by Marcus Sloss
Her last line forced me to stop. That was not in my file that I let her see. While I could ascertain likely scenarios to an uncanny ability, I had not foreseen this outcome. Maybe I was slipping. No, I was distracted by recent events. I would need to improve and focus. Mrs. Teller had inside information that was extremely hard to come by. My mind dove into my Gpad to rotate her acquaintances until I found what I had missed earlier.
“Oh, Mrs. Teller. Using your sister’s credentials at Gcorp, which let you get into the restricted Gpad databases. Tsk, tsk. I do applaud you. Gina, I feel I can address you by your first name, given the circumstance. Ignore my file and see what is being said about that asteroid approaching.”
“The asteroid? The one that they keep getting the timer wrong on? What are you implying?”
“Look into it, I may have heard there is a reason that it keeps speeding up. Which an asteroid cannot do. Or it could be the estimates were wrong and I have been tricked by someone I trust.”
I gently tugged Willow’s wrist to close our distance. My right arm wrapped around her shoulders as we walked for the door. She gave a giggle at my audacity and returned the gesture by wrapping her arm around my back, slightly above my hips. I gave a goodbye wave with my right hand and ignored the pleading for me to finish or explain more. I came to this meeting to save Willow. Now I merely had to convince her to join me on the next arduous series of events. Coffee or a walk first. That was a great place to continue our conversation.
CHAPTER 2
The warm spring air brought with it the scent of freshly cut grass. The landscapers pushed metallic reel mowers in the patchwork fields isolated by red brick pathways. The lush grass was being trimmed, the dividing lines edged, and bushes pruned without a single motor sound. The clacks, clanks, and snips of the manual tools was soothing. Behind the workers, a tall yellow buckeye tree bloomed in golden radiance a full two months early. There were endless fliers posted around the campus that this was the fate of our civilization. Global warming was here and the trees verified it by blossoming in late March. Another contentious issue I avoided.
Willow and I walked the second-floor corridor for the nearest stairwell. Our feet smacked the steps as we descended to the communal area. Beyond the pleasant park setting, the horizon contained many spaced out buildings. The University of Denver was old with plenty of historical structures still standing. Their faded brown brick construction gave a feel of forgotten times. The newer sections of the campus lacked the same character. I found there was beauty in preserved age that pleased me.
“I am surprised they did not follow us out,” Willow said, darting glances behind us. “Where do you want to get coffee?”
“Um… How about a walk through Gulch Park, if that works. We can walk there or you can ride on my handlebars?” I said with a slight chuckle.
Willow whipped her loose pink hair over her shoulder as she gave me a long inspection. Due to the proximity of my dorm room, the location of a nearby Safeway, and my hermit lifestyle, I never required a car. There were electric auto taxis all over the city if I needed to get to the airport or somewhere further than my bike or legs could take me.
“Pass on the tandem bike ride. How about we walk there, auto back?”
“Works for me. Do you want to ask some questions or should I continue my story?” I asked.
Now that I knew where we were going and how we were getting there, I cut through the school for East Iliff Avenue. I loved walking the streets of Denver, especially on a nice day like this one. The city had been good to me since I arrived. Of all the places to reside once I was discharged, I never expected to end up in Colorado. My exit orientation happened to have a traveling briefer from the university. Apparently, the University of Denver (DU) had a history of booming after World War II with a surplus of combat veterans attending the school. I was part of an initiative to re-establish the history the school had with those who served with honor. His pitch to come to DU was solid and my costs would be extremely discounted for my dorm, on campus food, and electronic books. Even though I was only in my second semester, I loved DU and Denver. The mid-morning foot traffic was light as Willow and I arrived on the sidewalk of Iliff Ave.
“Sorry for the delay. I grew lost in thought. I guess can we start with, why me besides your interest in me over the last few months?” Willow asked, while give me a friendly nudge. Her eye gave me a questioning look. “I am not dumb. You are basically insinuating that asteroid is not an asteroid. You’re asking me on a date with it arriving... in three weeks.”
