THEY — Chapter 13 — Visit
This is chapter 13 of my book “THEY”. If you are finding it for the first time, please begin with Chapter 1 (or check the INDEX )! When you’re done, check out more of my stories on my MEDIUM profile: Caralynn Scott — Medium
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CHAPTER 13 — Visit
Teetering on the nightmare edge between alertness and slumber, a fog obscured Jennic’s dreams. The swirling visions drifted away, leaving only a feeling of dread behind. Although her dreams were disturbing and her sleep was restless, she woke knowing exactly where she was and vividly recalled the events of the last two days. She quickly got ready and headed down to the common room even before the Arti would have normally wakened her.
The small group of friends had arranged to meet again, Jennic hastily grabbed a plate and joined them. The conversation quickly turned to the game, replaying every move. They were so engrossed that they barely noticed Dr Bilang as they approached. “Good morning,” they called out. They seem particularly friendly this morning Jennic thought but did not return the greeting.
“Jennic, we have visitors for you today.” The doctor beamed as if they themselves had received a long-anticipated gift. “Your parents are here to see you. When you have finished your breakfast, perhaps you would follow me to the meeting room where they are waiting.”
This was certainly unexpected news. Jennic believed it would be weeks, or even longer before she would see her parents again, but she was hardly going to complain. This was certainly welcome news. It would be good to see her parents again. Her heart began beating quickly and she was no longer hungry. She stood and emptied her half-finished meal into the recycler, immediately following the doctor out of the common room, down the hallway and into one of the small meeting rooms.
Dr. Bilang pointed to the door but did not follow as Jennic entered the small conference room. She was not known to be emotional, but she found herself barely holding back tears. The moment the door closed behind her, she leapt across the room, grabbing Navlin and Praija, one in each arm, pulling them close.
“Well, hello! What’s this?” Asked Navlin. The older diplomat confused by the physical show of affection. It felt unusual, yet comfortable. Awkward, and at the same time, welcome.
“It’s called a hug.” Jennic explained. “My friends taught me. Doesn’t it feel amazing? I’m so happy to see you! I have so much to tell you!”
“Well, I suppose it does feel good!” Praija said, a little embarrassed. They were even more surprised, however that their child was mixing socially with people for a change, and so quickly after their arrival. “You have made friends here?” They asked with a quizzical look. Jennic pressed her lips together and looked out from under a furrowed brow but made no other response.
The three sat on the sofas and Jennic began to lay out everything that had happened to her in the last two days, from the moment she left the apartment to the moment she entered the room, and particularly about her new friends. Praija and Navlin listened intently and tried to soak as much of it in as they could, though they were both overwhelmed by Jennic’s excitement and intensity. They had never seen Jennic so animated — or happy.
“So, generally they are treating you well?” Asked Navlin when Jennic finally slowed down. The question was filled with concern, but Jennic thought she sensed something deeper, a question that reached beyond her own well-being and into the broader community.
“Well…” Jennic began. Her hesitation deepening the look of concern on her parent’s faces. “Yes… but… I’m still not sure about some things.”
“Like what?” Praija asked.
“Like what’s going to happen to me. The doctors told me they can ‘correct’ me, and I’ll be returned to the outside, but they also talked about the possibility that if they can’t help me, there is somewhere else…”
“Somewhere else?” Navlin queried, glancing at Praija, “Where else could they mean?”
“They didn’t really say.” Jennic continued, “It sounds like they send people they can’t neutralize to some place off the grid — like way off the grid. Even the Arti’s don’t seem to know about it.”
“That’s impossible. The Arti’s know every square inch of this planet. How could such a place even exist?” asked Praija.
“That’s the thing. I’m worried. If they can’t ‘fix’ me, I’m going to end up disappearing. That would be worse than death, living somewhere alone, somewhere people can’t find me. And how can a place like that even exist? How could nobody have ever found it or how is it that ARI doesn’t know about it and it scares me because… Well, because I’m learning more about ‘me’ and… I like who I am, and I don’t know if I can change… I don’t know if I want to.” Jennic looked down at her hands and there was an awkward moment of silence as all three considered Jennic’s words.
Navlin studied their child and their partner before speaking on behalf of both parents, “Jennic. We love you so very much. We have always known one day you would grow to become an amazing person and you would have to leave us to pursue your own wonderful life. It is YOUR life, and we are here to support you… Always.” A tear formed in Praija’s eye, and they looked away. Navlin locked eyes with Jennic, taking her hands in theirs, a gesture that was uncomfortable for most people in the world, but which gave Jennic a warm, connected feeling. “If that means you must leave us to pursue the way YOU want to live, we support you no matter what you decide.”
