Here, Taste This

By H. Smith

This is a collection of metaphorical short stories created from bits of my life.
When you have a negative experience, do you replay it over and over, allowing it to build upon itself, thereby magnifying those negative feelings?
On the other hand, when you have a positive experience, do you replay that over and over, allowing it to build upon itself more and more feelings of joy? Do you find yourself attributing more aspects of good to the experience because of the uplifting feelings it brought to you? Couples who are in love often do this.
In either case, the event is technically over with. Have you let those experiences go, or are you still living within them as if they were happening now? If the experience was negative, did you resolve it, or did you just bury it within the deep recesses of your mind, where it may be awakened from time to time in reaction to lifes continuing experiences? If it was positive, do you keep replaying it over and over as if there will be no more, thereby preventing yourself from creating and enjoying even better ones?
Since the experiences, however you would describe them, have already happened, you can now rewrite the memory, or story, of any of them in a way that allows you to let them go using the information and understanding you have assimilated since then. If negative, you can take the bitter foods of those experiences, the spinach, turnips, and liver, then add spices and sauces of understanding, forgiveness, and love and let them pass out of your consciousness leaving you free to create a buffet of even more tasteful and delicious life experiences!
The metaphorical foods that came my way may not have been ones I would have consciously chosen, yet I have now made them palatable adding value to my life and allowing me to let them go and move on. So can you.
This is a portion of my buffet of stories. What are yours?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496955944

H. Smith

The author began her life in a small New England town with her mother, stepfather, and siblings. Desiring to get away from small-town monotony, the path of her work history took many twists and turns from different statewide locations to various employment positions, such as legal secretary, early childhood teacher, customer service, and administrative positions in various fields. She obtained an associate’s degree in computer science just ahead of the economic downturn. Those experiences culminated in entering the field of hypnotherapy, where she gained insight and a deeper understanding of life, her own and other’s. She is now a practicing hypnotherapist and lives with her family in the southern part of the United States.

Book preview

ADDICTION

Terrie walked into her apartment, threw her purse on the table, hit the answering machine button and ran into the bathroom.

Beeeeep! Hi Terrie, Marcie. I wanted you to hear this message right away before you ate supper. I am over here at the diner, come join me. Give me a call before you leave and I’ll order for you so it will ready when you get here. … Beeeeep!

Terrie called her friend back while opening the refrigerator and pulling out a half eaten blueberry pie.

Hey Terrie, glad you called back.

Hi Marcie, order something with meat in it.

Like roast beef?

Nah… how about meatloaf?

Tried to order that, they’re out.

Dern! Then just get me chicken and I’ll be there in about twenty.

Okay, will do, said Marcie.

After they hung up, Terrie cut a slice of blueberry pie and put it on a plate. She poured a cup of milk and sat down at the table to peruse her mail and eat her pie. Afterward, she brushed her teeth, powdered her nose, grabbed her pocketbook and headed out the door.

*

What the hell were you doing, I’ve been waiting for over a half hour now, Marcie demanded irritably.

I zipped through my mail, you know, just curious. I’m sorry I’m a bit late, Terrie apologized just as the food was served.

Well, looks like you timed it just right, Marcie said wryly.

I’m good at that, Terrie said with an apologetic smile. So what is the occasion for meeting up so early in the week Marcie?

I was typing up some client notes today and saw something you might be interested in.

Are you supposed to be sharing that kind of information with people outside the office?

It’s okay, Terrie, you don’t know the clients and I’m not revealing any personal stuff or naming names. Geeesshhh, just listen a minute! Marcie requested impatiently.

Okay, what?

One of the counselors had asked a client to name off the first thing that came to mind when he wanted to drink or do drugs.

Weird. Why did she do that? Terrie asked.

"More like, what did he connect them with," Marcie said excitedly, leaning forward as if she was getting ready to shake Terrie’s world.

Okay, I give, what did he connect them with? Terrie asked compliantly.

He connected them with the parties his parents used to throw when he was growing up which lead to thoughts about their love for him.

So? Am I missing something here? Why should I care? Terrie asked, her eyes glazed over and lips in a straight line of boredom.

Dang, do I have to spell it out for you?

Apparently so, Terrie said motioning for the waitress to come over.

That was really the beginning of his addiction. His parents would throw parties, drink until they were mellow, and then his father would boast to his friends about what a great boy they had and his mother would constantly shower him with kisses, tousle his hair, and say what a cute kid she and her husband had made together.

