6 THE MATE

CHAPTER 6 THE MATE The robot had a simple home in the forest. It was a dome made of wood and rock and mud, with a low doorway at one end. Inside, the walls were lined with stone benches, and in the center of the space was a firepit for those cold winter nights. Outside, the dome was surrounded by a lush garden of wildflowers and herbs and berry bushes. Roz called her home the Nest. Brightbill and his mate would soon be arriving at the Nest, and Roz wanted everything to be perfect. A cloud of dust billowed out the door as she tidied up the interior. And then came Brightbill's voice from the garden. "We're here, Ma!" Roz crouched and stepped out of the doorway. It was a bright, beautiful day, and sunlight streaked down through the canopy of leaves and branches. Among the sun-dappled flowers stood Brightbill and a female goose. "Ma, this is Glimmerwing." Brightbill motioned to the goose at his side.

"Hello, Glimmerwing," said the robot. "It is lovely to meet you." "Please, call me Glimmer," said the goose. "Of course, I've seen you around the island, but it's so nice to actually meet you!" Glimmer fluttered up to Roz's shoulder and gave her a big hug. "What should I call you?" said Glimmer. "Roz? Ma? Ms. Robot?" "Please, call me Roz." The three of them spent the afternoon together. They talked about Glimmer's family and the loss of her parents. Later, Roz lightened the mood with stories of Brightbill from when he was young. The conversation flowed smoothly until Roz brought up one particular subject. "I have prepared the Nest, and you may move in

whenever you like," said the robot to the geese. "It will be wonderful to have your company!" The geese looked at each other. "Oh, um, you see, Ma…" Brightbill was struggling to find the right words. "Glimmer and I thought we'd live in our own nest. You know, like other geese." The robot thought for a moment and said, "It is only natural for two mates to want some privacy." "Thank you for understanding," said Glimmer. "I will build you a new nest," said Roz. "I know exactly how to weave together grasses and twigs. It will be my gift to you, to celebrate your union." The geese looked at each other. "Yeah, well, about that…" Brightbill was struggling to find the right words again. "Glimmer and I want to build our own nest, in our own way." "But we appreciate the kind offer," said Glimmer. "You're not upset, are you, Ma?" said Brightbill. "Who? Me? Upset? Do not be silly! I completely understand that you would want to start your life together by building a nest. If you ever need anything from me, all you have to do is ask."