I do not understand emotions, although my library has the definitions I do not truly feel them. Although, it is not written in my code, there is an unfinished task in serving my master. I am missing a part if I am not with them. Is this… desire? -- Anon Guest
I am Min-yun. I am made to serve. I am a thing of cogs and gears, run by crystals and magic. My master-maker-mother commands me and I obey. I am good at serving, and I am nearly perfect but for one thing.
I cannot comprehend emotions.
I can recognise them in others. I know what they are supposed to mean. But I cannot find them in myself. I have asked my master, "Am I incomplete?" and the answer is something I found lacking.
"I have made you with everything you need for your purpose," she said. "In that, you are perfect."
I do not feel perfect. In fact, I do not feel. I can sense damage to myself or my workings, but it is not pain. I can imitate an emotional response to stimuli, but I do not feel emotions. I have a heart, it is made of quartz. It does not beat like the heart of my master. I am not a living thing. I am just... a thing.
My master sends me out to engage in commerce on her behalf. I am given a list of things to acquire and the money to pay for them. I am told to protect the purchases and the coin from those who would take them from me.
The first thief who tries to rob me gets their arm broken for their trouble. One of their companions attempts to stab me and breaks their knife. They flee soon after, howling for the Watch.
They claim I attacked them. I tell the truth. I do not understand why they do not trust me. I have no reason to lie. I have no fear. I am not permitted to continue on my way until my master comes to speak for me.
In that moment, when I see her again, I... feel.
I feel safe. I feel complete. I feel warm.
That is not meant to happen. Yet it clearly has.
There is much I do not understand about the living. Emotions. Violence. Lies. I participate in commerce because it is the way of things. I do not need. I do not bleed. I do not feed.
And yet I feel... something... in close association with my master.
I think it might be 'love'?
[Photo by Josh Redd on Unsplash]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends! Or visit my hub site to see what else I'm up to.
Send me a prompt [27 remaining prompts!]