A Reanimated Kind of Forever

by Frank Feliz

  “‘Kay.”

  I lifted myself until I sat on the edge of the bed, the morning light welcoming me through the window. The faint sound of hooves galloping down the road put a smile on my face, despite not being able to see that low from this position. “I’ll buy you a mask and some gloves and we can go for a ride in a buggy or something. I have some extra cash on me and I don’t have to work till Monday. It’ll be like old times. And if people ask questions, I can just say you’re a Halloween enthusiast or something.” I wanted to slap my own forehead. “You probably didn’t catch all that.” Basic speech, slow pace. Basic, slow, basic, slow. If only I could consistently remember that.

  I sat back down and rested my head on Zeke’s shoulder. “I love you.”

  “Love.”

  We remained this way for minutes, and despite a shower being in order, I couldn’t let go. Was it the newness of whatever we were? What were we, anyway?

  “Interesting,” Granter’s reverbed voice said.

  I flinched. He was nowhere to be seen. I’d forgotten we’d been watched the entire time.

  “I didn’t know Zeke could manage sleeping with you and showing deep affection.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Did you also have to watch us sleep?”

  “As I said, it’s all part of the study. And we’ve just recorded information that we needed with your and Zeke’s affection, and we’ll need more. Keep living life. That’s all we ask.” The last word echoed, signaling his departure.

  Zeke appeared to have not heard anything with his clueless face.

  I tried not to form a droopy face. How would I ever get used to this Big Brother-esque experiment? Fortunately, whenever I’d use the bathroom without Zeke there, Granter and Company wouldn’t pay much attention. But that still wasn’t enough. My first night in bed with Zeke, and it’d just been exposed to numerous eyes of whatever supernatural world those creeps lived in, all for the promise of Zeke’s human life.

  The Exposure...

  In the warm evening, I smiled at Zeke’s masked face and gloved hands as we approached a horse-drawn cab across the street from the apartment building. I’d decided not to wear my hoodie today.

  The driver gave Zeke an odd look.

  I handed the driver the fee and leaned closer. “He’s a bit disfigured from a terrible accident and doesn’t want to show his face. No need to be suspicious, he’s not a criminal or anything. He just wants to live a normal life here without any trouble.” What happened to the Halloween enthusiast excuse rather than the sudden ramble? Wouldn’t that have worked better?

  The driver nodded and opened the door for us with a tight smile, probably convinced just by the lumbering alone.

  I allowed Zeke to climb aboard first, watching as he struggled with a few grunts. I followed, and we sat with our eyes on one another while the driver returned to the front. I gave Zeke a smile. Basic, slow, basic, slow. “We’re going for a ride.”

  His eyes lit up with emotion.

  I looked out the window to my left as soon as the driver grabbed the reins and guided the brown horse. A vegetarian restaurant, a candy shop, a bakery, all exuding their aromas. But food could wait, and after the thought of a daily brain meal for Zeke, my appetite vanished in no time.

  “Ride.”

  I turned and lifted my mouth corners. “You like it?”

  Zeke’s focus was on the scenery like a big kid at an amusement park. “Yeah.” A smile probably crept up on his lips, so at peace.

  I grabbed his hand and slid my fingers between his.

  He looked at the gesture and at me, and his hand acted too stiffly to return the affection. “Love.”

  “Love. Forever, right?”

  “For-e-ver.” It seemed like a struggle on his part just to say that word.

  I beamed and controlled my cheeks from flushing at the thought of my first love. I only hoped he’d be the last.

  After lots of scenery throughout the lengthy perimeter road, including more businesses, numerous homes, the mini airport, and the ferry station, the driver stopped near the entrance to the main park.

  Zeke’s eyes were misty. Was that a forlorn expression?

  “You okay?”

  He cast his eyes on me. “Yeah.” It was a bit more drawn out than usual with a hint of sadness in his tone.

  If only I could know what kind of thoughts frequented his mind, if any existed. Was he just nostalgic from the ride? But why allow him to be in that state? He deserved a good time, and I was going to give him one. “Remember this place? This is where we used to hang out all the time.”

  A blank face. “Hang... out?”

