Just Gold

Prologue

        'The future of technology is changing; the time for new attractions is now.' These thoughts brought a smile to the young CEO, as he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. The time for new attractions was now, and in his grasp. The demand for animatronics was on the rise, and Nathan Brown had exactly what people were asking for.

        He pulled into the parking lot of his own diner. He opened his door, and stepped into the late afternoon sunlight. He closed the door, and adjusted his suit jacket, looking up at the sign that read: "Fredbear's Family Diner".

        He approached the door, and eyed the signs that were hung in the windows. The motto stared back at him, which made him feel welcomed. "Welcome to Fredbear's Family Diner! Meet Golden Freddy, and dine with your family in the most family friendly diner in the entire country." He stared at the last bit and pursed his lips. Maybe he should speak to someone about rewording the sign.

        He pulled the door open, and was met with the sound of laughter from children. The bell signaled his arrival, but hardly any one paid him any attention. He didn't mind; the children were having fun while enjoying a birthday party.

        The diner was small, a single dining room, a kitchen, and one family bathroom. A sound stopped him in his tracks, and he turned to spot the main attraction at his family diner.

        A golden bear animatronic stood with a birthday cake in one of its hands. In the other, it handed a plate with a slice of cake on it to a child. Several other children ran around the bear, chanting about how much they loved it.

        The chorus of voices praising Nathan's prized possession brought a smile to his face once more, as he approached the cashier. He leaned against the counter, and turned back to enjoy the sight of parents sitting in booths chatting, and children playing around Golden Freddy. The animatronic finished serving slices of cake to each children, and returned the platter to a table, and wandered around the dining area.

        "Technology really has come far, hasn't it?" Nathan asked, turning to look the cashier. "Just a few years ago, I doubt anyone would think of having an animal robot serving in a family diner." He chuckled softly, and stepped away from the counter.

        "If things continue like this, times will be great for us!" He glanced at the cashier. "Upgrade seems to be working fine in Golden Freddy. Keep up the good work, and you might just earn a raise." He slapped the cashier on the shoulder, and earned a low grumble of what he interpreted as one of acknowledgment.

        He gave off a wide grin, and nodded to the cashier, heading back to the door. He stopped, and turned to Golden Freddy once more. He caught the gaze of the animatronic, and stared into the empty, human-like eyes of the bear.

        It felt like he stared at the bear for an eternity. It was the best thing that could have happened to him. He nodded to the machine, although he knew it meant nothing. The machine hardly knew how to read faces or emotions. That was the next step he wanted to take.

        He turned away from the bear, and climbed back into his car. With a satisfied smile on his face, and a feeling of success fluttering through his chest, Nathan Brown pulled out of the parking lot, and drove away from his beloved diner.

~~~

        The afternoon sun was bright, and the day was warm. A young boy walked along the sidewalk, his hands shoved in his pockets. He stared at his feet as he walked along in silence. His bottom lip was stuck out in a pout, and he lifted his gaze.

        He was standing before a family diner, one that he had visited many times with his parents. He stopped at the glass door, and peered in. His eyes found the one thing that had always excited him when he visited the family diner.