To Clean With Love: A Tale in three parts
Beginnings
The year was 1999, Julian sat in front of the TV, watching a commercial for Shadyside amusement park.
The small Gameboy, who they all called Pixel, sat on Julian's head.
Of course, Julian didn't mind.
"So, uh, Big Master runs this place?" Pixel asked.
"Yeah," Julian replied. "And I'm going there."
Pixel's "face" shifted. "Serves me right for staying in the bedroom."
The small handheld was Julian's very close friend, though Pixel always wanted to be more than that.
Master walked in, excitedly talking on the phone.
"Congratulations, Edwin. You definitely earned your place in your company. That coaster, and the surrounding area, is sure to be a hit."
Julian was wheeled away.
Pixel sat on the couch, a pixellated tear trickling down his "face".
He couldn't let the other appliances in the living room see him like this... so he went to his room: Mr. Schultz's daughter's room.
Megan loved video games. A Nintendo 64 sat below the TV.
"What's wrong?" the console asked.
"Nothing..." Pixel lied.
"Oh, come on," Deedee said. "Something's gotta be bothering you." She extended her controller.
"It's just..." Pixel replied. "Julian."
"Oh, the vacuum? That hunk?"
Pixel shuddered. "That's kinda the reason why I'm upset. I love him and he's... not in the house anymore."
"Take your vacuum to work day?" Deedee laughed.
"More like leave your vacuum at work," Pixel said. The image of a slightly happier face appeared on his screen.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. He's been cleaning up the toughest of messes here at the house."