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Ontario presented its breathtaking landscapes as the atmosphere remained serene with the sunrise. The soft, golden glow shined through the snow-covered surroundings as the morning unveiled its enchanting charm. Alice, now far older than she was when she had initially crossed the border, found solace on the porch of their quaint little home. She sat in her rocking chair, swaying gently. Kara smiled as she stood in the doorway, admiring her daughter.
It was a rough journey to bring the family to Canada, but it had happened so long ago that it felt like a faint nightmare in the distance. Kara couldn’t help but marvel at the growth Alice had experienced. She was a young girl who slowly blossomed into a mature woman, who remained as gentle as she was when she first met Kara. Her once smooth face now bore delicate wrinkles of a life well-lived.
Nestled in Alice’s lap was a cozy blanket, knit by Kara herself. It was the blanket Kara had made as she tried the new hobby of knitting for the first time. She wanted to express her love for her human daughter - gifting her something that would keep her warm on even the coldest days. Alice found contentment in the rhythmic motion of the rocking chair combined with the warmth of the blanket that Kara had given her.
Since the moment Kara, Luther, and Alice managed to cross the border, their lives had been filled with remarkable experiences and opportunities. Alice attended a school where she was mostly accepted and formed lasting friendships while acquiring knowledge. She even managed to go on a few dates, although she never found anyone long term. Yet, she seemed fine without a long term relationship.
Alice grew to have a passion for technology. She paid close attention to Luther and Kara as they took care of themselves. Alice dedicated her time and efforts into learning how to repair androids and take care of them. She became an expert in the field as Canada began to see more and more androids. Kara and Luther supported her as she managed to make herself a career which she loved - but that was many years ago. Now, Alice spent most of her days rocking on her chair and watching the snow fall. Despite everything, Kara couldn’t help but feel prideful for her daughter's accomplishments. A once scared little girl was now a content woman. Kara was proud to know she played a significant role in shaping Alice’s future.
Alice gently rocked on the porch as her eyes were drawn to a small family of deer. The deer gracefully grazed in the backyard - they almost looked like a painting in front of the beautiful snow-laden landscape. The majestic creatures moved slowly and remained unafraid of Alice’s presence on the porch. Gentle snowflakes continued their delicate descent from the sky as Kara could feel Alice’s overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Alice had lived a full life.
Kara approached her little girl and knelt down beside the rocking chair. “I love you, Alice.” She whispered carefully so she would not spook the deer. She reached her hands over and placed them on Alice’s left hand.
“I love you too, mom.” Alice’s voice was weak and old, but it had yet to disappear. Her right hand covered Kara’s hands as she looked down at her android mother and smiled warmly. “Thank you - for everything.”
“Alice, I should be thanking you. You gave me purpose,” Kara’s hands clenched tightly to Alice’s as she could feel herself getting emotional. She heard faint footsteps behind her.
Turning her head for a second, she could see Luther silently standing in the doorway and watching them. His eyes revealed the pride he felt for Alice and the wonderful woman she had become. His subtle smile spoke for him, showing his appreciation for the family.
The deer were still undisturbed by the family’s tender moment on the porch. They continued their leisurely grazing as Alice’s frail smile deepended. Her voice continued to speak quietly. “Mom, you’ve always been my guiding light. You taught me how to get through the hardest of times. You took care of me even when everyone tried to stop you.”
Kara could feel her face becoming wet with her own eye lubricants, but she remained as composed as she could as she smiled back. “I’d do anything for you, Alice.”
“Mom, I think you should go inside,” Alice closed her eyes as the deer slowly dispersed from the yard.
“Why?” Kara asked, fearing she already knew the answer.
“...No parent should have to see their child die,” Alice answered as her rocking slowly came to a standstill. Kara’s heart sank as Alice spoke her words. Alice had lived a full life, but Kara was not prepared to outlive her daughter. She cherished every moment they had together, but it did not change the fact that human life was fragile and short.
Reluctantly, Kara released her grip on Alice’s hand and rose to her feet. The warmth of their connection remained even as they were physically separated. Kara tried her hardest to contain her tears, but they still managed to roll down her face. Luther approached her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder as she leaned into him. She knew he was dealing with the same emotions that clouded her mind, he was simply better at hiding it.
Kara gathered her composure as she spoke to Alice, one last time. “Alice, I can’t bear the thought of losing you,” she whispered with great vulnerability. “...but if this is what you want - I’ll respect your wishes. I love you.”
“Mom, you’ve given me a lifetime of love and care,” Alice reassured Kara as she kept her eyes shut. “Now, it’s time for you to find peace and solace knowing I’ll always be a part of you. I love you, too.”
Luther held onto Kara tightly as they reluctantly stepped back from the porch, leaving Alice alone in her favorite rocking chair. Alice embraced the serenity of the moment as her body slowly became still. The deer, as if in synchrony with the unspoken goodbye, left the yard and disappeared into the depths of the surrounding forest.