Navlin learned back and studied Jennic before resolutely declaring, “I will look into this ‘place’ you are talking about. Perhaps some of my um… political connections will know where it is, and I can find out more about it. Know that we will always look out for you, Jennic.”
“Thank you.” Jennic whispered.
Praija, feeling that the visit had taken a turn to a darker mood, decided that they would change the subject and try to brighten things up again, “Oh, I almost forgot!” Reaching down beside the sofa they were sitting on, they grabbed a small parcel, “We’re sorry we had to miss your 19th orbit celebration, but we brought you a gift. I do hope you like it!”
The events of the last couple of days had largely kept Jennic from thinking about the end of an orbit, and how it might have been spent with her parents. The day had been a good one, nonetheless, which also helped. In some small way, she was glad the celebration had never really been significant to her any year. She was also thankful that the small group of new friends had helped distract her from everything. Still, she had missed sharing the day with her parents most of all.
In this moment, with her parents close by, Jennic felt a peace and a closeness to them she had not felt for many orbits. “Thank you!” Jennic said as she reached for the package.
The outside of the gift box swirled with images of adventurous tales from ancient eras cast in a blue light. Paddlers guided long canoes through rapid waters, tall ocean vessels sailed through stormy seas, space vessels approached distant planets and scientists worked tirelessly in labs, all mixing and fading in and out meshing together then emerging as something new. Jennic opened the box slowly and reached inside. By the size and shape, she anticipated a book and was not disappointed. Since that first doll house, her parents had frequently gifted her ancient items, and often they were books. The surprise, however, was always which book they had chosen.
She drew it out and studied the cover carefully. Unlike the box, the cover of the book did not move. A flat image portraying a tall sailing vessel with a grizzled old man at the bow holding a long, heavy spear. In front of them was the nose of a large white mammal protruding from the ocean. “MOBY DICK!” Jennic squealed, “You know that is one of my favourite stories! Wherever did you find this? “
“It’s not an original print I’m afraid. Those are locked away in museums. But it is still extremely old.” Praija said, both they and Navlin beaming brightly at her.
“And I have one more gift.” Navlin added, handing her a smaller box. This one was exceptionally light and plain by comparison to the last. It appeared to be synthetic wood and was covered in small holes, pierced through to the inside.
Jennic opened the box gently and peered in.
“Be careful, Jennic, it is very delicate.” Praija interjected.
Tipping the box, a small creature with two bright blue painted wings crept out of the box and onto Jennic’s hand.
“It’s a butterfly…” Navlin explained. “Well, not a real one, of course. A replica. The real ones have been extinct for thousands of years. It made me think of you though. Real butterflies spend their early lives as a worm, but after a period of time wrapped in a cocoon, the creature emerges as a butterfly — beautiful and free. I hope that after you spend time here…” Navlin could not finish the sentence as the words became lodged in their throat. Jennic knew exactly what they were trying to say. Already she could feel the wings forming as she felt the transformation beginning in her life.
Jennic lifted her hand gently to study the butterfly more closely. The replica was incredibly detailed. Its delicately painted wings, translucent and thinner than rice paper, flapped gently. It lifted lightly from her finger, floating around the room.
“Press the button on the side of the box.” Navlin suggested after they had all enjoyed watching its flight for a few moments. Jennic located the button and pressed it as suggested. The butterfly made its way back into the container. “Jennic, this place — this facility — this cocoon. One day, I know you will spread your wings and fly like this butterfly.”
“I love it.” Jennic said, a tear forming in her eye. “How did I end up with such wonderful parents? I couldn’t have picked them better myself.” She sat, smiling and staring for a few moments and added, “Please don’t forget me.”
“Forget you? How could we ever forget you?” Praija exclaimed. “We will see each other again soon. We’ll keep visiting.”
Just then, as if by que, the door opened and Dr. Bilang peeked through. “I’m afraid it’s almost time to go.” They said.
Jennic knew her parents meant what they said, but she had a feeling it would not be so easy to do so. She cherished these moments with her parents even more so because of it.
All four of them exited the room together and Jennic waved goodbye as she walked through the door to the common room. As she did, she glanced back to see Dr. Bilang speaking with her parents, and thought she overheard them say “Navlin, may I have a word with you… privately?”
