My Mother

I saw a woman, she was startled seeing me. But why? Did I looked scary?
So I smiled. In this container where I can breath in, she came closer.
She seems kind.

Then unexpectedly, she finally let me out of the chamber and wrapped me with her large white coat.

The woman brought me to her house, there I met a fun talking flat screen.
He was furious but the woman's gentle expression stay on me.

She told me her name is Leia and from now on, I'll be living with her.
And from now on, my name is Eve. I like that name.

She brought me home, gave me name, gave me clothes, gave me food, gave me a place to stay and make me feel safe. Who is she to me exactly?

That was almost a year ago, I have experienced many things and learn a lot of words and things from books and TV.
Today I had a question. It was a big one. So I decided to ask everyone I knew.  

"What's a mother like?"  

First, I asked Rika. She always talks so nicely about her mom. "My mother is kind," Rika said, smiling softly. "She always makes time for me, no matter how busy she is. Even when I mess up, she helps me figure things out."  

That sounded nice. I imagined Rika’s mom as someone warm and gentle, maybe like the soft blankets Leia keeps on the couch.  

Then I asked Ellen. Ellen tilted her head, looking like she wasn’t sure how to explain. "My mother is... strict," She said, folding her arms. "She wants me to be perfect all the time. It’s hard, but I think she loves me in her own way."  Then she huffed, crossing her arms and glaring at Piz, who had snuck into her bag and stolen a small pouch. Ellen shot up, wagged her finger, and managed to scold the puppy so thoroughly that he dropped the pouch and slunk behind me with his tail tucked. Piz, scared of Ellen. That was something I never thought I’d see. Strict must mean scary.

Strict sounded scary, but Ellen didn’t seem mad about it. 

After that, I found Leo. He was quiet for a moment before saying, "My mom passed away when I was little." He smiled, but it was a small, sad smile.

Should I feel bad or....?

"She was the best. She always made me feel like I could do anything. I wish I could remember more about her."  

I couldn’t imagine not having Leia. 

Last, I went to Maria. Maria was watering her plants, and she paused when I asked her the question. She looked at the flowers for a long time before saying, "My mother and I... didn’t always get along."  

She didn’t explain much more, but her voice was soft, and her smile was kind. "But I think being a mother is about trying your best, even if it doesn’t always work out." 

I didn’t really understand everything they said. But I thought about it for a long time. Everyone’s mom seemed so different.  

And then I thought about Leia. Does that make Leia my mother? She’s not always spoiled me like Rika’s mom because she usually busy, or strict like Ellen’s.

A week past and here I am, in the middle of the theme park as my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar figure—tall, serious, slightly awkward in public spaces. But no sign of Leia.
This theme park was just opened recently and she brought me here. We were having fun not long ago.

"She’s lost," I muttered, crossing my arms. "Again."

It wasn’t the first time. Leia had a habit of wandering off, probably distracted by some shiny gadget or an interesting billboard about energy-efficient roller coasters. I sighed dramatically, shaking my head.

"Honestly, how does a grown up lose themselves in a place like this?" I mumbled, ignoring the fact that the crowd was chaotic. People bumped past me, kids screamed joyfully, and a giant plush mascot waddled nearby, handing out balloons.

I stood confidently. "She’ll find me," I declared. "After all, I’ve been standing here for a whole… uh…" I checked the time on a nearby clock tower. "Ten minutes. Yeah, she’s definitely coming."

But ten minutes turned into fifteen. Then twenty.

And then it hit me.

“Wait.” I blinked, glancing around. The sea of faces, the colorful stalls, the blinking lights—none of it looked familiar anymore. My confident stance wavered.

"Am… am I the one who’s lost?"

The realization hit me like a water balloon to the face. My hands flew to my cheeks in dramatic shock.

"Oh no. Leia’s not lost- I am!"
I began to walked left and right on the same spot.
"Okay, Eve, stay calm,” I told myself, trying to sound brave. My voice wavered. "Leia always says, when in doubt, use logic. So logically…"

I paused, looking around again.

"...Logically, I’m doomed."

I took a deep breath and started walking. Maybe if I retraced my steps, I’d find Leia—or at least stumble upon a map. Or a sign. Or even a friendly park staff member who didn’t look terrifying in a giant animal costume. But with every turn, the park seemed bigger, louder, and more confusing. The bright colors and cheerful noises that were fun earlier now felt overwhelming.

"Leia?" I called out, my voice soft at first. Then louder. "Leia?!"

Panic bubbled up in my chest, and before I knew it, tears welled up in my eyes. My lips quivered as I sat down on a nearby bench, clutching my knees. I tried to wipe my eyes, but the tears kept coming.

