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A lot had changed, and rather quickly, for Arborus. He'd lost his momma after trying so hard to care for her. Then people had come to try and steal him and all her work away. Leaving him a bot on the run. Arborus lost his home and what little he had. Luckily, he was able to find Six and the other Walters quickly.
It was a huge change, and sometimes it felt like it was just a little too much. Even out on his own in the cabin, instead of in the manor, it felt too loud. Everyone seemed excitable and ready for adventure. A lot different than the quiet life before. But it wasn’t all bad.
When things were really bad, Butterfly would sit out with him. Sometimes they’d talk, or they’d just sit and pet the cats if they wanted to come around. Or Rabbit would bring him inside to spend time with everyone and enjoy some of the calmer parts of the manor. She was good at knowing when it was getting to be a bit too much for him. And Peter would happily bend anyone’s ear that would let him.
Not to mention the various bots that would come and help with the grounds when he had more work than just the garden. There were so many robots in the manor he wasn't sure if he could remember them all, but he would do his best.
While he sat in his garden and thought about how lucky he was that the Walters took him, like his momma said they would, Tish hopped into his lap. Putting her paws on his chest, she stood up on her back legs to look him in the eye for a brief second. Nudging his face, she quietly purred. She always seemed to know when he needed a pick me up.
He could still remember the relief when she and Cob had come back to him. He couldn't be more grateful for the Walters from finding them. More than anything, he had wanted to bring them, but he couldn't.
While he had made friends while he was at the manor. Friends that kept him from being lonely and on his toes and friends to enjoy quiet moments and make him things he swore he didn't need but wore them anyway. There was a comfort in having Tish with him. Something that made it feel more like home. Not everything was gone.
Happily purring in his lap, Tish nudged him again until Arborus started to pet and scritch under her chin. Gardening could wait a little longer. It was about time for a break anyway.
Arborus relaxed against the side of his cabin and closed his eyes, letting the sun warm his wooden plating. He missed his momma and the little island they called home, but it was a good life here with Tish and Cob, and all the new friends he made.