“I still don’t understand.”
E blew its nose with a purple silk handkerchief and tried to fold into the comfy armchair in the house that it had been sharing with tumblr for so many happy months. It hugged it’s knees and peered at tumblr with red-rimmed eyes.
“Everyone was always saying how good we looked together. That we completed each other. And now you’re telling me that I am…”
E’s voice broke, and it coughed to clear its throat.
“… that I am bad for you? Where did this come from? What did I do? Just tell me.”
tumblr stared silently at the walls, unable to look E in the eye.
“I guess it’s because I don’t like change. And you make me feel downright inadequate at times. You’re so tidy and organised and everyone is always commenting on your ‘features’ and ‘abilities’… You were made for the twenty-first century, E. I clearly wasn’t. I’ve tried to change, to better my ways, but it’s too much hard work.”
Their eyes locked across the room.
“There is only one way this can end, E. It’s time to let go.”
And with that, tumblr got up, shoving its hands in its pockets, slouching off in the direction of the door.
“Stay. Please.”
tumblr turned its head at the sound.
“Why would I?”
E was leaning in the doorframe behind tumblr.
“Because it’s like everyone says: we complete each other. I may be made for the new century, brimming with brilliant ideas and shiny code, but I am nothing without your rock-solid base. I need a foundation, and you are it. Can’t you see? I’m not trying to change you, I never have. It’s both or neither.”
tumblr smiled slowly. “Do you really think so?”
E nodded. “Millions of users all around the world sing our praises.”
It stretched out a hand. “If it’s good enough for them, it should be more than good enough for us, don’t you think?”
Hesitantly tumblr took E’s hand, then gripped it firmly.
“Okay. We’ll give it a try.”
E laughed and hugged tumblr.
“Those were the words I was waiting to hear. Now get your servers in shape, the Sherlock fandom is going to explode on New Year’s Day and we don’t want to let them down, do we?”
“Never.”