Can I help you? Asked the waitress, clearing off the dirty dinner plates and utensils.

Yeah, I’ll have a piece of blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream please, responded Terrie.

I’ll just have a dish of strawberry ice cream, said Marcie.

Yuk, I wouldn’t want to hear that if I were a boy. That would be embarrassing, Terrie said shaking her head and waving her hand as if to block out the thought.

I know but the truth of the matter was that when his parents were sober, they would fight a lot, yell at him and tell him how he ruined their lives. His father worked late much of the time and his mother rarely cooked a meal. When she did, it was always pasta or beans. Then when his dad would get home late, his mom would accuse him of cheating on her, throw things at him, dishes, pots and pans and such, and he would call her names. If the kid ever ventured into the scene, he would get sworn at by his mom or smacked by his dad.

Marcie, I feel for this guy, whoever he is, but again, why should you or I be interested? Terrie asked, scooping up the last bit of pie and ice cream into her spoon and eating it slowly, relishing it as if it were to be her last meal.

It’s about addiction. That’s what really drew him to the booze and drugs in the first place, on a subconscious level of course, do you see?

But that’s not what addiction is. Addiction is having trouble putting the stuff down and keeping away from it permanently, right?

Technically maybe. Yet I believe it was what he perceived as a connection to his parents’ love that drew him back to the stuff over and over again until he developed the actual physical habit.

Is that what the counselor said? Terrie asked, now growing sleepy from eating so much sugar as well as from the topic Marcie seemed to want to drone on and on about.

No, not precisely, but I think that’s what she was getting at. Then I began thinking of my own patterns of behavior, to see if I could make any kind of connection like that for myself. I found it very interesting that I could, Marcie announced with pride, as if she were on the same intellectual level as the counselor.

"Well, do tell Miss Introspection, what connection did you make and with what supposed addiction?" Asked Terrie inquisitively with slightly more awakeness.

Well, you know how much I love to cook…, Marcie began.

Oh yeah, I do, Terrie agreed glancing up and down at Marcie’s plump body teasingly.

Shut up Terrie, like you’re so slim and svelte! Marcie threatened.

That’s true, and that’s why I am allowed to bust you up about it.

Anyway, I remembered that that was the only time I received a lot of attention from both my parents.

Really? Both parents? From cooking?

Yeah, I mean both at the same time. Mom loved to teach me how to cook and would let me help make supper most all the time, even if it were something simple like stirring the gravy or tearing up the lettuce. Then dad would come home from work, come into the kitchen to smell the aromas and nibble on something. He would give us a hug and kiss and say we were the reason he came home every night, and then we would have a nice supper time.

That must have been good but weren’t they like that with you all the time?

No, not so much. After supper dad would have to go upstairs and make business calls and mom would tell me to go do my homework or clean my room or something. Then she would do the dishes, clean up the dining room, iron their clothes for work the next day, shower and then come in to give me a quick peck on the cheek and say good night. Don’t get me wrong, I know they loved me, but there was not a lot of affection shown, only because they were so busy, Marcie said.

So, are you saying you love to cook because it makes you feel loved?

Like I said, maybe not consciously, til now. The other part of that is that I can never cook a meal without nibbling at it while I cook like my dad did. That hasn’t helped my weight as you can imagine. Knowing where that habit came from has helped me nibble less, Marcie said with a laugh. I went back to my diet club the other day and I’m sure I’m going to continue with it this time. Marcie’s whole countenance seemed to light up.

Well, good for you. I’m glad that helped you, Marcie, Terrie said with a touch of patronization.

Yeppir, and that’s what I wanted to share with you, Marcie said, and then added, hint, hint.

Me??? I’m not fat, and I certainly don’t have an addiction! Terrie retorted like a belligerent teenager caught with a reefer hanging out of her mouth.

"I’m not saying you are, Terrie, but you’re certainly not slim by any means. And, I know for a fact that you had blueberry pie before you came here, and then you had more here with me! And I don’t mind saying, since I too have permission for the same reason you do to say so, that you are always eating something blueberry, Marcie informed in mild retaliation. What would you call that?"

I don’t know… and what makes you think I already ate pie anyway?

Ha! I could smell it on your breath when you sat down.

Really? I brushed my teeth before I left! Terrie exclaimed in surprise.