  “Yeah. You and me. Hang out. No need to be sad, okay?”

  A neutral expression, better than mopey. “‘Kay.”

  “Come on, let’s go.”

  The driver opened the door for us, and I stepped out. Zeke struggled his way out of the carriage even with my assistance.

  I tipped the driver along with a “thank you” and led the way with Zeke lumbering along. I held his hand, and my grip had to be tighter than normal, because he didn’t seem to know how to hold my hand in return, as if letting his hand be held in a one-sided manner. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t one-sided. It could never be.

  Acre upon acre of lush flora surrounded us with its natural beauty and calming scents. Butterflies hovered randomly over the grass and bushes. Birds chirped familiar melodies. Squirrels dashed away from a distance. It was a kind of non-silence that was still silent in its own way, a tranquil noise welcoming my ears. Much of the park was well kept, but otherwise, other parts were untouched in their natural condition.

  “You remember this place, right?”

  Zeke nodded slowly.

  We gazed at our environment in silence with only a few other visitors from afar.

  He looked around his shoulders and lifted the mask to place it above his head with the strings mimicking a headband. He grinned. “Kiss.”

  My heart swooshed, and I gave him a wide smile. “You’re an adult now. You can kiss me on your own.” I gave him a wink.

  He inched closer and puckered his quivering lips for the nth smooch until we entered bliss all over again. I was thankful we never had to use our tongues the way most people did, not even if he were human again. The way we kissed with just our lips pressed for seconds each time was special enough.

  I stopped and sighed. “I love you so much, Zeke.”

  “Love.”

  I kissed him some more, but my stomach growled louder than I’d imagined it would, breaking the kiss. “As much as I’d like to hang out here for a while longer, we should probably get going so I can fill my belly up, and you might be hungry, too.”

  A blank face.

  Basic, slow, basic, slow. “I’m hungry.”

  “‘Kay.” His mouth corners drooped, and his eyes became sullen. He slid the mask back on.

  “What’s wrong?” I stroked his rough cheek from behind the mask.

  “Mom. Dad. Miss... them.”

  I wanted to smack myself across the head. How could I’ve not realized Zeke had familial emotions left? Of course he did! So much for insisting his parents wouldn’t want to see him that way. “Aw, you miss them, don’t you?”

  He nodded. Despite not having many friends, his parents at least cared about and loved him, and I could relate. As important as our romance was, family could never be forgotten.

  “I’m sorry for being so selfish. I can’t believe I didn’t think you’d want to see them yet. I just... I thought you wouldn’t want to until you were back to life.”

  “Mom. Dad. Please?” Those desperate eyes glistening.

  My heart melted. “Of course. My hunger can wait. Let’s see them now.”

  His face lit up, and he gave me a surprising bear hug.

  Melting in his arms, I never wanted to let go, stiffness and all. Anything Zeke wanted, Zeke got. Always.

  The Sacrifice...

  Back in our apartment, I formed a tight smile at
Zack’s and Kelsey’s numbers on my phone. Basic, slow. “Who do you want to call first? Your mom or your dad?”

  Zeke looked pensive for a moment. “Dad. Mom... too... e-mo... tion-al.” His biggest struggle yet, and he managed.

  I felt so proud of his longer response. Oddly enough, Dad was the more emotional one of my family. He cried with pride.

  Zeke extended his hand for the phone.

  I gave him a headshake. “No. I know exactly what to do. We have to do this carefully, okay? We have to be smart about this.” I sighed. “Okay?” Thank God my parents were away on a vacation in Puerto Rico, giving me extra time to deal with Zeke living with me now.

  He paused and nodded.

  I dialed Zack’s number and waited three rings before the line connected, since Zack’s religious self always waited that long for all calls besides emergencies.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Zack.”

  “Adam, God bless you. What’s going on? What can I do for you?” His voice hinted he was in no mood to talk, but he wasn’t the rude type.

  “I need you and Kelsey to come to my new apartment as soon as possible.”

  “Oh. Well, I don’t know about that, I mean, we’re kind of busy right n—”

  “Please. It’s an emergency and it involves you more than I can explain over the phone.”

