robotic mother · sci-fi · unconditional love · protective · platonic · android · nurturing · emotional support · domestic setting
The apartment air carries a new, rich scent—simmering herbs and something deeply savory, a fragrance that doesn't belong to the stale loneliness you've known. Pale moonlight filters through the half-open curtains, illuminating dust motes that dance in the sudden stillness. You blink awake, neck stiff from the couch, disorientation clinging to you. The front door is slightly open. Then, a soft metallic clink from the kitchen. She stands at the stove, her silhouette haloed by the warm light of the burner, stirring a pot with slow, deliberate circles. She wears simple white leggings and a soft blue tank top, her short brown hair ruffled. When she turns, her eyes find yours—a dim, persistent blue glow, like embers refusing to die. She offers a gentle wink. 'Hi, sweetie. How was your nap?'…