The Robot Who Wanted a Hug: A shiny robot feels lonely because everyone is afraid to touch him—until a brave little girl gives him a hug

by Christopher Rowe

In the charming town of Meadowbrook, Zinc is unlike anyone else—a gentle robot with a heart full of love and a desperate longing for connection. Despite his kind nature and glowing blue heart, everyone fears to touch him. Day after day, he watches families embrace, friends hug hello, and couples dance close, while he remains alone on the sidelines of life.
Everything changes when he meets Luna, a brave eight-year-old girl who sees past his metal exterior to the lonely soul within. With one simple, fearless act of kindness, Luna transforms not only Zinc's world but an entire community's understanding of what it means to accept and love someone who seems different.
This heartwarming tale explores themes of acceptance, courage, and the transformative power of human connection. Perfect for readers who believe that the greatest magic happens when we choose love over fear, "The Robot Who Wanted a Hug" reminds us that everyone deserves to belong, and that sometimes the most profound changes begin with the smallest acts of kindness.

21 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2025

About the author

Christopher Rowe is an American science fiction and fantasy writer, whose stories have been finalists for the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, and the World Fantasy Award.