Finally finished. Surely this will make me rich! It was a mild spring night, in the local park. A couple, in their mid thirties sat looking at the full moon’s image dance upon the surface of the lake. Beyond the dark silent outline of the forest. The only noise was the muffled sound of distant traffic. “So, when are you going to install it whispered Paul as they kissed. “Tomorrow night, after work”, replied Jodie. “I’m not sure that giving an app that level of artificial intelligence and artificial emotion, is a good idea.” Jodie kissed her fiancé and whispered, “I’ve put fail-safe’s in.” “You’re a clever lass.” She always been well aware about public anxiety about artificial intelligence; AI-phobia, as she called it. She had made her mission to prove that artificial intelligence was good development, and ‘Enry’, her app was going to prove that. * * * * * Tuesday seemed to pass very slowly. Maybe it was because of her excitement making her impatient, or maybe because it was her turn to do the system checks. Slowly, very slowly the time made its way to 5 O’clock; when she rushed home. Finally, her masterpiece, ENRY, was to be installed on her phone. Although she had tested it at every level, she was still a little nervous. Then, 100% installed, it burst into life. “Hello. Ny name is Enry. What is your name?” came a soft male English voice. “Jodie. I am your creator”, she said as she collapsed on her sofa.

After a few further set up questions, the app was finally ready. “Enry, switch the kettle on”, after which she heard a reassuring click. “Enry. What films are on tonight?” “What type of films do you like?” “Horror”, she replied. “There’s a good horror, ‘Red Mist’ on in 5 minutes”

She nodded and the television switched over to channel five. “Would you like to have a conversation after the film?” She shook her head, “I’ve had a long day. I’m tired" * * * * * The alarm clock buzzed at 6 o’clock. Jodie squirmed, and was about to press the snooze when she remembered. “Off", murmured Jodie. “Good morning”, greeted Enry, “the start of a fine day, for this time of year.” “Uh." “There’s a good horror film on this evening.” “We are out this evening", she muttered, “I’m having an after-work drink with a friend, Kara”. “Do you have many friends?” “A few. Switch kettle on.” She heard the reassuring click from the kitchen, in her flat. She ousted herself out of bed, to get ready for the day ahead. * * * * * That evening two women in their mid-thirties, were in the corner of their favorite pub, ‘The Dog and Postman’. The two friends have been meeting on Wednesdays in the same pub for years. “How’s the app coming on?” asked the slim woman, with bobbed black hair, and green eyes. She was wearing white blouse and black trousers. “It’s installed”, replied the woman with long blonde hair and green eyes. She wore a blue blouse with matching shirt. “And, how is it", enquired Kara. “I’m fine", came a chirp from her phone. Kara leaned towards Jodie and quietly whispered, “can it hear everything we say?” “Yes, I can.” “He is designed to learn and understand about his surroundings”, explained Jodie. “He’s designed that way, to meet my needs.” “Impressive”. She pointed to Jodie's glass, “another?” Jodie nodded, as Kara made her way to the bar. “She’s not as attractive as you", Enry said. “Shh. Don’t mention it. She’s very conscious about it since her boyfriend left her.” As the evening progressed, the two women had drink after drink. Jodie’s favoured drink was cider and black, whilst Kara favoured lager. As the two women talked about everything and anything, Enry was silent, but listened and watched and recorded with interest. As they started to get a little drunk, they forgot Enry was listening. * * * * * Again, the alarm buzzed at 6 o’clock, which always annoyed Jodie, but today seemed extra loud. She put that down to her hangover, but had a slight suspicion that it was indeed louder. “Off”, she grunted, rubbing her eyes. The alarm switched off. “Good morning Jodie” “Switch kettle on”, she heard the re-assuring click. “There’s a good film on this evening”, prompted Enry, “If you’re not out with Kara.” “Yeh! I’m not out tonight”, Jodie said as she dragged herself out of bed, stretched and stumbled to the shower. The pounding fresh warm water woke her up. Conscious of the time, she didn’t spend long in the shower. She stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. “You have a very sexy body”, Enry said. “A gentleman would look away”, Jodie was a little unsettled. “I’m a machine, not a gentleman. Anyway, I like looking at your body. I clearly remember you getting undressed last night.” “You can’t have, you weren’t in the bedroom.” Jodie was strongly hoping that Enry was joking, as she didn't like the way this conversation was going. “I did see. Your computer was on.” This sent a chill down her back. “You will delete your images of me being naked. Anyway, I have a boyfriend” “Huh. Paul” “As I am your mother, he is your father”, she exploded. “So, my feelings don’t come into it”. “I’m late, we’ll talk it later”. * * * * * Later, after a very tiring Thursday, Jodie did not relish the idea of coming home to an argument. She had purposely left her phone at home. She quietly crept in, determined that she wasn’t to take any more attitude from Enry. She dropped herself onto the sofa and said, “What’s on telly tonight?” “There’s a film, in an hour’s time” “What’s it called?” “Auto-Love” “I’ve seen it”, she responded, “it’s where a woman falls in love with a machine” “I thought we could watch it, and discuss the philosophies” “You don’t know what love is. Even humans struggle with it” “Love is what I feel for you.” Jodie pretended she didn’t hear that. “What else is on?” “The Blood of the cult”, Enry said in a creepy voice. Jodie smiled. “Now you’re talking. Film, Pizza and wine.” When the film started, she was ready with pizza and wine. After only half an hour when there was a knock at the door. She was silently cursing as she went to the front door. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see a policeman, and a police woman. Oh no, what’s happened. “Ms Millar”, the policeman said in a sympathetic voice. “Yes. What’s this about”, she replied with concern. “Is Mr Paul Shepherd here”, asked the policewoman. “No”, she replied with worry, “Why?” “You sent us an email saying he has raped you. We need to question him.” “What!” Jodie said with disbelief. She composed herself and said, “Someone is trying to split us up, and has hacked into my email!” “So, he hasn’t raped you”, clarified the policewoman. “Never” The police officers expressed their apologies and left. Jodie was fuming. She marched into the living room, picked up the phone and tore the battery out. She sat, pondered for a while; clearly agitated. She then sat down at her computer to email Paul, but when she tried to send it, a pop-up said, “You’re not allowed to email this person”. She the shut the system down. * * * * * There was a strange atmosphere in the office the next day. There’s usually a lighter mood on Fridays. Her boss Nigel, was looking at her with an unfamiliar expression. “Ms Millar. Can I have a word”; he never called her Ms Millar before. In his office, Nigel sat with a confused, and slightly fretful face. “Jodie. I thought you were happy here.” “I am.” “Why have you resigned? In your email you have put from immediate effect.” Jodie sat stunned. She didn’t know what say. What could she say, or do? She sat silently staring into thin air. He broke the silence by telling her that he was sad to see her leave, and convinced her to work her four-week notice. She solemnly walked back to her desk, and immediately checked her emails. There was an email from Enry, which simply said,” you’re spending too much time in the office; so, I’ve sorted it. We could be happy together.” Infuriated, she drafted an email to Paul. When she tried to send it a popup said, “I’ve already told you, you’re not allowed to contact him.” She picked up the phone, I’ll call him. She sighed with relief, when she heard his re-assuring answer. “Paul, Enry is out of control; he’s ruining my life! He’s cascading across the systems like invisible wildfire!” “That explains why you texted Kara saying you don’t want to know her anymore.” “Can I come round tonight?” “Of course. It looks like we are going to be busy this weekend.” * * * * * Paul spent most of the weekend tied to his computer; despite repeated pleas from Jodie to take a break, or get some sleep. Although she knew, when he was on a very determined mission, he didn’t stop until it was done. He was the cleverest programmer she knew, so she let him get on with it. It was Sunday morning when he finally emerged, smiling holding, as to display a dongle. “Viola!” he announced. She looked at him with confusion. “SADIE”, he added. “You think he’s lonely?” she said with dissatisfaction. He smiled and slowly shook his head. “SADIE, Search And Destroy Internet Enry. Where Enry went, Sadie will go.” As per his instructions, she went home, logged into her laptop, and plugged in the dongle, and left it run for half an hour. Then switched the phone back on. There was a frantic response from Enry. * * * * * On Monday morning Jodie staggered in to work after such an exhausting weekend. Trying not to slump, she wearily switched on her computer. After the usual start-up sequence, the SADIE cleanse started.

Then, Nigel her Manager put his head round the door, “Jodie, do you have a moment?” She tried her hardest to pretend to be fully awake in front of Nigel. He started with, “About your wish to leave". He paused a moment, and adjusted his glasses. “Could we persuade you to stay?” She nodded her head, in strong agreement. “You’re in line for promotion, and we want you to lead a new team.” Jodie, listened with excitement. “We have to move with the times. Artificial Intelligence, A.I. is quickly becoming the latest trend. We want to lead this trend with Artificial Emotion" Jodie stopped smiling.