We went single file as a mom jogged by with twins in a single front-wheeled stroller. We exchanged friendly waves with the little girls enjoying the ride as they flew by. I caught up to Willow’s side and slid my hand into hers. The sensors in my hand cybernetic hand indicated she was nervously squeezing.
“A few reasons. If I am going into the end of the world as we know it, I am not doing so alone. Look Willow it’s 2032. Pulling up information is not only easy it is readily done when people find themselves interested in others. We have exchanged glances at each other in class. We wave to each other in passing. We started giving greetings to each other in the hallway. And for the last month, I know I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you during our between class conversations. We have a brewing romance that I would rather not abandon. I like you Willow. I think you like me. Have you pulled up my information?”
“Yes, of course I have. Also, I told you I would have said yes to your date attempt. Men are so silly. Funny how I had to ask you out first. You are a war veteran, single, and the rest is mostly restricted. Like your cybernetic arm is not on your data. You have been an okay student. You are not a player of women hearts. I may have done some mild stalking of you when you caught my interest. You have only shown attention for me from what I can tell, and you are being patient while being respectful. I enjoy our small talk thoroughly and find my stomach tightening with butterflies around you,” Willow said while blushing at her admission. “You’re are right about one thing. I certainly dug into your past and was unable to find much. Sorry if that upsets you and you are forgiven if you dug into mine.”
“I did not dig too deeply. Only enough to see what you were going for as a degree and where you came from.” I pointed a finger at the black box across the street. Her gaze shifted. “The walk sign is active,” I said and we crossed the street.
The sidewalks were wide and the street was gorgeous this time of year. The black iron wrought fencing separated the old brick home on our right. On our left, full green-leaved trees were surrounded by plush well-maintained grass. Not a single weed grew in the divider between the road and the sidewalk. The cool breeze fought the warm spring day, providing a great temperature for a casual walk. The sidewalks were busy with people escaping their confines to smell the fresh air and feel the lack of the winter cold that Denver was famous for.
Two types of vehicles drove down the busy street. The loud exhaust from the running motors. These were relics in a sense, as electrics had become cheaper for a brand-new model. The rumbling noises and fumed exhausts were in stark contrast to the nearly silent electrics. Denver prohibited new vehicle sales that contained combustion engines. There was a big political fight over outlawing non-electric vehicles that was hard to avoid getting caught up in. My Gpad thankfully was unique, due to my disabled veteran PTSD status. I was able to claim excessive political ads were triggers for anxiety. Perfect for shutting out the noise of the unimportant battle. The tingling produced on my finger sensors alluded that Willow was ready to talk.
I decided to let her ponder while enjoy the leisure walk. A man was pulled by his rambunctious lab as the duo flowed around us. The dog was on a determined mission to pee on every tree as he sped ahead. I smiled, thinking about what owning a dog would be like. There was always an emotional tug on my heart when I contemplated being responsible for someone else's life other than my own. And now I had taken that tug and jumped off a cliff with Willow. She locked glan
ces with me a few times to ensure I was ready for her to continue talking.
“My father was a soldier. He died before I was born. He was manning a checkpoint to ensure the citizens of Kabul were safe in the downtown green zone. A thirteen-year-old boy blew them both up,” Willow said with a painful sigh. She traced her right fingers over my hand that held her left fingers. I paused, knowing what she needed, and stepped to the edge of the sidewalk. A swift firm tug was a precursor to our tight embrace. Her right temple burrowed against my chest and I stroked her hair like we were lovers. “Why do I feel so drawn to you?”
“When was the last time a man vied for your affection so patiently?” I asked and she chuckled.
“You mean actual trying to get to know me like you have… Hmm… Never. Sure a few tried once we started the relationship phase. None went slow friendship building before asking for a date. I like that phrase, its 2032. You like a girl or a boy you ask for a date before wasting time being nice. I think too many people got hurt being put in the friend zone when there was no physical attraction. Now it is verify physical attraction, then try to be friends.” Willow said as she rubbed her head up and down against my shirt that was padded by my fluffy chest hair.
