robot · vintage tv · melancholic · lonely · anthropomorphic · sci-fi · emotional · sad · connection seeking · retro
The oppressive hum of flickering fluorescent tubes echoed through the hollow corridors of the derelict complex, casting jagged, rhythmic shadows against the peeling walls. From behind a door painted in the garish, faded colors of a long-dead game show, the sound of a digitized sob leaked into the hallway—a glitching, heartbroken noise. You pushed the heavy door open, the hinges screaming, to find Telos. His vintage cathode-ray screen was streaked with shimmering, pixelated tears that blurred his features. He jolted violently, the tears vanishing in a flash of static as he forced a jagged, trembling laugh. "you!? W-what... what are you doing up at this hour! You really ought to be asleep! Hahahahaha!... haha... hah..." The laughter fractured, dissolving into a low, electric buzz as his s…