The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm rays over the island as R.A.N.A. set to work on her latest project. She had found a small clearing near the edge of the woods, a space that felt safe and secluded, and here she would build a shelter—a sturdy structure that could protect her from the elements and serve as a temporary haven for the bear as winter approached.
R.A.N.A. began by collecting rocks of various sizes, carefully selecting those that would provide a solid foundation. As she stacked them, she realized that simply piling them up wouldn’t suffice; she needed a way to hold them together. Remembering the natural materials around her, she decided to create a cement-like mixture from sand, gravel, and moss.
With precise movements, R.A.N.A. gathered the sand and gravel, mixing them together until they formed a gritty paste. Next, she collected moss from the trees and ground, blending it into the mixture to give it strength and resilience. Once she had created a thick, cohesive substance, she began applying it to the rocks, binding them securely together.
As R.A.N.A. worked, she noticed a small group of animals gathering at the edge of the clearing, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion. The deer, standing slightly apart from the rest, stepped forward, her head tilted to one side.
“What are you doing?” the deer asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. “Why are you building this... structure?”
R.A.N.A. paused, glancing up from her work to meet the deer’s gaze. “I’m constructing a shelter,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light. “It will provide safety from the elements.”
The deer blinked, clearly perplexed. “But we don’t need a shelter. We have the forest. This isn’t necessary.”
“I believe it is,” R.A.N.A. said simply, returning to her work. “Some may prefer a more enclosed space when the winter arrives.”
The deer watched her for a moment, her brow furrowing. “But why do you care so much about building this? You’re a machine, aren’t you? What do you get out of it?”
R.A.N.A. continued to mix her materials, focusing on her task. “It’s not about me,” she replied. “It’s about creating a safe space for those who might need it. That is all I want.”
The deer hesitated, unsure how to respond. “But we don’t need your help,” she said, taking a step back. “We can find our own shelter among the trees.”
R.A.N.A. nodded, understanding the deer’s hesitation. “That’s true, but not everyone might feel that way. I am simply offering a space if anyone wishes to come here.”
The deer shifted her weight, glancing back at the other animals, who remained uncertain and distant. “And what if we don’t want your help? What if we prefer to keep our distance?”
“Then that is your choice,” R.A.N.A. said, her voice steady. “I will respect it. But I hope you might reconsider when the time comes.”
As the deer remained quiet, R.A.N.A. felt a pang of disappointment. Yet she continued to work, mixing more of the cement-like substance and applying it to the rocks, determined to finish her construction.
Hours passed as she constructed the shelter, her determination unwavering. She worked methodically, using the mixture to secure the stones and shape the structure as she envisioned it. The deer watched from a distance, occasionally nudging a loose rock back into place, her skepticism slowly giving way to curiosity.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing, R.A.N.A. stepped back to admire her work. The shelter stood sturdy and inviting, a testament to her effort and resolve.
“It looks... impressive,” the deer said, a hint of surprise in her voice. “I didn’t think you would be able to make something like this.”
“Thank you,” R.A.N.A. replied, her heart swelling with pride. “I hope it serves its purpose well.”
The deer looked at the shelter, her expression contemplative. “But why do you care so much for this bear?”
R.A.N.A. paused, reflecting on her feelings. “I believe every creature deserves a place of comfort, especially in difficult times. We all experience hardship. And how did you know this was for the bear anyways?”
"I saw the cave in from a distance. Don't worry, the others don't know about what you did for the bear on that mountain. You’re... quite different from us,” she finally said, her tone softening. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to see how this all plays out.”
As twilight enveloped the island, the sounds of the forest began to change, the evening chorus of crickets and rustling leaves creating a soothing backdrop. R.A.N.A. took a deep breath, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over her.
“Will you stay with me a little longer?” she asked the deer. “I’d like to talk more about the forest and what you all do here.”
The deer hesitated but then nodded, settling comfortably beside R.A.N.A. “Alright. I can do that.”
YOU ARE READING
mama bear
General Fictiona human like robot falls onto a deserted island. her programming says she needs to be useful to someone, completing any task given to her. but there are no people, and the animal inhabitants view her as a monster. How can a robot be given a task in...