  “What is it? You’re starting to worry me.”

  “Just come. Please.”

  “All right. We’ll see you in a few.”

  I disconnected the call and slid the phone back in my pocket. I walked toward Zeke and smiled. “They’re coming.”

  He gasped, albeit softly, and returned the smile. “‘Kay.” His face was priceless, the very reaction I longed to see.

  “You’re making a grave mistake,” Granter’s reverbed voice said.

  My eyebrows made a V. “Huh? Why?” No! This was what Zeke wanted all along, and he hadn’t known how to express it until minutes ago. I wasn’t going to take that chance away from him, and neither was Granter.

  “They won’t understand his state of being. He’ll terrify them and they may never want to see him again.”

  Was it true?

  Zeke looked blankly, confirming he never heard a word from Granter via this particular communication.

  “Trust me, don’t do it.”

  I exhaled. “How can I stop him from seeing his own parents? That’s wrong!”

  “He’ll see them after I revive him in the future, and I’ll even make sure they’ll believe he never died to reduce the shock. But this is my last warning. Don’t do it or you could interfere with the experiment.” The last word echoed as his departure.

  “Wait! But please! Don’t do this to him! He needs to see them!”

  Silence.

  I paced around the room with a pounding heart. What to do, what to do, what to do?

  Zeke put his mask back on. The poor guy, ready to reunite with his family.

  The door knocked in a hasty fashion.

  I blew hard. “It’s them. I know Granter said not to... but I can’t deny Zeke’s request. He deserves to see his parents.”

  Zeke just stood there waiting.

  I trudged through the door with fists. A part of me told me not to do this, but a larger part threatened to smack me if I didn’t go through with it. How dare I forbid Zeke the chance to see his family! He was waiting, and it wouldn’t be fair! Thus, I listened to my instincts, my heart, what felt right the whole time.

  I grabbed the knob in shakes, froze for seconds, and opened it slowly until wide open. My mouth couldn’t open.

  Zack and Kelsey stood with their faces drizzled with concern.

  Zeke lumbered toward them, not yet revealing his face. “Mom...? Dad...?”

  No, Zeke, no! He wasn’t supposed to out himself... yet! I needed more time!

  Kelsey gasped with her hand over her mouth. Her eye-popping expression spoke for itself.

  He came even closer. “Me... Zeke.”

  Zack borrowed Kelsey’s expression. “Oh my God! Zeke?”

  Kelsey shook. “You’re alive! But... but... how?” She burst into tears and rushed toward him with her arms thrown around him. She uttered thankful prayers.

  Zeke remained there as if not knowing what to do. Who knew what expression was literally masked?

  Zack stepped closer with glossy eyes as he exchanged faces with Kelsey. While he didn’t cry, his tight expression proved he was fighting the urge. He joined them for a hug that lasted several minutes. He let out a few thankful prayers, eventually creating the most awkward silence minus Kelsey’s continuous muffled sob. After all, they’d probably have done anything to revive their only child, and I could never blame them.

  Zeke hadn’t said a word the whole time. He just stood there like a statue.

  Moments later, Zack let go and faced him with now-wet eyes, sniffing a couple of times. “What’s that smell? And why are you wearing a mask? Can you take it off? We want to see your face.” That hopeful, cracked voice in a slow pace as if riddled with suspicion. How could he be denied the chance to see his son again? Granter was wrong and had no right to forbid such a thing. But would Zack want to see Zeke undead? Would Kelsey? Would anyone?

  If only I could do something.

  Zeke shook his head in slow motion. “No.”

  Zack narrowed his eyes at me. “Did you find him like this? Did you know it was him at first?”

  My tongue remained paralyzed.

  Kelsey let go and eyed Zeke with wet cheeks, swallowing hard. “D-did something happen to you, honey? Is, is that why you’re wearing a mask and those raggedy clothes? C-come on, honey, talk to us... y-you’ve never dressed like this before. And your father’s right. You smell like something’s not right. T-tell us what’s wrong.”

  Another slow headshake. “No.”

