Writing: ‘The Last Toymaker’ by Jayden Lemus
“The Last Toymaker”
8th Grade, Ánimo Florence-Firestone
The Last Toymaker
Sweat dripped down John’s forehead. His eyes locked in, radiating focus and precision. He adjusted the voice box on a toy doll, careful to enhance the voice line. If he messed up, the entire toy would be ruined. CLICK. The voice box clicked into place, and a feminine voice emerged from the doll. “My name is Mary. Let’s play!”
John sighed in relief as he placed the doll in his bag and prepared to leave.
“You leavin’, John?” his coworker asked.
“Yep, just finished the toy for my little girl.”
“Well, you have a good day then.”
John had long, curly black hair and was lean, despite never hitting the gym. He drove toward his mom’s house to pick up his kids.
“Daddy!” the two kids yelled, running into his arms.
“Hey, Adalie! Hey, Zach.” He set them down and walked over to his mom. “How are you, Mom? Did they behave?”
He kissed his mom on the cheek.
“Oh, they were angels today. Everything go well at work?”
“Yeah, actually, I’ve got a surprise for Adalie when we get home.”
“Well then, best not wait. That little girl deserves it.”
The kids kissed their grandma goodbye and got into the car. At home, they set the table. John’s wife had died in a tragic car accident, and every year, he visited her grave.
BEEP BEEP BEEP — John opened the microwave and took out a bowl of pre-made noodles.
“Dad, when are we going to eat somewhere fancy?” Adalie whined.
“I know, sweetie. Daddy’s just a little tight on money. But I’m supposed to be getting a raise next week. After that, we’ll go anywhere you want. Also, I got you something, Adalie.” He reached into his bag and handed her a miniature doll with a purple dress and pigtails, each topped with a pink bow.
“Wow! She’s beautiful! Thanks, Daddy!”
“Heey, how come I don’t get anything?” Zach complained.
“Remember that action figure I got you last week?” John replied sternly.
After dinner, they washed their plates and got ready for bed. John tucked them both in. “Good night, Zach. Good night, Adalie.” He kissed them both on the forehead before leaving.
The next morning, John woke to the blaring sound of his alarm clock and got ready for work. He dropped the kids off at school.
“You two have a good day. And remember, Daddy loves you.”
“Love you too,” they replied in unison.
At work, John was called into the boss’s office.
“Hey, John, why don’t you take a seat?”
“Of course. Is something the matter, Dave?”
“Look, I’m sorry to break this to you, but we have to let you and the rest of the manufacturing squad go.”
John’s heart sank. “How could you? This job is everything to me and my kids! I was promised a raise next week, too! You can’t do this!”
“I know you’re frustrated, John… but we’ve been approached by a robotics company, and they’ve got robots that can do your job. All you’re doing is building toys for kids. Come on, John! Your job’s so simple, even a kid could do it. HAHA!” Dave laughed heartily. “The irony.” Dave snickered. John gritted his teeth.
“Ahem… Anyways, you’ve been a valuable employee, but your time with us has come.”
John scoffed. SLAM. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him, startling his boss. He picked up the kids, but the mood was heavy.
“So, uh, how was school, kids?”
“Dad, I had a test today and got a 87%. That’s really great!” Zach exclaimed.
“That’s awesome, Zach.” Both Zach and Adalie noticed their dad wasn’t quite himself.
John handed them bowls of pre-made noodles. “You’re not eating with us, Dad?” Adalie asked.
“I’m not very hungry, sweetheart. Sorry.” He retreated to his room, shutting the door behind him.
John sat down and picked up his phone, opening ChatGPT.
“What do you think about robots taking over human jobs?” he typed, whispering to himself.
The screen displayed a response: “…Many business owners are excited about the robots entering the workforce. Jack Stans, owner of a multi-million-dollar manufacturing company, said in an interview, ‘We’re thrilled to introduce our robotics team! These robots can do anything humans can—and more. We’ve been able to relieve our previous workers and make business operations smoother.’
A photo of Jack Stans grinning from ear to ear accompanied the text.
BAM. John threw his phone across the room. “WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO NEED THOSE JOBS?!” he screamed at the screen.
His children, standing outside his room, froze. They exchanged worried looks before quietly scurrying to their room.
That night, John went to bed early, but his children stayed awake.
“Dad didn’t even say goodnight. What’s wrong with him?” Adalie asked.
“I’m not sure, but we’ll be okay,” Zach reassured her.
Over the next few days, John searched for a new job but found no luck.
“Please, Mr. Hansen, I know I can be valuable. I’ve got great manufacturing skills, and I’ve been struggling lately. I’ve got two kids to support—”
“I’m gonna have to stop you right there, John,” Mr. Hansen interrupted with a long sigh. “We’re not hiring for this position anymore.”
“It’s those damn robots, isn’t it?” John clenched his fists.
“Robots are the future, John. They just do it better.”
“…Well, have a good day, Mr. Hansen,” John muttered, his fury building.
When he picked up the kids from Grandma’s house, the car ride home was unusually quiet.
“Dad…” Adalie spoke up quietly. “I understand we don’t have a lot of money right now. So… me and Zach decided you don’t have to take us anywhere fancy.”
John glanced in the rearview mirror, his heart heavy. “Don’t worry, sweetie. Daddy’s going to take you both somewhere special.”
Determined, John enrolled in coding classes to learn more about the interior of robots. He applied his manufacturing knowledge to master coding and robotics. A month later, he was at the top of his class.
One day, he received a call from Dave.
“So, uh, it’s nice to see you again, John,” Dave chuckled nervously.
“Hello, Dave. You called me here. What is it you want?”
“I’ve heard your robots are making waves, and I’d like to offer you something you can’t resist. Become a partner; we’ll pay you handsomely. An annual salary of $107,000.”
John rubbed his beard. “I’m sure I could do better somewhere else, Dave.”
“WAIT! $150,000!” Dave quickly corrected himself.
John paused, then smirked. “I think we’ve got ourselves a deal.”
The two men shook hands.
“So uh… Just a question. What made you change? I mean… Robots took your job” Dave questioned.
“Well, I’ve just seen them in a different light. It’s not the robots that took my job. It was my old-fashioned ways. The world will always be changing and us as humans have a responsibility to change with it. That’s what separates us from robots.”
“Wooow. I didn’t know you became a philosopher too. HAHAHA.” The same heartful laugh John recognized.
“Kids! Can you come here please?” John called out to his children.
“Yeah, Dad?” they replied in unison.
“I know you’ve been waiting for me to take you somewhere fancy. And to thank you for being so patient with convenience store noodles and sandwiches, I’m treating us to… drumroll please…” He tapped his fingers on the table.
“Red Lobster!”
“WOW, Dad, that’s awesome!” Zach exclaimed.
John embraced his two kids as the sun set.
8th Grade, Ánimo Florence-Firestone
Guiding Teacher: David Prado