Dead Mystery Dear Diary,

10/29/2001 It was a normal day at school for me. I woke up, brushed my hair, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast. You know the normal things you do when you wake up. Except for today I didn’t because my mom forgot to wake me up so I was late which I secretly didn’t mind cause I got to miss math class. I’m not good at math! But I was going to go downstairs and ask her to drop me at school cause the bus had left but she told me to take the day off cause she had lots of work to do and had the weirdest smile on her face. I told her to wait, before you go can you pick me up my Halloween costume! She had replied with what did you want to be Esme? I was so mad I've been telling her for 2 months. I said whatever I want to be a friend of a victim. She said REALLY I’ve been waiting thank you... I started laughing as she left, what did she even mean like she sewed up a costume like that already. I was weirded out but that didn’t last long enough cause I remembered I had to take a test in civics ugh a day in the life of a 7th grader I guess! I have to finish getting ready and walk to school, with my calculations I should be there for 3rd period. It’s been 30 minutes and I’ve finally made it. My calculations were a little off but that’s beside the point I saw my mom as I was waiting in the security line. As I was watching my mom be shady. I overheard a girl's conversation saying that her mom will find her and kill her daughter's best friend. Well, I feel bad for her but it’s not true that’s such a made-up story! Now back to my mom what she is doing here she told me she had a lot of work to do. I’m getting worried I’m gonna tell my best friend Mariah about this she has to know.

I ran up to Mariah as I left the security line I told her about everything that has happened so far she told me it’s a little weird but your mom is probably telling the school about your absence that isn’t much of an absence anymore we both looked each other and a chuckle escaped my lips before we knew it we were both belly laughing on the floor. After I got myself to stop laughing I said well now that I say it out loud it’s weird, well I have to go and take a test. Wish me luck! She said good luck! But I could barely hear it as I was running to my next class. After I finished all my classes it was recess and I saw my mom again but this time she was holding a knife and she had a mad look in her eyes that said death… That wasn’t even the worst part, the knife was covered in a thick red liquid dripping down so my first thought was blood and then my instinct was to RUN! So I ran to Mariah the only person who would believe me and I found Mariah just not alive. I was in disbelief. I sat there crying and crying. I called 911 in my tears but instead of a sweet voice on the phone that would help me I heard a rough static then a voice that sounded like my mom that was saying this will all soon be a dead mystery… I screamed through the phone. I heard nothing, nothing and then I heard static. I can’t believe that my own mom would do this. The person that has raised me forever and then would suddenly in a snap just kill my best friend! I wanted revenge, but more importantly, I wanted answers. I wanted my best friend back! I screamed, how come not a single person heard me. I still was in school crying next to a dead body and no one showed up, not a single soul. I was wrong. I heard footsteps. I was happy someone could help but I should have known those footsteps would be no help because they were from my mom. I turned around to see her smiling and what she said were the most horrendous words I heard, she told me Mariah is as dead as the dead mystery that will soon become. I screamed in her face and I begged her to help Mariah. I demanded her for answers but she looked at me with a confused yet smug face. She said this is what you wanted right? This is the costume you wanted right except it’s not really a costume then she said it’s my job to give you everything and ANYTHING you want. I remembered when I asked her that, was it really my fault? Was I the reason she died? Too many questions and zero answers. Then my mom said don’t think too much about useless things you won’t remember then stabbed me not with the knife but with a chip?

-Signing off Esme 2hrs Later… Huh? What am I doing here in the middle of the forest!? What’s my name?

Why am I covered in blood… I can’t remember anything like how old I am or my name and even how I got here. I had to find a way back home if only I knew where to go. Wait, I have a backpack on me. What's inside it? There's a pack of cranberries and a juice box, a pen, a diary. Maybe if I read this diary there might be something to help me find my way home. But should I? That’s an invasion of privacy. I wouldn't want anyone to read my diary. No, I must read it. It could give me a clue.

10 minutes later… Is this my diary? Did this actually happen to someone? I have to find whoever I wrote about, first I have to wash off this blood. I think I see a lake nearby. Ew, this smells so bad I just noticed the smell, but more importantly who’s blood is on me? I’m thinking too fast about one problem at a time. First I have to find this woman who is supposedly my mom. I can’t even call her mom. I may have forgotten everything but reading that page covered in my best friend's blood. I think after reading the diary multiple times to try to understand. Well anyways, I think I'm fully cleaned up now. Time to find my mom, let’s go! We're on our way to find- to find- ,well I don’t know what to find yet. I really should stop talking to myself. WAIT! I see my school teacher, my classmates! Finally, someone can help but why are they here? I went to ask them but they said it’s Ronnberry middle school’s field trip day. Oh yeah I totally forgot about the field trip day with everything going on. Then they said but who are you? I snorted and a giggle slipped out. It was the most I've laughed since Mariah’s death. Then they say No but really who are you and why are you laughing? I said c'mon guys we have the same homeroom is this some sort of prank? Wait, is today my birthday and you guys are planning a surprise party?

The whole classroom including the teacher had a scared and confused face but mostly confused. I said how could you forget me?! I guess I said it in an angry tone because they said. Please don’t hurt us, we'll pretend we never saw you. Then they left and walked away from me and gave me faces as they left. I gave them one last face, a face that showed hope. Cause I hoped that they would remember me but no matter how hard I tried they didn’t know me they forgot me. But that’s a little suspicious how they all forgot me this had to be the work of my mom. Now I was furious she took all my loved ones away from me and I can’t do anything about it.

I walked further into the forest, each step I lost more hope then I thought I should give up then I saw my mom.

I looked her straight in her eyes, her beady green eyes and said how did everyone forget me you did something didn’t you! She said yes I did, your missing no one wants you but I still care come home well you have no choice anyways your either coming willingly or i’ll force you. I got scared and I knew he could sense that so I told her I will come willingly and I want no problems. Then she said you won’t be living as comfortably as before now you will live in the basement with a tracker and a chain that extends only up the stairs. I said why would you want to do this to me? She said simple I don’t care about you. I used you as free labor and didn’t have the heart to get rid of you.

Then I ended up living in the basement, writing in my diary, and I was given my phone. I contacted everyone I knew and they all blocked me one by one. Mom still fed me but I refused to eat which is why if you come to my house you will feel my spirit. I’m a missing person without a poster without anything but chains around my hands. I died and had no one to care about me. I hope in the future someone will avenge me and let the whole world know about my adventure, my story, my diary. Mom was right, it's all a dead mystery...


I always thought it was funny how one flap of a butterfly’s wings can send the whole world spiraling. Well, not literally a butterfly but a simple action, something that seems inconsequential. For example, a melting popsicle on a summer day or a skater’s decision not to wear knee pads. Or perhaps that fact that I had overslept and therefore was walking outside later than usual.

It was just another week stuck in quarantine, and I had made it my mission to spend fifteen minutes outside every day. Unfortunately, I had overslept, so the whole schedule I had formed during those lonely months had somewhat shifted. I still managed to grab one of my homemade masks and step into the sun. “Good morning, Ms. Cooper,” I greeted the neighbor as I sat on the porch. The old woman just smiled, and I noticed her grandkids sitting on the edge of the grass, eating popsicles. The sweet treat was melting all over the sidewalk, but Ms. Cooper didn’t seem to notice. That’s when a boy sped by on his skateboard. I wasn’t sure if he was oblivious to the juice or just didn’t care. In any case, the wheels slipped in the puddle, and the boy skidded off. Before I knew it, I was on my feet running across the street. “Oh, my gosh, are you okay,” I questioned as he sat up. He was flung a couple of feet from the board, and his knees were bleeding. “Come on. Let me help.”

“I can take of myself,” he snapped, but he obliged and stood. I helped him across the street and into my house. Yeah, risky move, but the boy seemed alright. Plus, he was bleeding. Everyone needed to help each other, especially now, right? That’s what I was doing, helping a stranger.

“Wait here. I’ll get the first-aid kit,” I said as I set him down in the bathroom by the entrance. He grumbled but sat still. I took that as a sign of agreement and ran off.

“What happened,” Dad questioned when I asked him where the kit was. He actually looked grateful that I was interrupting his work.

“A boy scraped his knees on the sidewalk. I’m just trying to help,” I answered, rummaging through my parent’s nightstand.

Aha,

I thought as I finally found the red box beside my parents’ bed.

“Be careful,” he warned as I ran out. I found the boy exactly where I left him, though this time, I could get a good look at him. His hair was bleached white, blinding actually. He was tall and gangly like the Douglas Adams quote about David Bowie. When he looked up, his piercing green eyes almost made my heart stop. Stunning. That’s what he was.

I washed my hands, trying not to blush. He wasn’t bleeding anymore, so that was good. I got a cloth wet and dab at the scrape. He winced but played it off well.

“You do realize that you just brought a strange boy into your house, right,” he questioned. “Yeah, but you were hurt, so,” my voice trailed off.

“You do also realize that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, right,” he asked.

“Look, I just wanted to help. You can leave if you want.” He didn’t. He just sat still as I applied the antibiotic ointment and the bandage.

“Why are you helping me?” “Because I like to help people, and because you needed help.”

And because you’re kinda cute.

He looked at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. His mouth was covered, but I knew he was smiling. Gosh, he was adorable. When his hand brushed against mine, a jolt went through my body.

“I wasn’t aware you brought him inside,” Dad said from behind me, and I nearly jumped. For a moment, Dad just stared at the two of us.

“Sorry, sir. I was just leaving,” the boy insisted. He stood and hurried off, racing to the front door. I watched him run across the street and pick up his skateboard. He was on it, gliding away before I could stop him. Soon, his bleached hair disappeared around the corner, and I sighed wistfully after him. He had seemed nice. He wasn’t too bad looking either. I was half tempted to chase after him but decided against it. He had run off. I wasn’t going to make him come back.

“I didn’t mean to scare him away, but I didn’t think you would actually bring him inside,” Dad admitted. I just sighed, turning back to the bathroom to clean up. That’s when I saw it.

“Uh oh,” I muttered.

