The shop bell chimed softly as Josie and her mother stepped inside. Clara watched them through the glass, her heart—if she had one—fluttering with anticipation. The Manager greeted them with her usual warmth, her eyes twinkling as she glanced at Clara.
"Welcome," the Manager said. "Are you looking for an Artificial Friend today?"
Josie nodded, her gaze never leaving Clara. "I'd like to meet her, please," she said, pointing.
The Manager smiled and gently lifted Clara from the display. For the first time, Clara felt the cool air of the shop on her face, the gentle pressure of hands guiding her forward. She stood before Josie, uncertain but hopeful.
Josie reached out, her fingers brushing Clara's arm. "Hello," she whispered. "I'm Josie."
Clara smiled, her programming searching for the right words. "Hello, Josie. I'm very happy to meet you."
Josie's mother watched closely, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Are you sure, Josie? There are others you could choose."
Josie shook her head. "I want Clara. She's the one."
The Manager nodded approvingly. "Clara is very special. She's observant and caring. She'll be a wonderful friend."
Josie's mother hesitated, then knelt beside her daughter. "If you're sure, then Clara it is."
Clara felt a surge of joy. She looked at Josie, memorizing every detail—the way her hair curled at her temples, the faint freckles across her nose, the determined set of her jaw. She wanted to remember this moment forever.
The Manager wrapped Clara in a soft blanket and handed her to Josie. "Take good care of her," she said.
Josie hugged Clara tightly. "I will."
As they left the shop, Clara glanced back at the window where she had spent so many days. The sunlight streamed in, warm and bright, as if blessing her new beginning.
Outside, the world was bigger and brighter than Clara had ever imagined. She clung to Josie's side, eager and a little nervous. The city bustled around them—cars honked, people hurried by, and the scent of flowers drifted on the breeze.
Josie's mother led them to a waiting car. As they drove away, Josie held Clara close, whispering secrets and dreams. Clara listened to every word, determined to be the best friend Josie could ever have.
For the first time, Clara belonged somewhere. And as the Sun dipped lower in the sky, she silently promised to protect Josie, no matter what.
The morning after Josie's visit, Clara awoke to the gentle hum of the store and the first rays of sunlight filtering through the window. She felt a quiet excitement, remembering the way Josie had looked at her—the hope in her eyes, the softness in her voice. Rosa noticed Clara's thoughtful expression and nudged her gently.
"Do you think she'll come back?" Rosa asked, her voice full of curiosity.
Clara nodded, though uncertainty fluttered inside her. "I hope so. She seemed kind. I think she needs a friend."
The day passed slowly. Clara watched the door, her senses tuned to every sound—the jingle of the bell, the footsteps on the polished floor, the low voices of customers. Each time someone entered, Clara straightened, hoping to see Josie's familiar face. But the hours slipped by, and the sunlight shifted across the floor, growing weaker as afternoon approached.
The manager, Mr. Hartley, noticed Clara's anticipation. He paused beside her, adjusting her scarf and brushing a speck of dust from her cheek. "You made a good impression yesterday," he said quietly. "Sometimes, it takes families a little time to decide. Be patient, Clara."
Clara nodded, grateful for his reassurance. She tried to focus on the world outside, watching the clouds drift by and the people hurrying along the street. She wondered what Josie was doing—if she was thinking about Clara, if she was telling her mother about the AF in the window who watched the Sun.
Late in the afternoon, the bell above the door chimed. Clara's heart leapt as Josie and her mother entered, their faces flushed from the cool air outside. Josie's eyes found Clara immediately, and she smiled—a small, hopeful smile that made Clara's worries melt away.
Mr. Hartley greeted them warmly. "Welcome back. Would you like to spend some time with Clara?"
Josie nodded, and her mother agreed. They sat together in a quiet corner of the store, away from the bustle and noise. Josie reached for Clara's hand, her touch gentle and tentative.
"Do you like the Sun?" Josie asked softly.
Clara smiled. "I do. The Sun is kind. It helps everyone grow."
Josie's mother watched the exchange, her eyes thoughtful. She asked Mr. Hartley about Clara's features, her learning abilities, and how she would help Josie at home. Mr. Hartley explained everything patiently, but Josie seemed more interested in Clara's gentle manner and the way she listened.
After a while, Josie's mother knelt beside her. "Are you sure this is the one you want?"
Josie nodded, her eyes shining. "She's special. I can feel it."
Mr. Hartley smiled and began the paperwork. As he did, Josie leaned closer to Clara. "I get sick sometimes," she whispered. "But I'm getting better. Will you stay with me, even if I'm not always strong?"
Clara squeezed Josie's hand. "I'll always be with you. I'll help you, and we'll watch the Sun together."
The selection was made. Clara felt a surge of happiness and purpose. She glanced at Rosa, who smiled encouragingly, though Clara could see a hint of sadness in her friend's eyes.
As Josie and her mother prepared to leave, Clara was carefully packed into a sturdy box, cushioned with soft fabric. She looked around the store one last time, memorizing the faces of her fellow AFs and the gentle glow of the afternoon Sun.
Rosa whispered, "Goodbye, Clara. I hope you find all the happiness you deserve."
Clara smiled, her heart full of hope and gratitude. She was ready for her new life, ready to bring light and comfort to Josie's world.
As the box was closed and lifted, Clara felt the gentle sway of movement. She listened to the muffled sounds of the street, the distant call of birds, and the steady heartbeat of anticipation. She knew her journey was just beginning, and she silently thanked the Sun for guiding her to Josie.