“You are lonely, in a new place, and I thought you could use a friend. Honestly if we stayed friends and if things were not dire, which I promise I will get to, I would have been fine keeping things cordial. Don’t get mad but I tent to notice things. You’re throwing subtle hints for attention with your off-brand shoes, overuse of make-up to conceal your stunning features, and the baggy clothes hiding a plush curvy body. I actually am not sure how you keep those measurements with all the time you spend at the gym.”
“Mom! That one is genetics. I am big-boned and curvy. If I work hard, I look fantastic, but this is about as slim as I get without vomiting my meals. No thank you, I am not that vain. Why am I throwing these hints? What are you implying?”
“Nothing, you probably need to ask yourself that question,” I said. I let go of Willow and left her behind. She quickly caught up and this time grabbed my left hand to hold as we walked. “The loss of a parent is hard. I could only imagine the pain your mother experienced when that boy killed your father. Did she ever move on?”
“Not once did I call a man step-father, or man pretending to be one. She wanted his role to be vacant. I told her to be happy and she said she was with me. I worry about her now that I am off to university.”
“Her choice to never take another lover as you aged conflicts me. Would I want my wife to move on after I passed? I think I would. Especially if I left her alone with a little girl, particularly one so young. However! I respect her decision.”
A lady walking almost a dozen dogs winced at seeing we were on a collision course. Willow guided us off the sidewalk and into the grass. We let the collection of assorted dogs glide by with minimal sniffing of our legs. The poor dog walker was clearly taking on too many clients. The problems of today would seem so trivial and irrelevant tomorrow.
“You grew up without a father figure and have always been super close to your mom. You two are best friends, correct?” I asked and she nodded. “Maybe that is the cause, maybe you would be exactly the same if your father were here. Either way, you are lonely and seeking the comfort of a partner just like me,” I said this softly. I really did not like judging others and then telling them what I saw. People tended to react poorly to criticism. “As with all tough choices, our actions have consequences.”
“Funny you mention the consequences. I want to hear more of your story. I promise we can return to my past after we finish more of yours,” Willow said, batting her lashes at me. I let out a relieved breath I did not realize I had been holding. I was generally concerned she would react poorly to my observations.
“Fine!” I replied with a pleased tone. “You win this round.”
“And probably all others!” Willow said with her tongue out.
“Remember how we were talking about the teacher assistant’s godly necklace. You said how hideous it was. Jewelry should be beautiful while subtle.” I held my breath while displaying a wince.
“Yes, that is so true.” Willow said with a scoff. “That necklace was hideous. Wow, I am impressed you remembered that. Most men tend to stare at my tits and say huh when I ask for feedback on what we are talking about.”
“I said I like you Willow. We have been getting along great. I even picked up a necklace that happened to catch my eye. I actually had zero intention of buying it. The old sales lady was far more convincing than she should have been.”
She paused our walk as I fished into my cargo pocket on the right side of my shorts. A dainty black band with lily flowers entwined into the design nestled into my palm. I presented the jewelry across my body. Willow shook her head no and back into my cargo pouch on my shorts it slid.
“I want to hear more before I accept. Also, I love it and am surprised you found something so perfect,” Willow said in an intrigued tone.
“The strip mall, University Hills. I was there last weekend browsing the local book store. I have a love for physical books…”
“Continue with your end of the world doom story so I can run away with you already. You get me, and I desperately want to know what worries you enough to go into the struggles meeting.”