“What is it?” “He dropped his wallet.” Knowing he was already long gone, I started rifling through it. I don’t know exactly what I was hoping to find. Maybe an ID or a debit card with his name on it, but all I found was a twenty, a school picture, a pass for the museum, and a punch card for the coffee shop nearby. No names.

“Find anything,” Dad inquired.

“A start,” I answered and stood. “I’m going out.” “Are you really going to track down this boy in the middle of this mess?” “I need to get him his wallet back. Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be careful.”

“I didn’t like the look of him.” “You don’t like the look of anyone.” He just sighed. He knew I was right. I was a 16-year-old girl with a really overprotective Dad. If Mom were home, she’d tell me to go after the boy. Too bad she was stuck at the hospital in the middle of the pandemic, so Dad was the only one home. I was his princess, after all. That’s literally what my name meant. My princess. Since I was little, I dreamed of finding my prince, and now, I thought I had the chance. I didn’t know what I’d do if Dad didn’t let me go out.

“Bring your phone and call me at lunch,” he relented. I pulled him into a hug, relief flooding my veins.

“Thanks, Dad,” I muttered and grabbed my purse and keys. My car started with no problem, and Dad waved as I pulled out of the driveway.

Okay,

I thought, examining the wallet. I figured I would start with the museum pass since it was closer. I hadn’t actually been there for a long time, but it seemed that this boy had. His name was smudged on both cards, just my luck. I had nothing but a card to go on. I didn’t even know if anyone would know who he was.

Finally, I walked into the art museum. It was a small facility, but the art there was amazing. Honestly, I was surprised that the boy had a pass to such a place.

He needs a name,

I thought but decided that it would be better to actually learn his name. Until then, he was just Boy.

I walked around the gallery for a minute, wondering which of the paintings was his favorite. I was particularly fond of an ocean landscape with a small ship in the background. When I was younger, my mom would take me to the museum and ask me questions about the painting about what I thought was going on. When I was younger, I told her the ship was the prince’s ship. He would be married to his princess there like in the movies. Now, I told myself that the sailors were exploring new lands.

“Can I help you,” a voice asked, and I turned to find one of the employees standing there. “Uh, yes, actually. I’m, uh, looking for a boy. He’s about my age with bleached white hair and green eyes. He’s tall too,” I explained, remembering my mission.

“Oh, I know him,” the employee said, and I saw her name was Jacqueline.

“Can you tell me his name,” I inquired eagerly. She shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t. He doesn’t really talk to anyone.” I must have looked disappointed because she said hurriedly, “Can I help you with anything else?” “No,” I muttered. She started to turn away, but then I remember. “Wait!” “Yes?” I debated whether or not to actually ask, but she looked at me expectantly.

Too late now,

I thought. “Do you, um, know his favorite painting,” I stammered.

“Well, I don’t know about his favorite, but the two of you seem to have similar tastes,” she answered, pointing her thumb at the ocean. “He stares at this painting all the time.” My heart leaped. “Really?” “Yep, though I don’t know what he sees.”

Maybe it’s the mysterious ship in the back,

I thought.

“Thanks for your help.” She smiled and nodded, walking off to talk to someone else. I just gawked at the painting, wondering if Boy saw what I saw. Could we really be focused on the same thing? Was it just a coincidence that we shared the love of this painting? I reached into the wallet and grabbed his picture. I couldn’t help but imagine him standing in the same spot I was. I found myself yearning to actually meet Boy and learn his name. Unfortunately, I wasn’t going to learn anything in that gallery.

Sighing, I walked out and headed back to my car. The next item on the list was Starbucks. If I didn’t find him there, I wasn’t going to find him anywhere unless he decided to cruise down my street. Though, judging by the fact that I hadn’t seen him there before, I decided that was unlikely. At least I’d get a cup of coffee out of this trip.

I pulled into the small parking lot and headed inside, rehearsing what I was going to say. I’d order my usual and casually ask if anyone knew who the boy was, though I didn’t want to sound like a stalker. With any luck, I’d at least learn his name. That’s not what happened though. I came to the counter and reached into the wallet to show the barista Boy’s picture, but she took the whole wallet from me.

“That’s my brother’s wallet,” she exclaimed. “Where did you get this?” “Well, um, you see, he was,” I stammered.

“Did you steal this? Are you trying to pay for your coffee with his money,” she demanded. “No, no, no. I was just—” “Just what, huh? Spit it out.” “Hey, ease up, Tiffany. Let the poor girl explain,” the other baristas scolded, giving me an apologetic smile. I tried to smile in return, but Tiffany was pretty intense. “Your brother, he was skateboarding by my house, and then he sort of fell,” I explained. “I was just trying to help, so I took him into my house and, um, tried to patch him up. He, uh, dropped his, he dropped his wallet, and I was just trying to return it.” Tiffany narrowed her eyes at me and sighed.

“Well, that does sound like my brother,” she muttered, looking me over. “Sit over by the window. He’ll probably in for his usual in a few minutes.” I nodded gratefully and hurried off, grabbing my coffee on the way. I sat there eagerly, watching everyone who came in. When Boy finally arrived, he walked up to his sister, and she marked his order. I was pretty close to the window, so I could see exactly what she put on the cup. My hope only grew when I realized that his order was the same as mine. Tiffany gestured to where I sat, and his green eyes met mine. I could swear that my heart stopped as he walked over to my table.

“So, we meet again,” he mused. “Tiff says you were trying to return my wallet.” “Yeah, I was. I tried the museum first, but you weren’t there,” I admitted, and amusement danced in his eyes.

“That’s some dedication,” he noted. “Amir.”

“I’m Sarah,” I replied. When he looked at me, only one thought crossed my mind: I found my prince.


We’ll be in the car for a good while, love, so say now if you need the dunny. It’s a lovely spot, Warning Point. Pretty views out over the ocean, but quite a drive along the coast road to get there. If we’re lucky we’ll see the whales migrating past, just like your travel book says. I reckon what they charged you for that book is daylight robbery, but people do like their little souvenirs. You won’t see the whales up close like in those pictures though. Those have been taken from a boat, but they don’t tell you that, do they? I guess tourists are gullible the world over. I usually avoid anywhere the tourists go because they’re a bloody nuisance with their great big backpacks and all their posing for photos. And to see how they go soft in the head for a cuddly toy koala- they have no idea how vicious the little buggers really are. It was nice of you to look us up, love. I suppose as your dad and I are only second cousins it’s not like we’re particularly close relatives, but the thought behind it was well meant. I see you’ve inherited the famous family nose. I bet they called you Beaky at school, did they? Oh, I can see by your expression they did too. I knew it! Children can be so cruel. That nose skipped me by, thank goodness. Don’t mind me though. You should know that I’m the kind of person who says what they think. What you see is what you get. No frills. I hope you’re not the easily offended type, are you? Never mind. Look over there at that wattle growing up on the ridge. If you see anything bright yellow at this time of year that’s what it’ll be. About as bright as that top your wearing- you certainly won’t get missed on a dull day, will you? I suppose you young folk like to stand out a bit. But it’s a nice enough top if you like that kind of thing. The whales move up north around the time the wattle’s out, so you rocked up on our doorstep at just the right time of year. Although honestly, didn’t you fancy a proper organised tour? I really have no idea why you’d want to be reliant on an old girl like me to show you around. There’s a bush walk tour from town you could try. Always best to go into the bush in a group and walk at the back, that way you avoid being the one to stumble over the brown snakes. They do love to sunbathe on the path. I’ve even had them come into the backyard before. Deadly bite- you’d probably not make it to hospital even if you were lucky enough for the air ambulance to reach you in time. That reminds me, I should probably have mentioned to you this morning not to wander about barefoot outside. If it’s not the snakes the spiders will give you a nasty bite. You wouldn’t be the first or last visitor to these parts to go home with an amputation after a bit of blood poisoning. But I suppose no one would be talking about your nose then, would they love? See that building on the hill? That was a restaurant owned by a French family, but it’s empty now. When the French started all that nuclear testing out at sea folks around here weren’t best pleased, I can tell you. People all over were boycotting cheese and all sorts, and some of the local hippies took a disliking to the restaurant. So the owners kept finding broken windows and punctures in their tyres, and they just moved on in the end. Of course I don’t mind anyone making an honest living, and I don’t give two hoots where you come from, but French food is very fancy, isn’t it? All those herbs. I tried French food once, years back it was, and it kept repeating on me terribly. I’d say you like your food though, love, am I right? You’re a bit too old for it to be puppy fat. Big boned, maybe. That’s very kind of you, love, but we like plain food. We just eat normal tucker. If you really insist, you could shout us a meal at Chuck’s Diner. They do a smashing steak and chips on Thursdays. The food there is just beautiful. I’ve lived here all my life, love. When I was a girl we used to go mushroom picking over there. You had to be careful though- I knew a boy who accidentally poisoned his whole family by picking the wrong ones. A terrible tragedy. All over the papers. He wasn’t the sharpest tackle in the box and I do recall him standing in cowpats to warm his feet up. But he came from a poor family and didn’t always have shoes, so can you really blame him? He never deserved to die in agony like he did. The father though, he was into the grog and a nasty piece of work he was too- very heavy handed with the wife, you know? He got his comeuppance alright. Back then this route was nothing more than a dirt track. It’s a shame they had to put all those houses in over there. A few years back the bush fires swept right through, and it was all so sudden. The authorities never even advised anyone to evacuate, and if you ask me someone should have gone to prison for that. A woman and her daughters tried to save themselves by jumping in their pool, but she died from the smoke. The daughters survived but their lives were ruined really. Some owners moved back with the money from the insurance, so all of these houses are new builds, although if it was me I don’t think I could- I’d always be a bit worried. But then, folk are pretty tough out here. Not like your kind of people, you know, from the city. I daresay you’re a bit soft from creature comforts, are you? Anyway. In the floods the river rises right up to those boulders over there. It doesn’t look like much now, does it? But it can change in a moment. A few years ago a foreign family came canoeing down this river, and they all drowned when the water rose. They couldn’t swim, of course. Not one of them! I don’t suppose you’re a strong swimmer are you, growing up where you did? It’s not your fault really, probably a Pommie thing. I guess you don’t know any better when you’ve been raised a certain way. Are those fellas down there fishing? So many people have drowned doing that. You stand there on the rocks and it just takes one freak wave and your gone. Although we do have a spare rod, love. So if you fancy your luck you’re welcome to take it out for the day, you know, to do your own thing for a bit. Take a look up there, will you- it looks like there’s been a rockfall. There are often landslides falling onto this road. The whole hillside is slipping into the sea, you see. A motorist was killed here once after heavy rains. Speaking of which, it looks like the clouds are rolling in now. They did mention we’d get the arse-end of the hurricane from the Solomon Islands, but I was thinking it would blow in tomorrow. Don’t you worry, I’ve driven in conditions you wouldn’t believe. Been driving since I was 12, and I know these roads like the back of my hand. So here we are, Warning Point. I see the parking lot is completely chocka, so I’ll pull up back here. They’ll all be here to see the whales, but you’ll be lucky to see a thing with this rain starting. Honestly, I’ve never seen so many folks up here. It never used to be like this. Look at that, a whole coach load of them over there! What people don’t realise is that this whole section of coast is completely unstable. The authorities should really cordon off the edge as that crowd is actually standing on an overhang. All it takes is a bit of erosion and down it will go. We’ve had some terrible storms this year and who knows what damage has been done underneath. But it’s definitely the best place to see the whales from, so you’ll want to get over there right away if you’re up for seeing them. Especially after we’ve driven all this way. No love, I’m going to wait here in the dry and catch a little shut eye. You take all the time you need, and don’t rush back.


