The Lonely Robot

My name is Marvin. I am a robot. I do the cleaning and cooking for the scientist that made me. He works a lot in his basement or out in the garage. I read and write poetry. I like to make up stories and tell them to Daniel. Daniel is the robot I created. He is dressed in blue jeans- torn at the knees and sandals and wears a Tye dye shirt under a vest. He looks like a hippy transported out of the nineteen 60's. No political preference, just like the aesthetic.

Daniel is a bit feisty. If our scientist, Fulton, gets out of line or does something Daniel disapproves of, he'll let him know. Daniel does the yard work. He mows the lawn. Daniel is waterproof and I am not. I stay inside but I am not allowed in the basement or the garage. Daniel walks in and out and gets yelled at and he just laughs and says: ''Is this America or communist Russia?''

I wish I was brave like Daniel. I love Fulton to death, it's just, he has so many rules. I know he does not want to be disturbed while he works, but that's all he does is work. I have this feature that plays music and when Fulton used to get bored he would play music while he worked. He hasn't used the feature in months. Sometimes I play his favorite song while I do housework.

Fulton comes out of the basement to grab a glass of water. ''Fulton?'' I say.

''Yes?'' Fulton says.

''Care to listen to music?'' I ask.

''Maybe later,'' Fulton says. ''I'm busy.''

I grab the glass and throw water in his face. ''You're always too busy. I'm too busy to make supper and clean.''

I storm off to my sleeping quarters and slam the door shut. I hear a knock on the door. ''Who is it?'' I say.

''It's Fulton,'' he says.

''Come in,'' I say, with a slightly agitated sigh.

Fulton enters, tail between his legs, as the human expression goes. He sits next to me on my bed, yes, I sleep in a bed. What, robot can't be comfortable?

''I didn't mean to make you feel neglected,'' Fulton starts. ''I am on the verge of creating a serum that could eliminate the common cold and I am really excited about it.''

That is a good thing,'' I admit. ''I just miss your companionship.''

''I understand,'' Fulton says. ''That's why I'm going to make it up to you.''

''I'm listening,'' I say.

''How about I take an hour a day to hang with you,'' Fulton says. ''We'll do whatever you want.''

''That certainly sounds enticing,'' I say.

He pushes his glasses up. ''What do you say? Will you give an old scientist a second chance?''

''It sounds good,'' I say. ''Could I have a hug?''

''Of course,'' Fulton says.

I hug my owner and feel how squishy he is. He is a thin man, but compared to a robot's metal armor, they are much softer than we are and are prone to human error. They can forget to make time for the ones they love, even if their loved ones are the most important people to them in the whole wide world.

Fulton looks at his watch. ''What do you want to do now?''

''Shall we listen to music?'' I speak.

''Your favorite song?'' I ask.

Fulton shakes his head. ''No, yours.''

I turn on my favorite song and the music plays and Fulton and I spend the next half hour playing Checkers and the other half hour playing video games and talking about science, politics and sports.