I come to a stop. I can’t cross. There is nowhere for me to cross the road. I need to, the map is telling me to and I know that my destination is down the turning on the other side of the road but there is nowhere for me to cross. I don’t know what to do. I flick through my cameras as a car roars past me, trying to find somewhere to cross.
There are some traffic lights far ahead of me as well as the crossing behind me that I was pushed across against my will but they are too far in the distance. I don’t know how long it will take me to get to them and what if more people arrive and try to help me again? It would take too long. I’m not sure how long my journey has taken so far or how much extra time the journey across the road added but I know that it definitely had added some time.
The woman from before might be right, I realise. What if I have frozen food in me or ice cream or something? Would it melt? Or could it be ruined? I’d only managed to see a couple of the items as they were put in my bag and I’m not sure if they’re frozen or not but what if they are? What if I was right and some of the items are presents, frozen presents? My entire order, my entire delivery could be for nothing. I refuse to let that happen.
Determination increased.
Speed 1/10 Hope 3.7/10 Determination 6.2/10 Happiness 6.4/10 Pride 4.2/10 Battery 92%
I feel the determination surging through me. I will not let my delivery be ruined. Plus, the shopkeeper said that he’d wait for me to get back before he goes home, I can’t be late and make him stay. It’s Christmas Eve, surely he has better places to be than in the shop! I have made my decision.
I edge towards the road, looking at the pavement on the other side. There’s a lip there so I’ll be able to get back on it fine but there is no lip on my side. I will just need to hope for the best. My wheels will be able to make it. I am strong and steady enough to manage this. I scan the road again, checking to make sure that no cars are coming. They are not. The road is empty and dim from the widely spaced street lights. There is no point in hesitating any longer, I tell myself. I have made my decision, even if I am a little scared by it.
I roll closer to the edge of the pavement again, glancing at the road, before surging forwards. There’s a brief moment, a mere millisecond, where my front wheels are off the pavement but my back wheels are not. I am falling, careening through the air far too quickly. It’s a familiar feeling though, one from my life before, but I cannot linger on it for long because my front wheels crash into the slush-covered road just as my back wheels leave solid ground.
I am still for just a few seconds as I scan my screens and cameras, searching for any sign of damage or injury.
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Pride increased.
Speed 1/10 Hope 3.7/10 Determination 6.2/10 Happiness 6.4/10 Pride 4.5/10 Battery 92%
I did it. I’m not damaged, there is no sign of anything bad happening. I will complete the delivery in time, I will not ruin or negatively impact someone’s Christmas. Pride and determination are still dancing within me as I zip across the road and join the path on the other side. It takes no time, not really. I feel like I am moving faster, even if my speed stat has not increased. Maybe it is just my mood. I am more determined and that is making me feel faster.
It isn’t long before I am on the high street, scanning the houses to find number forty-four. My map is telling me that the destination is a few houses further along but I spot the numbers and come to a stop.
“Please continue towards your destination,” the voice tells me.
My vision flicks towards the house number again. The map is incorrect. It happens semi often, I’m used to it by now.
“I have arrived at my destination,” I tell the voice.
“Are you certain?”
“Yes,” I say, checking once more.
“I have reported the inaccuracy. Would you like to inform the customer that you have arrived?” the voice asks me.
“Yes, please!” I cry.
I wait excitedly for someone to come out, my camera fixed on the front door of the house. I can’t wait to complete my order, I think to myself before something tickles at the back of my mind. I might sing again. The person might have chosen a song for me to sing! I am filled with joy and excitement at the concept of being able to sing to people again and being able to listen to the strange music that people in this world seem to enjoy. I’m not sure what to expect but I can’t wait to find out.
The person opens their front door and I roll towards them slightly as they gasp and turn around.
“Lena, did you order a GroceRover?” I hear him shout but there is happiness in his voice. A softness or gentleness that I recognise for some reason.
There is no answer for a moment but a woman appears in the doorway after a while.
“Yes,” she says in a stubborn tone. “I told you it’s not safe for you to go out on Christmas Eve. It’s icy and people are going to be out drinking. I don’t want to risk it.”
The man’s face scrunches up into a smile and he glances back at me.
“I told you that I don’t mind. I’m the one who forgot the potatoes and I don’t want you going without roasties on Christmas day. We both know they’re the best part of the meal!” he says.
“They are,” the woman allows, “which is why I ordered this for you instead of you having to drive down and get some.”
He turns towards the woman.
“I love you. I’m going to make you the best roast potatoes of your life.”
Her hand comes up to caress his cheek as she smiles lovingly at him.
“That’ll be tough. I still have dreams about the ones you made last year,” she teases before glancing at me. “Aren’t you going to go and see what I ordered?”
The man looks at me, his expression a mixture of apprehensive and excited.
“You mean, you didn’t just order potatoes?”
The woman laughs softly and leans against the doorframe.
“Of course not. There’s a minimum delivery spend.”