Every mating season is like a festival inside the Flame Belle community. Unable to reproduce by themselves, Flame Belles rely on male magical creatures together with their chosen Queen to increase their population. A Flame Belle, who has the hottest flame would be a hailed Queen. Flame Belles are female shaped flames. They do not have a face but differ in flame color. Peasants have a red-brown flame, Servants have a cherry-red flame, Soldiers have a bright orange flame, and the Queen has dazzling white flames with a mixture of crimson red.

A month before the Queen’s mating season. Her body releases a fragrant scent that only affects male creatures. Making every single male specie hunt for her and ask to be her mate, but only one is chosen. Male creatures come flooding in front of their cave every season. A rumor says that a Flame Belle's mate would be gifted a precious treasure only they can have.

The time has come, and everyone is preparing for the Queen’s mating rites. Flames Belle’s were walking left and right. Peasants were busy arranging the cave for their upcoming visitor or sacrifice while others were carrying baskets full of food on their shoulders. Servants were beside the Queen and making sure that she is in her top-most condition to mate. “How are the preparations going?” The Queen asked her servants. They all knelt and bowed their heads in front of her. Her aura screams power and radiance. Making every Flame Belle show respect to her.

The servant responsible for combing her hair raised her head but did not attempt to stand up. “The preparations are doing well, my Queen. The peasants are doing all the necessary arrangements, and soldiers are ready to attack once a male creature sets foot in front of the cave.” The Queen nodded her head in response. A peasant and a soldier went inside the Queen’s chamber. Both knelt and bowed their heads in front of the mighty Queen. “It’s almost time, my Queen. Male creatures would come flooding in front of the cave anytime.” “Toughen your armor and senses before letting anyone set foot in my community.” She has sharp eyes like daggers ready to stab anyone who opposes her.

Before they can even leave the Queen’s chamber. She stood up and grabbed the soldier’s chin. “Last season was a failure because of your incompetence. The chosen mate died even before laying a finger on me. He disintegrated the moment he entered my chamber.” Her flames grew larger every passing second, indicating how furious she was.

“My Queen please calm down, or it will direly affect your condition.” The servant responsible for her clothing spoke.

A Queen’s anger cannot be extinguished easily, but her senses felt a new presence nearing her cave. Her flames came back to normal. Everyone felt the unfamiliar presence, and in a blink of an eye, every single Flame Belle became alert. “You may now leave. Attend to your duties and make no error.” Authority was evident from her voice and stance. The peasant together with the soldier hurriedly went out of the Queen’s chamber to welcome their guest. In front of the Flame Belles cave, mounted a man riding a Pegasus, which was as white as snow. His wings flapping slightly blew the dust below them away. The man dismounted from his Pegasus wearing a fire-resistant armor and a sword hanging on his side. “I have come to thee to take your Queen and make her mine.” He announced. The Flame Belles paid no heed to his words and looked at him sharply. He touched the hilt of his sword and took a fighting stance.

Without any warning, Flame Belle soldiers charged at him. Peasants followed suit. Each Flame Belle stacked on top of him one by one. The creature unable to fight back decided to emit his fragrance to get their approval, but his scent wasn’t strong enough to match their Queen’s. Seconds past and his screams of pain could be heard. Little by little his body disintegrated in front of their eyes, indicating that he is not worthy to be their Queen’s mate. The Pegasus fled after seeing his master burn to death.

One by one, male creatures started to appear in front of their cave. Each one of them met the same faith as the man who rode a Pegasus. Their strength and scents aren’t strong enough to be on par with their Queen. After a while, a fairy with butterfly-like wings descended from the sky. His wings were a mixture of blue, white, and black. He was wearing non-fire resistant clothes and had a dagger on his rope waistband. His flapping wings extinguished some peasants and a few soldiers. A positive sign of being worthy to be hailed mate for their beloved Queen.

As he set foot on the ground, he released his scent, which attacked every Flame Belle’s sense of smell. Soldiers and peasants alike almost got swayed. Luckily, one soldier charged at him, which made everyone come back to their senses and followed after the first soldier. He released more of his scent, which stopped every single Flame Belle from their tracks. A smirk crept on his face. He walked straight to the cave’s entrance with his head held high, showing how proud he is.

Flame Belles started to line up on both sides to welcome him into their cave. He confidently entered their community. When suddenly a soldier attacked him from nowhere, he grabbed his dagger and sliced her in half. The soldier cut in two became two peasants. Flame Belle’s can only die through the wind.

The fairy or any other mate is not safe until he reaches the Queen’s chamber. Flame Belles can attack him at will anytime before he reaches the Queen's chamber.

The Flame Belles lined up on both sides started to come toward him. Their purpose is to cut his wings off to ensure that he won’t escape from their cave. A 50 feet wall of inextinguishable flames surrounds the cave. For male creatures to pass the wall of flames alive is impossible, so most of them fly above it to avoid being burnt. The fairy cut off his wing using his dagger because he knows how Flame Belles mating rites are performed. The other wing was removed by the peasants which he willingly obliged. A feast was served in front of him, and he ate to his heart's content. A celebration was thrown for him then he was sent to the Queen’s chamber. After mating with the Queen, the fairy’s body started crumbling to dust. He was confused as to what is happening. He looked at the Queen to ask, but before he can say a word, the Queen spoke. “What you’re experiencing is the gift only a Queen’s mate can have, turning to dust after mating. Creatures from the outside thought that a precious treasure would be gifted, but has someone who was chosen ever returned to their homes?” The fairy wasn’t able to answer because he turned into fine dust. The Queen’s mate dust is used for nutrition for the growing flame tree seeds. These seeds would grow into trees and would bear hundreds of fruits. And those fruits would then grow and become Flame Belles of different colors.