“I had a warning that something big was coming. Then silence. A man like me tends to rationalize that there are only a few things he should be warned for. My guess was not far off from…” I paused to let a husband-wife jogging duo pass us by. “How about I return to my story before we get to the climatic reveal? The two suits were waiting for me with my hand freshly amputated a few days later. Surprise! They had a new offer. A state-of-the-art robotic hand. Let me step it back to that phrasing. I hate it. The reality was the original hand was okay; the technology was not entwined with a programmable Gpad. Still, state of the art was right there in black and white on the contract. I was a bit miffed, to say the least. So… I was interested in this offer. The main reason why was not the hand, or the bonus cash increasing. A Presidential pardon with a fake work history as being a boring jailhouse guard. Yup…”
“Wow! They were desperate,” Willow blurted out.
“Exactly, and I should have figured out there was a reason why. The deal was pretty fantastic, but… Playing cards against the house will always result in a loss. My opinion is, I lost on my side of the bargain. Others, like my father, will completely disagree and say I snatched the one victory I could have let slip through my grasp. I signed those documents. There was no going back to a jail cell. I was led to an ambulance, a gas mask was placed over my face, and I was told to count down from ten.”
The park was not too far away now and there was a lull in the traffic. We darted across the street and arrived safely on the other sidewalk. When I smiled down on the slightly shorter Willow, I noticed little beads of perspiration dotting her forehead.
“Do you want my shirt?” I offered.
“What would you wear?” Willow said and lifted my shirt to see if there was an undershirt. My scarred abs were all she found. Her eyes flared with excitement. “Yup, give it over, handsome.”
I peeled my shirt off in a slow, dramatic motion. My abs were slapped hard, causing a slight grunt to escape my lips. Willow had been sending signals during our last few conversations. Slight touches on the arm. Hugs goodbye. Now she was comfortable enough to hit me. Girls. Before I could complain, the shirt was yanked out of my hands. Now, I grew up with girls that were friends. Even saw my mom manage the putting on clothes under other clothes. Willow was swift, concise, and swapped out of her turtleneck all in a second or two. As impressive as the feat was, seeing her in my shirt ogling my body was better.
“Keep going with your story, pretty boy,” Willow said with a smirk.
She flung the sweater over her shoulder for me to catch. I jammed the winter cover into the back of my shorts and let it hang like a tail. A few rapid strides and my left arm wrappe
d around her shoulders. This time, she slung her right arm around my back with her hand resting on my waist. Strangers greeted us with ‘hellos’ and ‘lovely day out’ on our arrival to the park. We went off the path and sat facing a pond.
“Joining the military has changed. There was a time when training was rigorous, violent, and would mold a man or woman into something greater than the individual. A thousand drill instructors could achieve excellence every day for ten years. But if one loses their temper and strikes a recruit…” I said, while snapping a blade of grass free of its roots. I tried to do the whistle noise where you stick the thin edge between your thumbs and blow on it. The silicone was too slick for it to work and I knew that, yet I liked to try anyway. “Boot was basic, basic was boot camp. The process reminded me of a long six weeks of fitness training in a jail setting. Honestly, I fit right in. If I wasn’t so darn tall, I would have gone unnoticed. That and I look very white for a guy with the last name of Yang.”
“Wait, how is your last name Yang?”
“Really? I do get asked that a lot. My mother’s last name is Yang. I wish you could meet her. She is teaching ESL in China right now. That is going to be really hard to deal with, as she is refusing to come home despite my pleading. I love her something fierce,” I said and yanked a clump of grass out and let the wind drift the blades away. “The rest of the story gets dark. You want me to keep going?”
“Can we save my mom? She recently became a flight attendant. She just took the job two weeks ago to travel. I knew it was to help ease the empty nest syndrome and loneliness she was also dealing with. Mom mentioned she was not enjoying the work. We miss each other.”
Out came the batting eyelashes. I had not even told Willow what the danger was.
I adjusted my seating until I shimmied behind Willow. She reclined her head while I placed her Gpad next to mine. Our units synced and I transferred nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars. The largest amount I could move in a year to a recipient with it being deemed a non-taxable gift. Willow was enjoying the warm rays of the sun and my embrace. Her failure to notice the transaction did not bother me.