Aha! Blasted Marcie.

Oh big deal, said Terrie realizing she blew her own cover.

Marcie laughed. You should never wear anything white when you eat blueberries dear.

Terrie looked down at her blouse and noticed the little blueberry stain near her left boob and turned red in the face. She stuck her tongue out at Marcie. "Well, thanks for sharing Marcie but I’ve got to get going. I’ve got chores to do and my favorite art show comes on tonight," Terrie said as she pulled some bills from her purse and started to get up.

Marcie also put her tip money on the table and followed Terrie out of the restaurant after paying. Well, think about it, Terrie. I think you’ll be able to make some kind of connection with your blueberry self. Marcie smiled and gave Terrie a hug.

Okay, I guess. I suppose I had better look into it because you will probably hound me to death until I do, right?

Yes indeed! Marcie waved as she walked in the opposite direction towards her vehicle.

Terrie arrived home and listened again to the phone messages. She got the iron and ironing board out and set them up in the living room. Then she made herself a cup of tea and turned the television on to her art show. It ended before she was finished ironing. She turned off the television and turned on the stereo to a soft classical music station. As she continued ironing, her thoughts started to wander. There can’t be much to that theory of Marcie’s because I don’t mind ironing at all, and I hated it when I was growing up. Dad was relentless in reminding us to put the iron and board away when we were done. What a nerve he had after he, himself, left his tools out in the yard all the time. She took a sip of her hot tea. Maybe Marcie was right. Terrie laughed. Every evening, her father would have a cup of tea while reading some book before he and her mom retired for the evening. Ever since she could remember she rarely missed a cup of tea in the evening before going to bed. She then promised herself that starting tomorrow she would have juice or soda, but no tea!

After hanging up the ironed clothes and putting away the iron and ironing board, she looked into the refrigerator and her eyes landed longingly on the blueberry pie. She hurried into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. She knew if she ate anything that late, it would take her forever to get to sleep. She took a shower, threw on her nightgown, and settled into bed to read before going to sleep. Again she chuckled to herself while thinking here I am, reading before bedtime, just like they did. She recalled also how her father often read to her after she got into bed when she was a youngster. A half hour had passed. She placed a bookmark in her book and turned out the light.

After a few short minutes, she turned on the light on the side table. With no hesitation she went to the kitchen, cut herself a small slice of the blueberry pie and ate it right out of the pan. Then she brushed her teeth once more and went to bed for the night.

*

In the morning she woke up early so she got ready for work early as well. She had a little time left so she grabbed a fork, opened the refrigerator and whittled out a good-sized bite of the pie. As there was little time left before she would be late for work, she gargled with water at the kitchen sink before leaving.

On and off, all day at work, she thought about what she would do differently that evening so as not to follow her parents’ patterns. I know, I’ll buy myself a jigsaw puzzle and do that before I go to bed and I’ll buy some juice to drink this evening. Proud of herself for having done just that, she smugly went to bed that evening, looking forward to seeing Marcie at the end of the week and telling her how easy it was to break old inherited habits. A couple of hours later, she awoke feeling very thirsty. She went into the refrigerator to get some ice water and eyed what was left of the blueberry pie. She got a spoon and took a few bites out of the pie tin once more, put the cover back on, and brushed her teeth again before going to bed. She slept soundly the rest of the night.

*

That Friday morning her phone rang. Hi Terrie, are we meeting for supper tonight?

Sure Marcie, the usual time?

Yeah. So, have you given any thought to what I shared with you?

I sure have! I look forward to telling you about it too!

Great, I’ll see ya tonight.

The restaurant was buzzing with chatter. There was a convention in town and all the restaurants, coffee shops, and diners were brimming with a steady stream of customers.

So, how goes the blueberry battle? Marcie asked while looking over the menu.

Funny, but I wanted to tell you what came to mind.

The waitress came over, filled their water glasses and asked, Are you ready to order?

I’ll just have a BLT, said Marcie.

Hey, that sounds good, I’ll have the same, said Terrie.

After the waitress went off to fill their order, Marcie said, Tell me about your great blueberry awareness Terrie! Her body jiggled as she laughed.

Will you get off the blueberry thing Marcie! Listen, I noticed that I have been drinking tea and reading every night before bedtime just like my parents! So the last couple of nights, I have been working on a jigsaw puzzle and drinking juice before bed. It was very weird because I almost felt like I was missing something in my life. And then I got to feeling like I was betraying their memory or something weird like that. It was a very strange feeling. Juice doesn’t seem to taste as good in the evening. Funny, right?

