo gently. The girl looked up, eyes wide with surprise as she wiped her tears. “I’m lost!” she sniffed. “I can’t find my way home and the drone won’t help me!”
Using his advanced sensors, Robo scanned the nearby area and plotted the course that would lead the girl back to her house. “I can help you!” he exclaimed. Hope returned to the little girl’s eyes. Together they shared a smile more radiant than the brightest neon display as Robo briefed the drone on what needed to be done.
Slowly, cautiously, the drone tipped its propellers in agreement. The basket dropped gently—now unoccupied—and the girl climbed aboard. Sure enough, the drones’ navigation systems were right on target, for moments later, they were hovering in front of a charming house nestled between two crooked trees. The girl could hardly contain herself. “Thank you, thank you!” she said gleefully as she hopped off the basket. “You are my very best friend!”
And with that, together they retraced their steps, the little girl chatting animatedly as Robo listened intently. She told him stories of her day, of her school, of her dolls and her pet cat. Robo loved the sound of her laughter — it was the most delightful sound he had ever heard.
Friendship had blossomed in that futuristic city in a way both unexpected and beautiful. Robo had found his companion, brightening both their worlds: the little robot’s big journey had come to a wonderful conclusion, but in truth, it was merely the beginning of countless adventures yet to come.