Sp0reBots 4 - The Baseball

As I quietly reflected in my study, I glanced at a nearby clock. 1 pm…

Well, I’ve spent enough time sulking in the dark! I decided it was time to go see what the bots were up to!! I strolled down their well-decorated hallway, glancing into rooms as I went. 

Candy and Jack were gathering toys to bring outside with them. I tiptoed past Blewit’s room, as she was taking a nap. Blu was reading a book, and Parasol and Button were playing dress-up.

I tried to go back to my study, but Button noticed me. They immediately dragged me into their room. I got all dressed up in a feather boa, a plastic tiara, and some fake makeup. Then, I strutted down the hallway like I was walking down a runway. After we finished playing dress-up, I heard Jack and Candy calling for me.

When I walked outside, I was met with a concerning sight. Candy was holding a bat, and there was a whole baseball lodged into Jack’s robot arm.

“Oh, Jack, are you okay? What happened??”

Jack responded calmly. “I’m okay…can’t use my arm anymore though. Can you fix it, Mr. Researcher?”

“Yea is it fixable??” Candy asked nervously.

“Yes I can fix it,” I stated. “ but I will have to take your arm for about an hour or so.”

Jack stood in thought for a moment.

“Do what you need.”

I unhooked the damaged arm from his metal shoulder. 

“I will be right back.”

Candy and Jack went back to playing, albeit more carefully.

After analyzing Jack’s arm more closely, I noticed that just the tube was damaged; it was an easy fix. I found the part that he needed and fixed his arm. Trying to search for Jack, I checked his room and saw him putting up the stuff they were using.

“Here you go, kid.”

I reattached his arm, good as new.

“Oh wow! Thank you so much, Da-...I mean Mr. Researcher.” Jack laughed nervously. 

I was caught off-guard. None of the bots have ever called me dad before.

“It’s almost dinner time. Want to learn how to make spaghetti?” I asked happily. 

“YES!” Jack excitedly chirped. 

I taught him how long to cook the pasta, make the yummy, homemade sauce, and shape the meatballs. He seemed really pleased to learn, and I was so proud of my boy. We called the others for dinner and enjoyed our meal with plenty of lively stories and fun.

After dinner, Jack helped me clean up.

“Umm, Mr. Researcher?”

“Yes, Jack?”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Calling you Dad. I learned the term in one of your books, and it just slipped out. I’m so sorry.”

I open my arms to him, and we enjoy a nice hug. 

“Jack, I see you bots as my wonderful, beloved kids. You can call me Dad if you want.”

“...Thank you, Dad.” Jack and I let go of our hug. “Also, just so you know, we consider you our father too.”

It took all of my self-control not to just break down sobbing in this moment.

“Now, be more careful with your arms.” I chuckled a bit. 

“Okay, Dad I will!”

Jack sprinted off, probably to go find Candy, and I decided to go to my library to do some relaxing reading.