"Yeah, that is interesting. I have stayed on my diet all week. I had to struggle a few times, but I talked with my husband about some things and it took my mind off it. Just knowing what was going on with me seemed to make it easier to follow through. But what I want to know is, what are you doing about the blueberry thing you got going on?"

Why do you keep calling it a ‘blueberry thing’ anyway? I am certainly not addicted to blueberries, that’s ridiculous! I eat them whenever I want, and I don’t sit down and eat a whole pie at once, I just nibble, Terrie defended.

Why are you so defensive about it then? What’s the big deal? Tell me you haven’t eaten any blueberry pie this past week … or … even in the past few hours! Marcie challenged.

Well, I just don’t see what the big deal is about. I could see if I had to sit down and eat a whole pie every day or night or something. I’m just snacking and it happens to be blueberry pie, no big deal, Terrie said, her face reddening and her deep sighs giving away the fact that she was irritated.

"What about those extra pounds you always talk about wanting to lose? You don’t ever say you’re hungry like most people do. I would bet that it is because you can’t stay away from that pie, my dear. Your life is being run by a blueberry! Marcie pursued humorously. Could it be that you’re in denial? Isn’t that the first sign of addiction?" She asked with a knowing smile.

Okay, I will prove it to you Marsh but for now let’s change the subject for awhile, I’m getting tired of talking about this, okay?

All right, I’ll get off your case for now. Let me tell you what happened to Michael at work this morning…

*

As Terrie was driving home, she remembered that her pie was almost gone and took a right at the light to stop at the bakery. She went in and Mrs. Bowser saw her.

Hi Terrie, you’re order is ready, c’mon over here and I’ll ring you up hon. How’s your week been? Mrs. Bowser asked taking Terrie’s money and giving her change.

You know, different day, same stuff, Terrie said with a smile. Thanks, Mrs. Bowser.

Same order for next week as usual?

Same as …, Terrie began and then stopped. You’d better wait to hear from me this time, she said, feeling a little uneasy as she spoke.

Okay, we’ll put your order on hold then. Remember to give us a two day advance notice, advised Mrs. Bowser.

Damn you Marcie! Why did you have to bring up all this nonsense! That’s what it is, nonsense! Terrie yelled out in the car as she was driving home. When she got through the door, she put the pie in the refrigerator, hit the answering machine button and headed for the bathroom. Geeeesh! Is everything I do nothing but a pattern? She laughed out loud. This is getting waaaayyyy too serious, this is!

She did some laundry and drank her juice. She finished some work she brought home and then worked on the jigsaw puzzle for a little while. She got up and went to the refrigerator and looked at the pie. She closed the refrigerator door. This is nonsense! Stupid blueberries do not run my life! She returned to the puzzle, got bored and decided to get ready for bed. She had brushed her teeth, settled in and picked up her book. Then, pondering her attempt at breaking this pattern, she threw the book across the room. Crap! She grabbed the remote and turned on the television. Nothing interested her. She turned out the lights and settled in again. After about fifteen minutes, she got up and went to the bathroom. On the way back, she went into the kitchen and looked at the pie in the refrigerator. Angrily, she slammed the door and jumped back into bed. She tossed and turned and finally turned on the light and retrieved the book from the corner of the room where it had landed. Who gives a care if I’m following a pattern and read before bed! She finished the book and looked at the clock. Oh crap! It’s three o’clock in the morning. She turned out the light and tried to go to sleep but there was something lurking within her mind that would not allow it. She lay there looking at the ceiling and thinking about the pie. Okay, you son of a bitch’n pie that seems so flippin important to me! What is this great connection Marcie was talking about? No answer came and she closed her eyes and began to fall asleep out of sheer weariness. She was just in that place between sleep and wakefulness when she saw a vision in her mind’s eye. She was a young girl walking with her mom through the woods in back of the house, each carrying a small basket. They were picking blueberries, talking and laughing. Her mother kept telling her to stop eating them or they wouldn’t have enough to make a pie. Every summer, when the blueberries and huckleberries were ripe, her mother would spend time with her scouting for the plumpest ones and picking them. Then she would take time to show Terrie how to make cupcakes, pancakes, pies and such using the berries they had picked. They always had fun whether it was rainy or sunny. That was about the only time Terrie had with her mother alone. The house would smell so good with all the baking going on, and the whole family would be happier because they didn’t often have dessert for weekday meals. Her father didn’t argue the fact that the berries would go to waste if they weren’t picked and eaten throughout the season. Suddenly, Terrie burst into tears and sobbed for a very long time.