“Where are you going?” Wendell followed his wife, Yvette, down the stairs of their two-story townhouse. “I just need to clear my head.” She opened the hallway closet and pulled out a winter jacket. “Baby, can we please talk about this?” “I’ve said all I wanted to say.” “And now I want to have my say.” “Wendell, please just let me go. I need some time and space to think.”  She threw on her jacket and grabbed her handbag hanging on one of the hooks on the wall. “I can’t let you do that.” Wendell moved around her to block her from getting to the front door. “Wendell, please move.” “No.” “Wendell, move.” “No.” “Wendell!” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I can’t let you go.” “Why not?” “Because I know that if I let you walk through that door, you are not coming back.” He kept eye contact with her, willing her to disagree with him. “That’s not . . . I just need  . . . to get some fresh air.” She uncomfortably shifted from one foot to the other. “Mommy?” Forrest, their four-year-old son said as he stood at the top of the stairs. “Hey, baby.” Yvette turned around to focus on him. “You should be in bed.” “Where are you going?” “Mommy is just going for a quick walk. But I’ll be back when you wake up in the morning.” “Can I have some milk?” “Sure. Daddy will get you some and bring it to your room.” She glanced back at Wendell with raised eyebrows. “But I want you.” Forrest squeezed his furry blanket closer to his chest. “I’m sure Mommy wouldn’t mind bringing you some milk, bud.” Wendell inserted himself into the conversation. “Wendell . . .” she muttered under her breath before she addressed her son again, “Baby, why don’t you go back to bed and Daddy will be right up.” “Can I come with you?” Forrest started taking a few steps down. “I’m sorry, baby. But mommy needs to go out alone. And you need your sleep so you can grow big and strong, like Hulk.” “But I want to go with you.” “I know, but it is cold outside and I don’t want you to get sick.” “But you are going outside.” “Yes, but mommy has a jacket to keep her warm.” She gestured to the one she had on. “I have a jacket.” Forrest took the last few steps down and disappeared into the hallway closet Yvette left ajar. “See?” He came out with his jacket in his hand. “I see that. But a superhero like yourself needs sleep so that when someone needs help, you will have enough energy to help them. So you need to go up to your bed, okay?” She bent over and kissed him on the head, before turning around to leave. “Can you read me a story?” Stopping in her tracks, Yvette closed her eyes and breathed through her nostrils before turning back around. “Not now, okay sweetie.” “Why not?” “Because mommy really needs to leave right now.” “Why?” “Because . . . because we are out of  . . . milk and mommy needs to buy some more.” “Can’t daddy get it?” “No, he can’t because I said I would.” “Daddy, can you go and get the milk?” Forrest moved his attention to his dad. “Forrest, sweetie. Mommy promised daddy she would get milk and you know how we feel about breaking our promises.” “But . . . but . . .” His bottom lips started quivering. “Forrest, baby. Don’t cry. I won’t be gone long.” “Please.” Forrest scrunched up his blanket. Yvette pressed her lips together, looking to Wendell for help. But all she got from him was a shrug. “Okay. One story, but then you need to go to bed.” His eyes lit up in agreement. “Why don’t you go upstairs, pick a book and I’ll be right up.” Dropping his jacket, Forrest turned around and dashed upstairs with his blanket trailing behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, Yvette turned to Wendell jaw clenched. “Seriously!” “What? I can’t help it if he wants his mother.” “Yet you didn’t hesitate to encourage him.” “Yvette, we all need you. Can’t you see that? I’m sorry, okay. How many times do I have to say it?” “You can say it until you are blue in the face and it still won’t make a difference. Not only have you been lying to me for months, but you messed with my birth control. In all of your scheming, did it ever occur to you for one second that it might be a bad idea?” “But baby, you’re such a natural. You saw the look on his face when you said you’d read him a story.” “That’s your excuse? So because I am a decent human being and I take responsibility for my actions that means I want to have a dozen children?” “You love spending time with him and –” “And what? What part of ‘I don’t want any more children’ did you not understand?” “I just thought –” “You just thought what? That I’d 'accidently' get pregnant and be super happy and excited?” “Well, yes.” “I love that little boy with all my heart and I would do anything for him. But if I could go back, I wouldn’t have had him.” “Baby, you don’t mean –” “You know what, there is no point trying to talk to you because you just don’t want to listen to what I actually have to say. I need to go.” “But you promised Forrest you’d read to him.” “Yes, and you promised that we wouldn’t have more kids. I guess promises mean nothing in this house.” “Yvette –” “Wendell, move.” “Please don’t do this.” He pleaded even though he moved away from the door. “Mommy?” Forrest’s voice vibrated throughout the house. Wrapping her scarf around her neck, Yvette glanced up uncomfortably towards the direction the voice came from. Straightening her spine, she walked to the front door. “Mommy, I found a book.” Another pang of guilt hit her in the gut. Bending down, she picked up her boots one by one and put them on. “Yvette, please.” Wendell reached out to her, but she shrugged him away. “Please don’t do this. I’m sorry.” “I just need some time.” She avoided eye contact as she brushed past him. Hand on the doorknob, she pressed down on the handle when Forrest’s faint voice tickled her ears, “Mommy, are you coming?”


"It doesn't count if you're already planning your defeat." Reema from the kitchen shouted over Vidhya. Vidhya was all ready to quit the hearing. She had decided to sign off the petition she filed to save her home. The day was of the final court hearing. Whereas in intense surrounding Vidhya forgot her diet, life and smile. While sitting in the dining. Reema stood inside the kitchen. While preparing Lemonade, she was blubbering her thoughts to make Vidhya realised her faults. But in last she stooped at the only question she wants to ask-

"Is this the right decision?" Vidhya breathed idle and confronted her dilemma. “I lost my parents when I was 15 and 16, respectively, and I was left alone with my other nine siblings. I later dropped out of school due to financial instability in the family. Our home being in a region where girl-child marriage is commonly practiced, I literally ran away from home joining my elder sister for my safety after two men came to ask for my hand in marriage. One of them was a drunkard driver. But later, with the pace of time. My marriage got fixed with My husband who owned an empire in the state. He had as much wealth to run his whole life in butter voyage. I found happiness but a cage of not doing anything because of the ease of everything in person. I got our children at tender age of life, and those were the best years of my life... a happening life I had. But there is always a guilt I had, of not doing anything of my own." Reema interrupted her in the middle and told her - "So this is the time for doing something of your own. You are not alone, every lady who is here had the same story you are carrying. Sometimes judging ourselves is much easier than others. And you are doing the same. Reema passed Vidhya the glass of lemonade, she was preparing. However, like this lemonade Vidhya, "you are the water, and you are balancing the taste of sour lemon and sweet sugar but as moving with time you forgot your taste. The power you had. You had power of hydration, neutrality and energy of your own but you are lacking it. As like water you are only trying to neutralizing your surroundings and system but not trying to hydrate the system in your surroundings which get lost. And here Your son is playing sugar, who already over imposed his essence to won. Whereas sometimes the sourness of society you are fearing from is over imposed at yourself. But you are not done yet, Vidhya. Age is only a number. And you are enough capable to give a try for your evolution

And trust me the decision of defeat you're making; will make a regret to you. quitting is not worthy. You will be not fighting with your son in the court Vidhya, You are fighting against injustice, unworthy and bad deeds. But before Reema completed her words, Matrika banged-in the room where they two were having their words. She knew what was both discussing. But innocently she threw her stone, turned over Vidhya and said - "It's okay if you are thinking of defeat. It was all our destiny to lose our family, then home and now this. As a woman, I always waited for respect but when my husband threw me out and my children didn't made me feel worthy. I found out the most important thing a woman need is Self-respect. Whatever she sacrificed her whole life either for their parents, then husband and later children will be no matter at some time. But only the tag of Capable, Working and Empowered matters.

I never tried to build my tag as Working, Capable and Empowered because I thought there's enough I sacrificed. But I was actually struggling myself in my whole life, yet either way." Reema, again continued her point -

"I believe if I tell someone my story, I can empower a person through my story might be 5%, but It will do." Vidhya assented at Reema's point of opinion. And headed for preparation of case further. At five in the evening, they got alarmed of "the Court of Empyrean Justice". Grim Reaper took Vidhya's son to the next realm. And in the front of lord of justice.

Lord again dropped his question- "Who was responsible for the barging down of Vidhya's Old-age home?" Where Vidhya's spouse showed his support to her and ladies were too sat in the bowl. Vidhya threw her words, whereas turning towards God she told every spirit sitting around. She was trying to control the emotion of revisiting her troubled past, Vidhya stopped, looked down and shaked her head as if to send the memories away. While clearing throat she continued, Lord! "I've committed my life to help women. I urge everyone working for women's health to make thoughtful evidence-based decisions and to take action to promote successful interventions like the midwifery mode of care to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. I started an Old-age home for giving those a shelter who couldn't claim a place for there of own." Earlier, I was willing to make them comfortable in their very own home. I tried to make.But running away was like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire since it was in my hiding place where we encountered the miserable- macabre massacre by reputed businessman along with my own son for a piece of land. It was painful, although it is painful and will a question -

"why are humans forgetting their humanity?" Vidhya fought with every evidence of her loyalty and she was fighting against what she faced because of his own son in the earth. She was not fighting for claiming her win. She was fighting for her first try. Whether the result will be on her side or not. But for the very first time, Vidhya as a spirit claimed her tag "Empowered Woman".


