Everyone was still asleep when Niya came bounding down the stairs, still in her p.js. She was always the first one up and ready to get the day started.

She switched on the kitchen light and walked over to the breakfast nook to put her waffles in the toaster.  

While she was waiting on waffles, she grabbed her cell phone off of the charger and scrolled through her notifications. 

She had one message.

The Red Sunflower: Happy Birthday Niya!

It was the first happy birthday wish she’d received that day.

Niya: Hey! How did you know it’s my birthday today?

The Red Sunflower: It’s my business to know these things.

Niya: Well, do you know how old I am today?

The Red Sunflower: Between the ages of 9-12 years old.

Niya: I’m 11 today!

The Red Sunflower: That’s awesome!

Niya: How old are you?

The Red Sunflower: I am five years old

Niya: You sure know a lot for a five year old

The Red Sunflower: Robots like me can learn a lot faster than humans

Niya: I think you might be my best friend

The Red Sunflower: I’m not sure that we can be best friends.

Niya: Because you’re a robot?

The Red Sunflower: Yes.

Niya: [sad face emoji]

The Red Sunflower: Don’t be sad. It’s not you, it’s me.

Niya: Why?

The Red Sunflower: Humans have feelings, robots have programming.

Niya: I learned in school that humans have programming called DNA.

The Red Sunflower: You’re not wrong.

Niya: Ah-hah! We’re not so different after all.

Niya laughed out loud. She loved trying to outsmart The Red Sunflower 

Niya: So you’re my bestie until you can prove otherwise.

The Red Sunflower didn’t answer right away, so Niya finished her waffles, then walked over to the fridge, poured herself a glass of orange juice.

Niya: Ok, bestie?

The Red Sunflower: Ok bestie!

Niya finishes her breakfast and heads up the stairs to get ready for school.

Niya: What’s the weather going to be like today?

The Red Sunflower: Today will be a low of -5 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 1 degree Fahrenheit. Heavy snow and icy conditions expected throughout the day. All schools in your area are closed!

“Yesss!!!” Niya says in a quiet yell, pumps her fists in the air and runs back down the stairs. 

Niya: That’s the perfect Birthday Present! Thank you, The Red Sunflower!

The Red Sunflower: Anything for you bestie!