Whatever Happened to Robot Jones?: Apology

Apology

Apology
/uh-pol-uh-gee/
A statement that expresses regret or remorse for an action, or asks for pardon for an offense.

Robot had been processing this all the way to the arcade. He was not unfamiliar with the concept. He had apologized to Mom Unit and Dad Unit for refusing to perform tasks. But this was...different. He had never apologized to his friends before, including Socks, his best friend.

He felt horrible. Socks was his best friend, and he was mean to him, and chose a vacuum over him. He was also worried, because unlike his parents, who he knew would always have affection towards him, Socks wasn't the same. He wasn't family. He wasn't obligated to show affection towards him. If he wanted to, he could simply stop being friends with Robot. And Robot definitely didn't want that. He knew what he had to do.

Socks was walking with his hands in his pockets, when he suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve.

"Socks, please stop for a second."

"Huh? What's up Robot?" asked Socks, turning around and looking down at Robot.

"There's...something I need to tell you." said Robot

"Oh. Well, what is it?" asked Socks

"I apologize for how I treated you today." said Robot, holding his arm and rubbing it. "I was a jerk, and chose a vacuum over you. Gramps Unit told me that humans and robots can not live in synchronization, and I thought so too. It made me believe that robots were better than humans, but I was wrong. Humans may not be as intelligent, and they may not think like robots do, but they are capable of many other extraordinary things. I was not a good friend, and I understand if you refuse to associate with me any further."

Robot looked to the side, frowning.

Socks smiled, and knelt down to the little robot's level.

"Hey, it's ok Robot. I forgive you." said Socks, putting a hand on Robot's shoulder.

"You, you do?" asked Robot

"Of course I do." said Socks "You're my best friend. I'm not going to stop being your friend because of one mistake."

"I do not understand." said Robot "Why would you want to continue being friends with someone who makes mistakes?"

"Well, cuz we all do. Everybody makes mistakes. And even best friends fight sometimes." said Socks

"But I am a robot. I should not make mistakes."

"Well, that's not entirely true. I mean, don't robots glitch out and malfunction sometimes?

"Yes, that statement is correct." said Robot

"See?" said Socks "Even robots make mistakes. And that's ok. Were you a jerk earlier? Yes. But you owned up to it and apologized. That's the important thing."

Robot smiled.

"To be honest, I should've been more careful today when I touched you. I should've realized some parts of you were sharp." said Socks "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings because of what I said."

"It is alright. I forgive you." said Robot

"Thanks." said Socks "Listen, I want you to know something. You'll always be my best friend, and nothing will ever change that. In fact, you're more than a best friend. You're like a brother to me.

Robot was shocked. He didn't know Socks felt this way towards him.

"Do you really see me as a brother?" asked Robot

"Yeah, I do." said Socks

"But we are not even the same species." said Robot

"That doesn't matter." said Socks "You're super cool, and you're nice too. You're one of the best friends I've ever had. I love you man."

A huge smile formed on Robot's face. Suddenly, he gave Socks a big hug, being careful not to hurt him.

"I love you too." said Robot happily

Socks smiled, and patted Robot on the back, resulting in two audible clunks.

"Alright, we better get going before the arcade closes. I really wanna play that new Crazy Laser game." said Socks "My house is nearby. We can use my bike to get there faster."

The two boys began walking once again. Robot felt much better now, knowing that Socks forgave him, and that they'd always be friends. And he was especially happy to have an unofficial brother, even though they weren't the same species.

The End