Software Error

The End of a Story

I can see the ceiling crumbling as Lyle carries the still out of it Freddy to the elevator. I bite my fingernails, anxious. I want to believe they will make it, no they have to make it. I don't want to be alone again.

The world does not listen.

Lyle looks me directly in the eyes. Their strange, white, supernatural hue of them gave off an incomprehensible array of emotions. If you were to tell me Lyle was a human at that moment, I would've agreed.

His look made the seconds seem like centuries, the crumbling building coming to a crawl. As if the only things that mattered to the Universe were us two, right now. And just like that moment started suddenly, it ends suddenly.

Lyle shoves Freddy's almost limp body forward. Giving him enough momentum to fall into the elevator safely. My blood goes cold at that moment. "No!" As Lyle gives me a smile, the building collapses on top of him. Freddy had mustered the control required to press the elevator button as I pound on the doors of the elevator.

And then I just stand there. I can hear Freddy say something, but it gets tuned out in a haze of static. Why did Lyle do that? Why did he choose to save Freddy over himself? I-I can't even be mad at him.

Freddy seems to realize I'm not listening and just bends down and gives me a hug. I pound on his casing as he drags me out of the restaurant that is no doubt going to crumble. Tears flood my vision as Freddy hurries me out of the loading dock. He eventually sets me down at a non-descript hill. One with a single tree, out of sight from the public, and with a view of the sky.

The bright, cheery Sun betrayed my mood. I sniffle and rub my nose on my sleeves as Freddy sits down with me, his arm on my shoulder. Trying to give me comfort. I can tell Freddy is really sad too, he's just staying strong for me. We sit there for a bit before I hear a ping coming from my Faz-watch. It cuts my crying short, as I go to investigate it. A notification in my inbox without a title. I tap it.

Dear Gregory,

I know it's a bit cliche that I'm writing this out in letter format but bear with me.

I am writing this as the building is collapsing, there is so much I want to say, but so little time to say it.

I guess I should start off with a confession.

Freddy already knows this, but I hadn't found the time to tell you.

I am not Lyle the Lynx. But I am an animatronic, kind of, it's a bit hard to explain.

I am the result of a tragedy that happened many years ago.

The broken spirit of a teenager mixed with an A.I.

I had only found out recently, so I hope you can understand why I hadn't told you.

I am a relic, something that is a warning. I should be remembered not for me, but for what happened to me.

I deeply apologize to you, Gregory.

You do not deserve to have had to watch me die, incapable of stopping it.

But do not cry.

Be happy instead.

I should not have existed in the first place.

But you made my existence matter.

So I thank you.

You have no idea have much it means to a person when someone they've known for less than 7 hours is grieving for them.

I was hardly a speck in the timeline of your life, yet I've had such a profound impact on it.

It's kind of funny, actually.

Say goodbye to Freddy for me. And take care of yourself.

-Your Best Pal, Lyle.

Bittersweet tears fall on my Faz-watch as I watch the Sun, rising in the sky.

"Goodbye, Lyle. I'll miss you."