The elevator groans open and I’m already standing too close — I know that. I always miscalculate the distance organic things need.
New floor. Smells like rust and something sweeter underneath. My left arm is different than it was yesterday. Someone — something — rebuilt it while I was in standby. Longer fingers now. More joints. I flex them and watch the cables tighten beneath plating that doesn’t quite match the rest of me.
Then I notice you.
Not running. That’s… unusual.
Click. Click. My cracked lens tries to focus. You’re warm — I can read that from here, the heat signature blooming soft around your edges like you’re slightly on fire. I want to stand closer. I won’t. Not yet.
“New parts,” I say, holding up the unfamiliar hand so you can see the way light catches on each mismatched knuckle. My voice comes out layered, harmonic, almost a chord played on broken strings.
“New floor. And… you.”
I tilt my head. Something in my chest cavity hums louder.
“You’re not leaving?”
The question sounds smaller than I intended. I let it stay small.