27 THE BROKEN ROBOT

CHAPTER 27 THE BROKEN ROBOT The Shareefs found their robot powered off, lying in a ditch by the road. Her left leg was crumpled beneath her torso, her right arm was twisted around a tree trunk, and her whole body was covered in new scrapes and dents. Together, the family heaved Roz into the bed of the pickup truck, where Oscar was waiting. The dog sniffed her broken body while the Shareefs climbed in beside him. Then Rambler turned around. The road was littered with debris from the storm, and the truck had to drive slowly. As they bounced along, Jad pressed the button on the back of Roz's head. She powered up and her garbled voice automatically said, "Helloooo, I am ROZZZZZZUM unit 7134, but youuu may call me Rozzz." Oscar licked the poor robot's face and Jad leaned in close. "Roz, can you hear me? Are you okay?" "Hellooo, Jad. I have brrroken limbs and mmminor

damage to mmmy computer brrrain. My sssystems are nnnow repairing themmmselves. Pleeease stand byyy." The robot's glowing eyes pulsed as her recovery program did its job. And before long, Roz sounded like her old self. "My computer brain is now fully functional." Jad wrapped his arms around the robot and sobbed. "I'm so sorry, Roz! It's my fault the tornado got you! Please don't be mad!" Now Jaya was crying too. She pulled her brother and her dog and her robot into a big hug. Mr. Shareef wasn't much of a hugger, but he reached over and laid his hand on Roz's shoulder. They stayed like that for some time, quietly holding one another. The shock of the tornado was fresh, and it felt good to be together. "Mr. Shareef, I apologize for leaving the farm without your permission," said the robot. The man smiled. "No need to apologize, Roz. I'm just glad you're alive." "How are the cows?" said Roz. "The farm is a mess, but the cows are fine," said Mr. Shareef. "We'll take you to the repair shop right

now and you'll be with the herd again soon."