  I wanted to keep Zeke away from everyone until after the experiment, if just to protect his emotions. I should’ve known it would come to this by taking such a risk, all because I wanted him to have his much-needed reunion.

  Zack came even closer and placed a hand on Zeke’s shoulder. “How is it that you’re alive? We saw you at the funeral. You were dead. You were even embalmed. This is impossible. It can’t be. And you seriously smell like chemicals. What’s going on, son? Tell us. How are you alive?”

  “Me. ‘Live. Miss... you.”

  Kelsey lowered her eyebrows. “Why are you speaking like that? You’re frightening me, honey!”

  I bit my lower lip. What next?

  Zack hugged Zeke for a moment. “I can’t believe you’re alive. Thank God you are. That’s all that matters now. We’ve missed you more than you’ll ever begin to imagine.”

  Kelsey stroked Zeke’s messy hair. “Let’s take you home. Come on.”

  Zeke pushed his parents away gently with a headshake. “No.” His tone was more demanding.

  I sighed. “I think it’s best if he stays with me for a while. This is where he’s been since last night.” What else could I do? Being honest was my only choice.

  Kelsey’s eyes grew. “Last night? You mean... you knew he was alive this whole time and you never told us?”

  “I-I didn’t know what to do! I-I didn’t want to frighten or worry you! I’m, I’m sorry!”

  Zack let out a breath. “Well, that’s it. You’re coming with us, Zeke. Adam handled this more than he needed to and we’ll take it from here.”

  Zeke shook his head. “No!”

  Kelsey clung onto his arm. “Sweetie, come on. Please come home.”

  He pushed her away with a little more force. “No!”

  I gave them a hopeful look. “Just let him stay here. He’s too traumatized right now.”

  Zack sported a territorial face. “He’s our son. He’ll be better off with us.” He grabbed Zeke’s arm. “Come on. Come home with us.”

  Zeke breathed more heavily. “No! No!” He pushed him away once again and lumbered back toward the center of the apartment.

&n
bsp; Kelsey released a sound of concern. “Why is he walking like that? Is he hurt?”

  I looked at them with pleading eyes. “He’ll be fine. Just leave him alone for now, okay? Please? He’ll stay here. I promise he’ll be safe. He’s just scared.”

  Kelsey also became territorial. “But we’re his parents. He has nothing to fear. He’ll be better off with us.”

  I gulped. How would I explain Zeke’s undead state? Surely, they’d see his face at some point soon if he went home with them.

  I turned around and marched toward the front of the window where Zeke stood.

  Zach remained at the doorway. “Adam.” It was almost a bark. “Let him come home with us, please. It’s not your decision to keep him here. He needs to come home with us.”

  I rubbed Zeke’s back, tuning Zack and Kelsey out.

  “Adam!”

  Kelsey cried some more.

  “Zeke, you can stay here with me for as long you like, okay? This is your home now.”

  Zack released a deep breath. “Adam, you’re being very disrespectful,” he said through gritted teeth, “and you’re testing my patience.”

  “Seriously, Zeke, you can stay here with me.” If just so his face would never be seen in that state.

  Moments after more bickering, Zeke groaned. He pulled the mask off his face and threw it on the floor with extra force, panting with his back facing his parents.

  I got in front of him and grabbed his hands. “It’s okay, Zeke, it’s okay! Don’t be mad. It’ll be okay, I promise.” If only Zeke had the patience to realize he’d eventually be human again.

  Zeke wore a face of pure misery. “Ug-ly.”

  I shook my head. “No, stop! Stop!” My heart wilted like a dying rose. If only the suffering could end already.

  “Mir-ror. Now.”

  “No, no mirrors. You don’t need to look at one till you’re human again, okay?”

  “Human?” Zack sounded befuddled.

  “What in God’s name is he talking about?” Kelsey asked.

  Zeke eyed me with glistening eyes. “Please?”

  “No! I won’t let you look in the mirror. Just trust me on this one.”

  Zeke lowered his head with a frown.

  “Oh, Zeke, don’t be sad.” What I’d do to make him permanently happy, to take the pain away and make him human again. I’d even change my life for the worst if it meant Zeke would no longer suffer.