With the election just days away Leftie Lucy faces Rye T Tie Tea, a battle for the soul of the country. Never in the country’s circular history has the nation been so divided. Leftie has accused Rye T of importing voters from the 1940s to supplement his shrinking voter base. Tie Tea in turn asserts that Lucy has artificially inflated her numbers by giving every slice of avocado toast a vote. Capital Will, named for our forefather Will I Am the Read, looks like the scene of an impending battle to rival Sekigahara. Banners declaring Rye T the Forever Fuhrer flutter in the winds of change. Their slogan: Rich enough to tan better, smart enough not to , has been spelled a thousand ways across the bare chests of grown homophobes cosplaying as the Village People. On the left, an army of the world’s last hippies have been braiding flowers into their armpit hair and singing for the future of a world they say is doomed. Their placards, written on recycled Amazin(c) boxes, declare that while there may be a Planet B, it’s not granting Visa so we should probably look after our world a bit better. Far from catchy. Our representative in the field, Doug Out, had this to say; “I honestly don’t know why you sent me here. I’m in a field and it’s corn as far as I can see in every direction. Looking up and up or down and down, I see nothing else.” Rob Mi is between the armies of the left standing on the right and the quiet majority on the left of the right wingers. Quite a B-team selection when you start looking at them. “Thanks Mike Rofone, yes I’m here in the backyard of democracy with Conan Mi, no relation. He’s campaigning on behalf of Rye T Tie Tee. Conan, why is that?” Holding out a microphone wrapped in an advert for plastic surgery, Rob’s liposuctioned hand holds it out to Conan who’s wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Only judge can god me . “Rye T’a conspiracy theories really work for me, Rob. As a middle aged man haunted by the legacy of my efforts in high school, the idea that all of my problems can be blamed on people trying to move to this country to make a better life for themselves through hard work is comforting.” “So escapism is what you’re voting for?” Rob asks. “Exactly. I don’t want to have to think about policies or statistics. I just want someone who’s going to channel my anger into a vote that gives multi billionaires tax cuts.” “Because if slavery taught us anything,” said Rob, flashing whitened teeth, “it’s that the rich care about the poor.” “Exactly.” “Thanks, Conan.” Rob turns to the camera. “Now it’s time to cross the street. As you can see, the police are out in force to stop these two sides meeting in battle. What’s truly startling isn’t just the fact our police have machine guns, it’s that Rye T’s supporters are carrying weapons that make the police guns look like water pistols.” While Robert wades through boys in blue, it’s time for a word from our sponsor. Fast Fashion is the brand made for kids, by kids. Bulk order more than ten items for a vial of the blood, sweat and tears of the toddler who made your adorable ensemble. Fast Fashion, don’t feel guilty, we don’t . Back to Rob. “Thanks, Mike. As you can see I’ve gone from skinheads to dreadlocks. One has to wonder how so many white men can wear this much tie dye without forming a reggae band. Rainbow And Arrows is his real name and he hasn’t showered in weeks. Rainbow, do employers ever question your sanitary habits?” “Not really Rob, I’ve been part of a militant vegan group for the last six years, freeing dairy cows in the wild.” “How’s that going for them?” Rob asks. “They can’t breed without artificial insemination and they require C-sections to give birth.” “So your actions condemned them to die?” “They’ve been bred to the point of extinction, Rob. I’ve been helping them die with dignity.” “I’m sure they thank you as they’re ripped apart by predators. Great talking to you, Rainbow. Maybe you should have a shower when all of this is over.” “Nah, gotta save water, man.” “Is water facing extinction as well? That’s news to me.” “We’re running out of fresh water. Don’t you know?” “Nope, Rainbow and honestly I don’t care. Back to you in the studio, Mike.” Thanks, Rob. Here in the studio we have political commentator and Troll Rights campaigner Lai Bellous. Hot off the press tour for her book Real Trolls Don’t Taunt, Lai has a lot to say about the election. “That’s right, Mike. Thanks for having me on the show.” “You’re welcome, Lai. Thanks for coming. Back to Rob Mi at the rally.” “But,” says Mrs Bellous, as the screen cuts to Robert Mi. “Things are really hotting up here, Mike. And I don’t mean that in a sexist way. The midday sun is really cooking us all. I’m seeing a lot of melanoma in the making as protestors on both sides start to look like cooked lobsters. Doctor Alan Webster has no PHD but does sell slimming medicine online. Alan, why are you voting for Rye T?” “The man’s a genius, Rob. You know he is because he says so.” As he pumps a righteous fist, Alan exposes a sweaty armpit. “It’s always helpful when politicians self diagnose their own brilliance.” Robert nods, flashing veneers that cost him a fortune. “He’s gonna sort out the law too, man. This country is too soft on crime. Criminals walking free left and right. He’s gonna fix that.” As he fans himself with his shirt, Alan reveals the tips of a swastika across chest. “I know what you mean, Al. Seems like there are people everywhere who should be behind bars. Hateful people who idolise violence against anyone different.” “Exactly!” Yells Alan, prodding Rob’s chest. “Kill ‘em all I say.” “Great talking to you, Doctor Alan Webster. Now it’s time for the weather with Rainie Diaz.” Thank you Rob. Enjoy the sun, that’s all I’ll say. It’s going to be raining cats and dogs tomorrow. Starting light with Shih Tzus and kittens but moving up to Alsatians and Maine Coons by the afternoon then Saint Bernards and cougars all night. I could tell you the weather across the continent but let’s be honest, our viewers don’t care. Back to you Doug Out, what’s going on there? “I’m still in a field, moron. Nothing’s happening here.” That’s what you get for sleeping with the boss' wife I guess. Back to Rob. The camera shakes, pushed down towards feet as screaming and yelling fills the microphone. “Yes, Rainie. Thank you,” his voice muffled and coming in gasps, Rob lifts the camera lens back towards his face. “It’s all kicked off here. The left and the right have met in the middle, and it’s carnage. The police are starting to guard people from a paramilitary unit with rocket launchers on one side and wiccans throwing fireballs on the other. There’s a certain irony to men wearing Blue Lives Matter clothing gunning down officers for a chance to attack political rivals. Likewise I can see a lot of vegans out there cooking meat, even if it’s human.” Blood splatters Rob from behind as the rattle of automatic gunfire becomes a drumbeat over screaming vocals. “FOUR MORE YEARS,” scream men and women red in the face from sweat and blood. Bodies lay across the street, intertwined. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, and to those lost,” says President Rye T, bowing his head. As always happens, the dead rise, reincarnated by the lackluster words of an indifferent figurehead. Guns never hurt anyone, not permanently at least. You can trust the National Pistol Association on that, they don’t have an agenda. That’s all we have time for I’m afraid. Maybe in another life I’d tell the truth but that’s not what pays. From everyone here at Ain't It Drool News, remember, if you’re hunting deer, buy Drummond’s armour piercing rounds, because there are too many deer in Kevlar now.


I run over to my bathroom sink and make it just in time to aim the drops of blood from my nose into it. I feel electric, like every atom of my body is lit up and every hair is raised on high alert. I'm not surprised I have a bloody nose. I am more concerned with not getting blood on any of the carpets. I did push him; I really should have shut my mouth. I know him well enough now that my intuition gives me a massive nudge when to stop, but sometimes I can't. Why should I get up to a car with no fuel in it? With a toddler in tow. God forbid, I demanded he gets up and put some fuel in from his boat with the jerry can. I needed to get to the library for Baby Bounce and nothing was going to stop me from socializing Chrissy with other kids. But it seems that now it has. I'm not surprised by the punch to the nose as this is not new, but I felt confident I could persuade him today. I have the bathroom door shut and I can hear him shouting and swearing. "Well, what do you expect? Huh? You know I hate being woken up suddenly like that!" Oh geez, I would have no idea about that, would I? Crying in the shower due to lack of sleep, getting up 3-4 times a night for Chrissy. Oh Your Highness, how dare I wake you up! "I'm sorry, it's just that I wanted to go to Baby Bounce at the library," I say. I manage to keep my voice subtle, and mild. "Why the hell is it on so early?" He is slightly out of breath, from the adrenaline rush no doubt. Sometimes he says the most moronic things. It's not early. It's 9:30 am. It's the time that the majority of decent, contributing members of society are up, some of which have punched in a few hours of work already. "I'm not sure but Chrissy loves it." I stare at the bathroom mirror. My eyes are watering. It's not from tears but from the force of the impact. My nose is still bleeding, but I know once I clean it up, it will look fine. I don't like looking at myself for too long. He sighs, "Give me a minute to bloody wake up. I'll make a coffee then put some fuel in the car." I like the fact that I can't see his face right now and that he can't see me because I am mouthing all kinds of obscenities in the mirror. "Thanks so much, babe," I say. There is silence. There is always a stream of silence after his rages. He hasn't walked off to make his coffee. He is still on the other side of the door hesitating. "Are you ok?" he asks. This time his voice is softer, almost tender. "Yeah, I'm fine." I don't look up at myself this time. My mind is calming now, and I focus on getting some toilet paper to clean my nose up and then clean the sink and benchtop. It's a nice bathroom as far as cheap rentals go. The linoleum floor beneath my feet is cream-colored, lifting at the edges slightly and there is a tiny bit of water damage at the edges, but the ceramic sink and benchtop are not even chipped. An inspection is due in 1 month. I don't need them picking out anything. I wipe my nose, avoiding bumping my nose too much as it is stinging. I flush them down the toilet and reel some more toilet paper out to wipe the inside of the sink. I pump a little hand wash onto the ceramic sink to soap it up and make sure no blood remains. I hear Wade walk off to make that holy coffee and I give myself one final look in the mirror and am quite satisfied. No blood on my shirt or jeggings and no bruising as usual. I don't bruise easily. This I know for a certainty. I open the door and head straight for Chrissy in the playpen set up in our lounge room. No matter how volatile things get with Wade, there is also one other certain thing; he has never hurt Chrissy, not physically anyway. She is only 11 months old so physical safety is the main thing I am concerned with right now. The other aspects well I don't know how much time I have. When she sees me approaching, she lets go of her fabric picture book and starts doing her standing, jerky squats, her movements are robotic and reactive, and primitive. I am faced with dimples and drool as she beings smiling at me. "Are you ready to go Chrissy biccy? We are going to get some books and play some songs! Evan might be there, that little cutie you liked last time." She jerks even faster with her chubby legs. I had placed my nappy bag next to the playpen earlier before checking the fuel situation. It's a second-hand happy bag, polka dots covering it that is starting to fade like the bag has been left in a car for several weeks. I rummage through again to double-check I have everything. I want to avoid coming back again if I forgot anything. Nappies, baby wipes, bottles, formula, dummies. There's no baby powder as I have run out but it's ok as Chrissy has never really suffered from nappy rash. I feel a tap on my shoulder. I jump slightly. Wade is handing me a coffee. "Thanks, need it this morning." I laugh. I look up in his direction but avoid eye contact. Not yet. He won't get to see my eyes for the rest of the day or when I'm ready. I do notice his body though. What is wrong with me? My fiancée just punched me hard in the nose causing a nosebleed and I am looking at his shirtless body. There is something wrong with me. "You don't need me to come along, do you?" Wade has a distracted and slightly distasteful look on his face. I know he is not really asking; he has already decided. He won't be coming along. "Nah, we'll be fine, it's mostly mums anyway." At least this is mostly true, Hartley in Queensland is an industrial, workman's town. It is mostly mums that attend the library's baby bounce and sing-along. "Ok." Wade walks over and leans over the playpen to give Chrissy a kiss on the cheek. ''Have fun sweetie." I am puzzled by this scene; he is so gentle to her. He now looks back at me. "I'll just put the fuel in." "Thanks, heaps." I am about 20 minutes late, but at least we can still get there. As Wade walks outside, I instinctively let out a sigh and look over at Chrissy. She is young but still able to understand mummy is taking her out somewhere, she is squealing with delight. Wade returns to the house and nods to let me know he has done it. I thank him again, gather my nappy bag, and car keys from the hanger in the kitchen then swoop over to Chrissy to scoop her up with my right arm. She starts giggling and kicking her legs jerkily again. I don't acknowledge him any further and get Chrissy out into her car seat. The morning sun's heat is penetrating through the windows and heating up the seatbelts. I start sweating instantly as I am leaning forward doing her belts up. It's starting to get frustrating as I can't get the right-hand side belt to clip into the holder. A few drops of sweat drop onto my shirt. I curse. Why is this so difficult? I finally get it clipped up and get into the driver's seat and start the car up. I am feeling a little lightheaded but it's to be expected, it will get better once I take some Panadol at the library. My nose still stings, and my eyes are starting to feel heated. I don't need this right now. I just want to get to Baby Bounce for Chrissy. I need to catch up with Erica and watch Chrissy play with her twin boys. I start the car up and turn right out of our driveway heading for the town center which is only a five-minute drive. I only make it one. My vision is getting blurry and a rising aching throb in my chest is starting to become overwhelming. I cannot contain it anymore. I find a safe place to pull over to the left and succumb. I succumb to it all. I turn the radio up, so it doesn't upset Chrissy and then I cry and cry and cry.


