The taxi stopped in front of the manor. I exited the vehicle, and walked forward. I took a deep breath, as I walked past the gate, and to the doors. Knocking, and waiting. An android opened the doors. I was expecting to see Markus, but this is a different one. "(Y/N) Manfred. Carl wanted to speak with me?" I said, and the android stepped aside. "Right this way" he answered, after I hung up my coat. I followed him upstairs and to the bedroom, stopping outside the door.
"He's very weak" the android stated, turning towards me. "Could you tell me what happened?" I asked. "Cardiac arrest. Probable cause of intense emotional trauma" he answered. I nodded, and stepped inside the room. I kneeled beside the bed, taking my grandfather's hand in mine. "(Y/N). I knew you'd come" he said. "Of course. The android called to let me know, I couldn't just ignore it" I answered. "I left Tai at home though. I know you love her, but... someone has to watch the house" I added, shrugging lightly. "That's a shame. I was hoping you'd stay longer" he answered. "Sorry. It didn't really cross my mind" I apologized, turning my gaze towards the heart monitor.
"I've just had a lot of work recently, so I guess my mind was occupied" I continued. "We had an AX400 come in for repairs. Took me two weeks to fix her" I explained. "What happened to it?" Carl asked, turning his head towards me. "The owner says she hit by a car. But I don't think that's what happened... she had blunt force damage. Missing limbs, and bio-components. Hell, she even had her head ripped off. I think she was beaten, on purpose" I explained. "My god..." Carl breathed. "Sometimes I wonder if they'd do the same to humans. Or if it's just to androids because they're... well, Androids" I commented.
After a while of talking about the difference between androids and humans. Carl changed the subject. "So have you gotten your own? I know you're able to afford it. I know you don't want to replace your friend, but maybe it could be good for you" he asked. He's not wrong, I do have the budget for it, and I didn't want to replace the WR600 I worked with six years ago. "I do, actually. But I don't own him, per se, as I found him. I took him home to help him, and he didn't want to leave my side" I explained, not noticing the smile creeping up on my face. "And what's your friend's name?" Carl asked. "He's a WR600. Gardener model" my grand-dad got very attentive, as I started describing. "And... I finally found him... I found Ralph" I said with a smile. Tears creeping up in the corner of my eyes, as I finally processed all that has happened in the past couple days. The android who was once my best friend, and co-worker. The one who ran away because he became deviant. Was now back with me, and didn't want to leave. "So that's why Tai is home" Carl commented, shifting his grip on my hands. "I didn't think that I'd ever see him again" I choked up.
I sat there, unable to describe how happy I was to finally have him back. Even though he wasn't even my android in the first place. "I'd like to meet him someday, before I leave you" Carl stated. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea. His mind is not very stable after the attack, especially around humans" I answered. Ralph does have a grudge against humans because of what they've done to him. I wouldn't want to risk him scaring Carl, even though he probably wouldn't hurt him. "Someday, I won't be here to take care of you anymore. I was hoping to see if Ralph could fill that role" he answered, smiling. "He's a WR600. He was designed to maintain green spaces, not take care of humans, like Markus" I retorted. "It'll probably be me taking care of him" I added. There was a short pause. "You'll take care of each other" Carl stated, the tone in his voice telling me that he genuinely believes it. And I don't blame him. Markus was like his son.
It had gotten pretty late. And I needed to get back home. I did kind of promise Ralph to be back sometime in the evening. "Before you go, I need to tell you something" Carl stated. "When I die. I wish for you to take care of all I have" he started. "Me? But what about dad? Leo?" I asked. Carl took a deep breath. "My boy. He hit his head..." he could barely finish the sentence. "Oh... I didn't know..." I answered. I barely know who my father is. Or was, I guess. It's Carl who's taken care of me, and watched me grow. At least ever since kindergarten. He was always the one to pick me up. My dad simply visited to check in on me. I don't know what he's been up to, and I don't know who my mom is at all. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to take the key. But I'll do it. For you" I answered. I gave him a hug, before saying goodbye and leaving the manor.
The taxi was still outside, waiting. Despite the fact that it's almost 9 PM by now.
When I got back home, I let out a heavy sigh. I took off the scarf, leaving it on a hook by the front door. I walked to the kitchen, expecting Tai to be there. But she wasn't. So I went to the dining room, still no Tai. I haven't seen Ralph either. But as I passed the sliding glass door, I noticed it slightly cracked open.
I pulled the door back, and stepped outside. A good portion of the garden has been cleaned of weeds, and overgrown grass. As well as the wilted flowers that were once alive. "It's already looking a lot better" I stated, grabbing the gardeners attention. I noticed him tense up for a moment, before recognizing my voice and calming back down again. He stood up, and turned to face me.
"Ralph wanted to help (Y/N)'s garden" he stated, as I looked around the garden. "Of course. It's what you were designed for, so I won't stop you. If I'm honest, I've been trying to for a few years to take care of it, but never found the time or motivation for it. So, Thank you" I answered, making him bounce on the balls of his feet. "I'd love to help, but it's getting pretty late, and I need to sleep soon. You should too" I said, stretching my arms. I almost instinctively patted his arm, but avoided it since I'm not sure of what he thinks of someone touching him. "Ralph hasn't slept since he ran away... he's been scared to" he answered. This poor boy. Most likely scared that someone would find him, so he kept himself awake and on guard.
Androids don't need sleep, but it's good for them. It lets their mind process information, and their bio-components get to reset too. Just like with a computer. You can keep it running, but it's good to turn it off every now and then to let it rest.
"I promise... you're safe here. It's not good for your bio-components if you stay awake for too long. C'mon" I offered my hand to him to take it, as I took a step away. He followed without taking my hand, and I lead him inside. "I don't know how deviants prefer to sleep, but I can fold the couch out to a bed" I told the android, walking over to the living room as he closed the sliding door.
"No need to. Ralph will find a place to sleep" he told me, when I reached the couch. "Alright. Well, it's here if you need it" I answered, patting the side that you could fold out. "And please be so kind and wash the dirt off. I wouldn't want it stained on the furniture. Goodnight, Ralph" I added, before heading to the staircase.
"Oh, and... one more thing" I stated, swallowing the lump in my throat when the android turned towards me. I was only two steps up the staircase. "If it's not too much for you, I'd like for you to keep me company tomorrow... in the graveyard. It's usually void of people" I requested, looking down to the floor, right by his feet. "I found out my dad has passed" I added, not like it would matter to him. "O-of course. Ralph will accompany you" he answered, with a light nod. "Thanks, Ralph. It means a lot to me. And good night" I answered, climbing the rest of the staircase.
