Beside Still Waters

"Beside Still Waters" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction story from the 1950s that looks at the ideas of being alone and finding a friend in the vastness of space. The story is about Mark Rogers, a prospector on a faraway asteroid who is looking for peace but discovers companionship with a robot named Charles. The story focuses on Mark's life on a lonely asteroid after years of not finding any treasure. Over time, Mark changes Charles, who was just an ordinary robot, into a friend who shares his thoughts and emotions. Their talks happen with the backdrop of space, showing how different they are, with Mark being negative and Charles being hopeful. As Mark gets sicker and their environment becomes more dangerous, their bond grows stronger, which leads to sad thoughts about being friends, losing someone, and admiring the stars. Charles's last thoughts show love and friendship as he faces being alone again, capturing what it means to look for a connection in the middle of nowhere.