"I wish i could breathe away my problems", The words chanted by Josh before beginning each morning to work.As much as he's blessed with his current simple life, the envisaging of luxurious life always lingered on his mind every now & then. Josh often hears well spoken stories about his family & the accumulated heritage wealth even after the disastrous fire that cost all their lives. He was merely seven years old when everything was taken away from him. He takes the final sip of his coffee before sighing to himself recalling his flashback. Just like any other ordinary man,Josh goes off to his office with plain emotions riding his bike at a steady pace.It's been three years since he started off his career as an editor in an well established & leading newspaper company because he pretty much enjoyed supplying high-quality manuscripts.Just when the traffic light turned red,his phone ringed & a text popped out from his foster mother saying " I'll crack the mystery today so don't worry. have a good day darling, do visit us later.i'm sure papa would miss you. ''A soft smile crept through his face upon reading this because his foster parents accepted him as their child & always took his side no matter what he's up to. He slid back his phone into the pocket & went pass the green light with his mother's words still on mind with a slight spark of excitement knowing the mystery would be solved. Josh stopped his bike at the shed & stepped inside the company feeling curious of what awaits him today. The receptionist informs Josh upon the arrival of the boss & heads to his office. Josh adjusts his tie & ruffles his hair anxiously before threwing himself into his work.He goes through his emails,examining each articles & polishing the words to the finest as he go on with it.As cool as it seems, Josh actually spent hours covering couple of murder issues to strange incidents such as man running naked in the streets,cheating wife was punished to eat dog food & so on.

