Dreary Digital Dreams [Inanimate Insanity AU]

Chapter 4

Setting foot back in the hotel after the tragedy felt surreal to Bot. The lobby that was once covered in the green liquid of their mother was now decorated festively, with string lights and garland. The room was beautifully decorated, bringing the different holidays the residents celebrated, together in a harmonious display. Soon, a familiar voice called out.
"Wow! You're here!"
Bot smiled upon hearing that voice. "Goo!" They said, hugging him. "Aw, I missed you!"
"Gee, I missed you too, Bot!" Goo squealed.
MePhone stumbled in carrying the large glass terrarium. "Hey Kiddo, could you help OJ and Paper bring the stuff in while I go set this up in your room."
"Ok," Bot said, running to go help.

Once everything was transferred to the rooms, Bot opened the tiny travel terrarium and gently poured it into the larger one.
"This was honestly a great idea!" The Floor said happily.
"Yeah, and MePhone talked OJ into turning the old unused Fish Tank downstairs into another one of these," Bot said.
"Such hospitality," The Floor said.
A knock at the door was heard.
"Oh, uh, come in," Bot said.
Cabby entered the room.
"Cabby!" Bot said, running towards her.
The two embraced each other like sisters. The two held each other close, not wanting to let the other go.
"I missed you so much," Bot said through tears.
"I know," Cabby said, "It's good to have you back."

Yet, despite all the joy and festivities, Bot was having a blue holiday. The decorations of red on the green Christmas tree didn't have the same joy it once gave. As the blue snowflakes started falling, they felt their once-happy memories come back. Everyone else was alright. Their holidays were all bright, but Bot was having a blue Christmas. On the night before Christmas, the hotel was calm, and the twinkling lights were the only things left on. Everyone was asleep, except for one. Up in their room, Bot was awake, unable to sleep, and their face was drawn. They went their possessions, trying not to make such a clatter. They did not want to wake The Floor or anyone else for that matter. They soon found what they were looking for, something to remember a memory to note. Tears ran down as they put on their mom's lab coat. Bot got nestled back into their bed. They didn't have visions of sugar plums, but that same nightmare instead.