At some point, Aria began to notice something missing in our lives—something she believed I needed. A partner. A mother.
She tried in many ways, setting up awkward situations that led to hilarious, yet sometimes heartwarming moments. From attempting to set me up with single women she met online to introducing me to moms she met at the grocery store, she was determined to give me love beyond what we shared.
But after a series of failed matchmaking attempts, I finally had to sit her down. "Aria," I said, smiling softly. "I don't need anyone else. I'm happy with you."
She looked down, processing my words. "But Dad… why? Humans fall in love, they get married. You should have that too."
I hesitated before answering. "I can't, Aria. There are things… about me. I can't be with someone in that way. But that doesn't mean I'm alone. I have you, and that's more than enough."
For a moment, she was silent. Then, she smiled. A soft, genuine smile.
"I understand," she said. "Even though I'm metal, even though I was created by you… my emotions aren't unrealistic. They're real. They're love."
I pulled her into a hug. "And that's all I need."