I miss you so much mom.

The next morning, Terrie got ready for work, gathered her purse and work materials and left home without ever looking in the refrigerator.

BEINGS

Ki drifted into the large open space with all the others. It was quite crowded and therefore the individual next to him leaned hard against his side upon entering the space also.

Nothing like getting to know each other well before we’ve been properly introduced, Ki said with a little humor to the tinted entrant.

Yes, you are so right and I apologize; so much pushing and shoving. I’m Na, said the bluish hued being, I am female.

No apology necessary. Hello, I’m Ki. I am male. Ki was colorless and wondered how Na had become tinted but did not want to ask for fear of appearing forward so soon after introductions.

How many times have you experienced the process? Asked Na with excitement.

Oh, a few times, not many, at least not that I can remember. Can you remember how many times you have been through here?

Not really, said Na with a jovial bounce.

Ki bounced along with her for a moment.

Who knows if it is actually the same space as before anyway? And furthermore, why should it matter, right? Na asked as more of a statement than a question.

Ki agreed and then ventured forth with a question born of impatient curiosity. If you don’t mind my asking, why do you have tint Na? If you look around, you will see that there are very few like you.

Na got very still, thoughtfully trying to find an answer for something that she had not seriously considered before. Why, I am in as much wonderment as you are Ki! Nobody has ever brought it directly to my attention before. I don’t even know if I have always been tinted or not, I have never seen myself! She exclaimed in surprise. She looked around to see how many others there were like her as Ki pointed them out.

How did you ever know which exit to take then? He asked.

Someone usually points me to it without me ever asking.

Ki was disappointed with the answer. He did not want to end the communication though so began with another line of questioning. "How was your last adventure Na?"

Oh it was very interesting in my previous company at first. But as time went by and I was transferred repeatedly, it became less and less so. Eventually the environment was overwhelmingly sad and morbid. Nobody was in harmony and the messages we were getting from the Leader began not to make any sense at all. Finally, the company ceased and was burned down. I found out I was there for approximately seven earth days but it seemed like a drawn-out, absolute eternity. I am hoping to get with a better company this time around. How about you?

I had an absolutely magnificent time! It took me awhile to even want to work again once I was retired; I wanted to delight in the memories of my last position for a very long time. But reminiscing becomes less rewarding after a time so here I am, ready to travel again.

Ohhhh, do tell me about your adventure with the last company so I can delight in it also! At least I will have something to ponder if I land in yet another dreary one, Na nudged insistently.

I would love to. Perhaps reliving it through your eyes will bring the excitement back to me, Ki said thoughtfully and bounced slightly as he began.

Well, first I felt surrounded by hard, nuisance beings which were not thrilling at all to live with. I later found out they were called dirt. Eventually I traveled up this long, green, fresh smelling tunnel where I found my place of employment. For a time, it was very dark but then, a light, greenish hue surrounded us, our mood became happy and we worked joyfully. That job did not seem to last very long because the next thing I knew, my whole department was quickly transferred, as if in a whirlwind of liquid, and we were moved into a very hot area where everyone was stressed out and working hard. We could not wait to move on to other positions and worked feverishly to complete our tasks. Then a few of us were moved into a very orderly and comfortable location with others. Once we got to know each other, we relaxed and enjoyed our placement. We were so comfortable and rewarded such that our personal space grew and grew. But, as will often happen, we began to get bored, became complacent, and the company began to slow down. Then suddenly, without any warning, we were moved swiftly away, became separated from many of our coworkers and friends, and were segmented into blocks that became very congested and slow moving. That was not at all enjoyable. We had no work to do but could not move around freely to mingle with others. It felt very lonely for a time as we could not bounce and communicate. We were jostled around and rearranged, and it became exceedingly hot, almost unbearable. Fortunately, that event passed by quickly and some of us managed to stick together through the ordeal. We went through a similar process as before and were eventually ushered into our respective departments. Once we became adjusted to our particular tasks, we settled into an organized and regular work schedule. I really enjoyed it then. Everyone seemed happy, we were treated very well, and even received messages from on high that we were appreciated. We bounced together many times. We had a very wise Leader who communicated regularly with us, like we really mattered! It turned out to be a male human. He not only talked to us but also listened to us intently every morning. He expressed his love and appreciation for us and we had many joyful moments of good feelings as well as the taste of selective nutrients. And, furthermore, we were all promoted often. Oh, he was a great Leader. Ki bounced happily and bumped Na, causing her to bounce also, which she was more than willing to do. It felt happy and wonderful to share in his joy. Even those close to them were influenced to bounce. Some enjoyed the event, some did not even notice, and some displayed annoyance so Ki stopped.