"Leia…" I sniffled. "I want Leia…"

Out of nowhere, my shoulder got touch and it startled me. I was really scared but when I turned, I see a familiar face.
"Are you okay?" Eden asked, she's wearing the theme park headband.
Not suit her very well with her straight face.

I sniffed before answer her with a shaky tone. "I lost Leia...."

"Do you mean your mother? The tired looking woman with piercing eyes?"

I wiped away the tears, I don't know how to respond, she's not technically my mother but her description of her is right. 

Eden crouched slightly, giving me a reassuring smile as she extended her hand again. "Come on. Hop on my back. It’ll be easier for you to spot Leia from up high."
I hesitated, staring at her in surprise. "On your back? Are you sure?"
I gaze down looking at her robot leg.

"I’m tall enough to give you a good view looking for your mother. Plus, my legs are pretty strong." She gave a playful pat to her mechanical leg, the polished metal glinting in the sunlight. 

Curiosity sparked inside me, but I focused on climbing onto her back first. Once I was settled, Eden adjusted her hold to make sure I was secure before standing up.

"Whoa…" I muttered, gripping her shoulders as I took in the sea of people and the vibrant attractions from my elevated view. I want to be tall too.

Eden starting to walk slowly through the crowd.
As we moved, my gaze wandered down to her legs again. One of them moved seamlessly, but the other, made of intricate metal and joints, caught my attention.

"Eden," I said after a moment, leaning forward slightly. "Your leg… Was you hurt?"
Her steps slowed briefly, but she didn’t seem bothered. Instead, she glanced over her shoulder with a smile.
Eden laughed softly, her tone light. "This leg of mine was not very much helping with my life so my I'm glad it got replaced by this strong leg I got now."

I listen to her thoughtfully. "Were you sad?"

"Very," She said with a playful tone. "I had the passion to do many things but not the ability to be able to." She continued. "I almost give up on living, wondering why am I born like this. Then.."
"Then?" I curious.

"My grandpa build this leg. He was the one that has been supporting me."

Her grandpa build the robot leg, is her grandpa a scientist and an inventor too?
"That is so cool, your grandpa must be really smart right?"
Eden giggled. "He's not the type to rely on technology much despite having the knowledge. Even now he struggle with back pain even though there's a technology that can support him." She sighed. "It's like he was only waiting for fate to take him."

Does she's mean die? I read that it's a scary things.

I giggled resting my chin on her shoulder as I kept scanning the crowd. "You’re really nice, Eden. And brave too."
"Nah, I’m just me. Now, let’s find your mother before she starts panicking more than you did."

I tightened my grip on her shoulders, feeling grateful. "Okay!"

But not a moment after, I suddenly heard it. Leia’s voice calling out, desperately.
"Eve! Eve, where are you?!"

My head shot up, and I tugged lightly on Eden’s shoulder. "I hear her! That’s Leia!"
Eden stopped immediately, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. 
"Over there!" I pointed toward the sound, my heart pounding with relief. Eden picked up her pace, moving expertly through the maze of people until Leia came into view.

She stood a short distance away, looking around frantically, her usually calm demeanor replaced with sheer panic. Not until when she saw us.
"Eve!" She cried, her voice breaking.

Eden crouched down quickly, letting me slide off her back. I barely had time to land on my feet before Leia was running toward me.

She dropped to her knees, pulling me into a tight hug that knocked the air out of me. Her arms trembled as she held me close.

"Leia…?" I whispered, pulling back slightly. Her face was streaked with tears, her expression one of pure relief and overwhelming emotion.
"I thought I lost you," She choked out, her voice shaking. “I was so scared, Eve…”

I stared at her, wide-eyed. Leia, who always seemed so composed, so unshakable, was crying. For me.

"Leia…" My chest felt tight, and I hugged her back, burying my face in her shoulder. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get lost…"

She stroked my hair gently, holding me even closer. ''It’s okay, Eve. You’re safe now. That’s all that matters."

Behind us, Eden stood quietly, giving us space.

After a few moments, Leia pulled back slightly, cupping my cheeks with her hands. Her thumbs wiped away tears I hadn’t even realized I’d shed. She gave me a shaky smile, her eyes still glistening. "Stay close to me from now on."
I nodded, my own voice trembling. "I promise."

I turned to thanks Eden but she already gone.
I think she continue her time here because despite looking like emotionless doll, she still enjoying her times in this theme park and she let me borrowed some of her time.

Leia stood up slowly, still holding my hand tightly. "Let’s head home," She said softly, looking at me with a tenderness that made me feel warm inside despite the chilly air.

I clutching Leia’s hand as we began to walk away.

Leia's hand is warm.