Digi-Friends

Morning Doves

My eyes opened. The repetitive beeping from machines rang quietly in the distance. That could only mean one thing. Morning.

I yawned loudly and rubbed my eyes. As soon as I opened them, I saw Leafy next to me, just staring.

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead," she greeted with a big smile on her face.

My eyes widened as I backed away from Leafy into the corner of my leathered couch. She had a look of confusion on her face but didn't say anything.

"Don't be so close next time," I sighed before continuing, "you scared me half to death."

I forgot you were even here...

"Oh, I didn't mean to startle you," Leafy said sorrowfully. She held her hands together and looked to the floor.

I didn't respond. That created a silence, both awkward and bare. Both Leafy and I didn't move an inch. She gazed at me with her unblinking eyes. After what felt like ages, she made her way to the front door and opened it.

I scowled, "Where do you think you're going?"

Leafy looked back at me and smiled, "I want to see more of the outdoors. There shouldn't be a problem with that, right?"

"There is. You're a robot and you feel things. That is outlawed; illegal," I grumbled.

"I'll be careful, Firey, and make sure no one finds out about that. If you're worried, you should come with me," she replied, holding out her left hand.

I rolled my eyes and got up, then walked towards Leafy, smacking her hand away. "Fine, you've convinced me. Just make this quick."

I'm going to regret this.

Leafy hopped happily out of the shack and went in a random direction. I closed the door and raced after her, though it didn't take long for me to catch up. I was a fast runner.

She was in awe of the tall, grey buildings. Her walking slowed down as she carefully observed everything around her. There was no reason for that though, as life had been like this for so long. It must've been different when she was created, however long ago that was.

Suddenly, Leafy stopped and waved at something. I looked ahead to see one of those cleaning robots picking up litter from the sidewalk. Her body tilted down but she quickly stood straight and continued to walk.

"I don't remember those being around," she said quietly.

I replied quickly, "They somewhat help with the pollution. Nowadays, objects could care less about what happens to our planet."

Leafy's tail drooped and barely avoided sliding across the concrete floor. She looked at another tall building and glared at it, rather than seeming happy. Our walk felt way more glum than before. I guess I kind of liked her positivity.

I noticed that the grey city slowly turned into a more colourful land. I could see grass, and barely made out the sun in the light grey sky. It was nice to see that. This area has yet to be 'revolutionized,' as our government would call it.

"Hey, what's that?" Leafy asked, pointing to a building. She seemed very interested and kept staring at it.

Its familiar cream colour and sweet smell called to me. Over the door was a striped, orange and white overhang. Near the top of the building were some large letters that read 'Doves and Diner.'

Pin's bakery...

I used to go there all the time. It was one of the better buildings in Metallum, even after all this time. Usually small businesses would become bankrupt within a year. compared to the five that this building was around. I know it's still here because of the food. Everything baked here had hours of love and care put into it. Anyone could savour every last bite of their meal.