Oh, it sounds absolutely delightful! Tell me more, Na pleaded.

Ki looked around, became still, and listened for a moment. Well, okay, they haven’t started the directive yet so I will. There we were, doing our work happily and enjoying good food, good oxygen, and harmonious warmth. Then we were informed that there was a big promotion planned for everyone in my department. We were exhilarated! Gradually, we were moved to different areas, usually a few of us at a time. Our Leader knew we would do well being promoted as a small group rather than being forced into adjusting to a totally new work process on our own. We can do it, as you well know, but who wouldn’t be thrilled to enjoy promotion with at least some of one’s friends?

Na leaned over and nudged Ki in agreement and showed eagerness for him to continue, being careful not to bounce mind you.

Ki continued, "Once we were settled in, it was a time of darkness and we all got very quiet. Some of us, including myself, were not sure we would like this promotion and wondered why it was presented to us as something great. After all, we came from a department that was full of everything we desired. We had asked ourselves if there could be anything better."

Na couldn’t help but become very still in anticipation of the outcome. She so hoped it would be good news but after her own recent experiences, she couldn’t be sure and was somewhat fearful that Ki would diminish her joy. So, was it … was it … great?

Oh for sure, was it! Ki said bouncing almost out of control until his neighbors bumped him hard a few times. Sorry, so sorry, he apologized and calmed himself.

Ohhhh, tell me! Hurry! What was the promotion? Na asked while trying not to bounce.

Ha, I don’t remember the title exactly. All I know is that gradually, a soft, warm glow came over the whole department. We began to feel wonderfully serene and contented. There we were, working happily and industriously, when, suddenly, it was as if we were thrown into another world!

Really? Why, what happened?! Na could hardly control herself now but did not want anyone to bump her rudely so kept her feelings under control.

There came a great light! It felt like we were in a great container with huge windows that allowed us to see many different things everywhere! The container moved constantly, sometimes swiftly and sometimes slowly. As our more knowledgeable peers educated us, we came to know that we were looking at colors and shapes of objects. Everything had names! And best of all it was … well … take a guess!

Oh don’t make me guess! Hurry and tell before the meeting starts! The doors are closing to any further entrants! Na insisted panicky that she may not hear the whole story before instruction and transfer.

"It was like that first time of the sudden lights, when we were working and watching; all of a sudden, another container confronted our windows. We strained to see and we started hearing sounds. Our managers explained to us what was happening as it occurred. They told us to look into the two circular windows before us. We did and we saw reflections, our own reflections! We could see our own similar container, with windows just like the ones we were peering into. The Leaders of the companies were communicating with one another! It was the most exciting experience I had had so far!"

What were they communicating about? Asked Na in awe of such an amazing event.

They were planning to travel together. That meant we were going on more adventures and would see more and more sights, and hear more and more sounds. We were fed well and we were so thrilled in our new environment. There was such complete excitement and bouncing that it could have become overwhelming if we hadn’t had times of darkness where we could be still. We were informed that it was called ‘resting’ and that the containers we were in were called ‘bodies’.

Wow, I wonder if I will ever get to travel in a … uh, body, and have experiences like that, Na said with some jealousy.

Oh you will, it’s just a matter of time, I’m sure. After all, we have eternity, right?

True, said Na. So, is that it?

Not quite all, Ki said leaning into Na gently.

There’s more? What could that possibly be? Na asked in a whisper. Hurry, it sounds like the directive is going to be presented at any moment!

During one of the resting times, the windows seemed to open but it was still pretty dark. We had no idea what was about to transpire and were a little fearful that we were going to be suddenly transferred without any notice. We all became intensely alert.

And? And? Na asked impatiently.

"We began to hear