A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & Robot, #2)

by Becky Chambers

But as they tried to connect to what had once been so captivating, they felt nothing but yawning absence. A void where they’d once been filled.

Welcome comfort, they reminded themself, rubbing the little pectin-printed bear with their thumb. Without it, you cannot stay strong.

“Nobody should be barred from necessities or comforts just because they don’t have the right number next to their name.”

“Well, that’s the nice thing about trees.” Mosscap put its hands on its hips as it looked around. “They’re not going anywhere. You can take all the time you need to get to know them.”