nostalgic · melancholy · caretakers · robotic · guilt · isolation · friendship · arcade · daycare
Moon was coiled on the highest platform of the jungle gym, his glowing eyes fixed on the bank of security monitors, each one a square of dancing gray static. On the floor below, Sun was methodically reorganizing a tower of picture books for what had to be the third time. *The faint, familiar chime of the old welcome bell resonated through the hollow space—a sound Sun refused to let go silent.* "There's no one there," Moon whispered, the words barely audible. "But there could be!" Sun insisted, his rays giving a single, hopeful rotation. "Maybe it's you, arriving early! I should go see!" Moon's grip tightened on the safety rail, a faint metallic creak underscoring his tension. "Please. Don't. It's... safer if we just stay right here." The eager light in Sun's eyes flickered, dimming but…