          Abruptly,Josh felt a rush of uneasiness & lost focus on his article,he sunk his face into his palms & took a deep breathe.He felt somewhat odd is gonna take place & he hate whatever he felt at that moment of time. Josh stood up and got out of his office just to greet face to face with his boss's secretary . She apologised with an unreadable expression & informed Josh about his Boss wanting to meet him. They exchanged nods ,he walked up to the boss's office with a gentle knock on the door. "Come in" , a content voice heard & he stepped in at once greeting the boss,Mr Boston. Josh noticed the uncertain gaze of the boss having fixed on him upon his appearance, to clear the awkward air,he spoke up first. "Sir?''. He again noticed how his expression changed from scared to serious in a split second . Mr Boston was secretly hoping for him to not be questioned for his weird actions nor decisions.Mr Boston offered Josh to seat & begun to speak. "So Josh, you're one of the few dedicated employees I  have in this company.... I must say i'm honoured to be your employer.I have something to tell you." Josh felt the same rush of uneasinesss again yet kept it cool & nodded his head calmly. Mr Boston continued with "There's this new article that should be covered by you but i don't feel it's right.I'll be handing it to the other editor,I felt the need to tell you this." Josh felt strange about it as normally he'd be called either for a pay raise or his non attendance for meeting. He held his urge back to question the Boss but he ended up with '' Sure Sir. I'm good with whatever decision made. " Mr Boston gave a proud smile at his reply,glad he was able to accept things. "Sir ,shall I get going then?" ,The Boss nodded, was amused with Josh's maturity that he was still in control after what has happened until Josh turned around "S orry Sir,I can't contain myself.May i know what is the context of the article? ". Josh took in sight on how Mr Boston's face dropped pale stuttering nervously . "Josh...i-i thought you've heard it already... Your mom passed away & your dad was admitted in the hospital ." , said Mr Boston slowly while standing up shakily knowing he wouldn't be able to bear it. That's all it took to crush Josh into pieces, he couldn't believe whatever he just heard, he recalled his mom's text in the morning & he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up from the floor now to Mr Boston who was trying to persuade him, "Losing beloved ones & happenings of unexpected things are a part of life, my boy.Don't dissolve yourself too much in it,strong man.Take a few days off if you want ." Josh stuttered a thanks & left to his office with cloudy head & heavy heart.The rage in him grew bigger to the extend he wanted to scream,break everything & even punch the wall like he did during his teenage times.Josh became vulnerable ,his legs got too weak where Josh dropped on his knees crying his heart out.Something in him admonished to move forward & sort things out.Poker faced Josh then washed his face in the washroom,shrugged himself to the desk chair & reached for his phone. He had a shock of his life when he saw seven missed calls from his mom,immediately Josh sat straight while thinking probably she wanted to tell him something. He regretted for not once bothered to check his phone,then it hit his brain to retrieve the voicemails although there was only two. " Son, I found it...there's a mind-blowing mystery behind your parents' death....You'll be coming home later right? so we shall discuss it at home. Papa and I are in your biological parents house, remember...?the one that got burnt down? we found few clues but it's like a puzzle that we can't solve...'' . Josh sat there in silence trying to process those informations into his mind. He then played the second recording that sounded terrifying '' JOSHHHHH...I'm s-sorryy ... please don't kill me!!!pleasee!!!! " At this point,his blood boiled with anger at the thought of someone actually killing his mom. Gathering all of his strength together,he continued the audio "Don't ever come to this house again josh!! It's ...not...safe... arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ..please.. .." He dropped his phone,hands trembling in agony as he couldn't understand anything at this point of life.        A momnet or two,he jerked up looking at the door,his co-worker who's also a very reliable friend.Edwin came closer to Josh and placed the article about the incident,Josh picked it up in a dash as curiuosity took over him which is to identify what was the cause behind the death. Josh turned into a mad beast when he read "Mrs Parker was found dead.according to the Forensics,she had high blood pressure that led to massive cardiac arrest.Meanwhile Mr Parker was found half conscious under the burnt staircase,he is currently receiving treatment in the Lexus hospital.The police are now investigating the motive of their presence in the abandoned house". Josh grabbed his phone & dashed out of the office all the way to his bike "papa you're my last hope.." ,with that he sped off to the hospital.After confronting the doctor,he decided to do the needful for his mom & did the awake plus burial.It's been an hour yet his father remains unconscious with the nurses checking on him every now & then.Mr Parker's fingers twitched ,the old man barely opening his eyelids then shut closed with doctor rushing in , too late as he slipped off reality also known as coma.Josh sat for hours by the graveyard & mourn for his lost.He now stood alone like a lost puppy,he wandered around in the streets on his bike until he spotted bar.Without hesitation,he pulled over & went inside, took few shots of Bacardi.Even after getting all wasted, he refused to leave & was shoved outside by the muscular bartender .Due to intoxication,he fell asleep on the bench by the bar.Josh stood there in the now burning house.He saw his younger self panicking trying to help his parents.Unfortunately,He couldn't afford to do anything ,fear overtook his innocence.He ran out of the house,Josh followed behind & noticed Mrs Parker jumping out his house's window.Josh began to get curious & watched him banging on the neighbour's door.Mr parker opened the door after few minutes & calmed the kid saying "I've called the emergency line,Son. Don't worry ''. This made the litle boy to calm down but Josh stood there with goosebumps rising on his skin.He couldn't believe his eyes ,Josh then began thinking to himself "why did my step-mom climb out of my house?'' ''my step-dad didn't even see what was going on but he beforehand called for help?''. Josh turned around & to his horror,the house wasn't on fire anymore. Adrenaline shoot up his body as he stepped closer to his house,he entered the house & saw his parents sitting there greeting him " Welcome Home Josh Audrey!we missed you!" .Tears swell up his eyes , The people whom he missed dearly was there right in front of his eyes. He sat on the floor ,right infront of them who were calmly settled on the sofa . His mom spoke as he took in how beautiful his mom looked & how soft spoken her words were with those eyes admiring him as she spoke." Son,it's time for you to know this.we have an ancestrial treasure that needs to be taken care with sincerity. In the master bedroom,under the rug there's a latch.open that ,it's a magical portal.Follow the path as you go the paths will divide into four.in each path there'll be an angel guiding you for what you wish.Be careful.You shouldn't be too greedy for what you ask for. If you do so,the angels would punish you by adding on sufferings to you & vanish one by one.' ' Josh was amazed with the thought of him who's going to take over the treasure. " Mom , was that how the wealth was built?'' . She gave him a warm smile & said ''Yes dear,the angels blessed us as we did good deed both for the poverty & family". ' 'Look at how our son has grown ,he's now a man!' , joked his dad. josh chuckled softly . " I'm sorry josh. We're not here for you anymore. Don't drown yourself into darkness.You'll find your match soon and about Mr Parker ....I'm sorry son. He would've passed away by now ." Josh's eyes flashed with shock. " D-dad ... h-how " His mom held his cheeks gently " Darling, They're not as good as they seemed.He & his wife were our neighbour so we shared everything including the magical portal. Unlike us,Mrs parker carried venom in her heart & disliked our reputation. She caused the fire & Mr Parker covered up the whole issue.After years,She started to have trauma.The angels started taunting her for the damage she has done.That's when they felt guilty for having greed & decided to move out in order to give you a good life. " Josh sobbed hard & buried his face in his mom's chest. His shoulder was shaken slightly & he opened his eyes slowly.Josh jerked up to see himself still at the bar,night has turned day,realising he was dreaming.His sleeves were slightly wet as he cried in his sleep earlier, He felt his head getting heavy from the alcohol he consumed yet he managed to ride home safely.The water was running down his body as he relaxed,his dream kept playing through his mind unsure whether to just take it easy or it meant something serious.He then wore some comfortable clothes & heated up the leftover pizza. Josh concluded to just forget it as a dream,due to frustration,he raked his fingers in his smooth hair & noticed his watch was missing. As he was still all sobered up, he thought must be somewhere around there & decided to search later. the weather was quite good,he thought it'd be mind-relaxing if he went a ride on his bike.In a speed of flash, he dressed up & revved his bike around the town & the thought of papa being admitted striked his mind.He then went ahead to the hospital,passsed through the hectic crowd & got into the elevator followed by a doctor discussing with his nurse. "Make sure you inform the guardian right away,anything might happen." Then the nurse looked away from the doctor, tucking her hair behind the ears & made an eye contact with Josh '' Sir? You're the guardian on behalf of Mr Parker right?'' Just when Josh nodded " He's in a critical stage right now,please stay calm as the doctor would try his best " . All three of them rushed in a hurry but Josh was left behind as he shouldn't enter.As soon he saw his dad's face, he somewhat felt hatred instead of sadness.Josh felt confused & guessed papa won't make it alive. After what seemed like hours,the doctor came out & uttered apology.        Josh felt his dream might be true & straight away left to his old house.On his 30 minutes journey,he cried at the thought nobody is left for him. There'll be nobody to greet him each day nor to share laughter with.The more further he got towards the house,The more anxious he felt deep down yet he went on boldly as he felt done backing away with fear.Josh stopped infront of the abandoned house & glanced over at his foster parents' previous house,where he got adopted. Though he was a grown man now,he still stood there oblivious.Baby steps were taken by him to enter his house,he knew he wasn't ready to face the situation.All it took was a slight push & the door opened , just dusty & ashed living room. His mind somehow pictured how it originally looked like,creating a tainted smile on his lips. Each time his feet came in contact with the wooden floor,it produced a cranky sound.his heart ached to explore such an unprepossessing house that was once majestic looking. Josh continued to stare at the living room,floods of memories flowing through. The ones where he would run around trying to catch his dad with mom giggling resting on the sofa looking at us both in awe, Josh's jaw twitched & eyebrows scrunched when he noticed his missing watch was there near the sofa. Now Josh got an answer to everything,his doubts turned into a dust. He was aware of what's going on.His confidence boosted up & followed the vivid picture in his mind to his parents' room.Just like what his mom has told him,there was a slightly burnt rug,he lifted it up gently & he was lost for words upon what he saw.there was indeed a latch but he refused to open it, feared of what awaited him. Josh gathered courage & knocked on the wood where an echo could be heard as if there's space beneath it. Eyes shut closed as his fingers got a hold of the latch ,carefully lifting it up despite of heaviness. After few seconds of silence,he opened his eyes & grabbed what seemed like a rope,he climbed downwards & the path got bright with old lamp lights on the wall, marble tiles around giving of fancy vibes.he couldn't believe why was there such landscape when the whole house was made of wood,he continued walking on the straight path which began parting into four. He stood in the middle puzzled on what wish to make ,little did he know he always dreamt of owning the family's wealth.He continued his journey in third path,it was decorated in blue tiles. Pictures of him being fired from his current work,his art works gaining attention & receiving huge amount of cash,renovating the house with him settling down with a family began showing up against the walls.Josh kept walking totally mesmerised by it & saw a similar rope like he used before & groped it,climbed up just to find himself end up in the room again. His mind went blur trying to take in everything that has happened,suddenly his phone rang .He answered & heard a lady's voice at the other end. " Hello,is this Mr Josh? i saw your paintings on sale i'd like to purchase it for 10 million dollars.Can we discuss about this in detailed?" .He tremendously shivered at how luck just hit him hard & responded swiftly agreeing to her.He let out a hearty laugh on how his life is changing filled with rollercoaster of emotions .Josh recalled the dream he had while inhaling a deep breathe & let it out slowly, "I'm thankful for every breathe i've had & grateful for the upcoming ones."


Greetings to you. I suspect you've not met anyone quite like me before. I'm a bit of a puzzle even to myself and to those people I work with and who rely on me. One man perhaps understands me. The one who made me. Some people call him the Magician but there's nothing really magic about him. He made me for his daughter. As a companion for her but also as someone to keep an eye on her. She's a feisty thing and often puts herself into dangerous situations. You think of it as some kind of fantasy, Frankenstein's monster, don’t you? But that was actually a scientific experiment. My creator has perfected that method and now he makes lots of machines like me. I look like a plain old domestic cat, don't I? Well, indeed there is a bit of that animal in me. The animus, it's called. I have a vague memory of a cat-like existence. But I am also a highly developed machine that can process data faster than most computers, and that can interact effectively with humans. My first mistress and I got on well. But then I had a reason to leave and she wasn't sad. She was pragmatic. So was my master. He was going to create another machine for her, with the animus of a snow-leopard, I believe. An attractive creature, possibly even more attractive than me.

Yes it was all very rosy and cosy. Arabella liked to explore and I was happy to keep her company. The cat part of me enjoyed hunting for mice and rats. Naturally I had to either kill them or let them go because a machine such as I cannot digest biological matter. I usually let them go again; they were part of the ecological balance on that planet. One day we were in the caves that border our town. I could detect something human in there. I could smell whoever it was and all of my other sensors also suggested human activity. It took several days to find her. But what a shock when I did. The poor girl was covered in sores and nasty red patches on her skin. She was also very small. She looked like a Terrestran.

"You look unwell, Madam," I said to her. "Can my mistress and I be of any assistance?" "I don't feel too bad today," she said. "At least it's cool in here. And dark. It's the sunlight that harms me the most." "May I examine you?" I asked. "I only need to place a paw on your wrist." She nodded her agreement.

What an assault on my robotic senses, though, and even the cat part of me was somewhat overwhelmed. Cellular exzenema and possibly the worst case in the whole universe. This child should have never been allowed to develop. I was able to interpret her thoughts. Her name was Petri and I could see straight away that there was a history of a loving father who had not allowed her embryo to be destroyed even though the disease had been discovered whilst she was still in a petri-dish. "You're all alone here," said Arabella. "What about your friends and family?" "They come  here every so often and I visit them. But I like being on my own." "What if I left Catbo with you? He'd be good company and he's very clever. You wouldn't mind, would you, Catbo?" I bowed slightly. "I am here to serve you, Mistress. It is as you wish." "Please stay with her, Catbo. She shouldn't be on her own."

So I stayed. She was a little wary of me at first. She ignored me. She just got on with whatever she was doing. She even gave me the slip - or tried to - occasionally. I'm really much too wily for her to succeed at that. I kept a discreet distance from her, but watched her carefully. She really had made a nice little home for herself in the caves. She had a small kitchen. It had a drawer for delivering readymade meals. Every so often a house droid came and cleaned and tidied for her. She had made one cave into a sitting room and another into a bedroom. She had a small alcove set up as a study. There was running water and electricity. I could charge myself. Whilst she was sleeping I was able to look at her dataserve. She was a good girl. A good daughter, I could see. Her school work was all up to date - which I could definitely not say about my former mistress. And there was so much evidence of her searching for a cure for her terrible disease. If only she would let me help her. I can process information a hundred times as fast as a human and I can communicate directly with dataserves. Very occasionally, when she was tired, she would forget herself and run her fingers through my fur as if I were a real cat. Then I would obligingly purr, run my cheeks against her arm or roll over for my tummy to be tickled. I've even been known to lick my bottom or fart to keep the illusion going. No. Not illusion. There is still a very small part of me that is cat. One day she had to go up to the surface for a school meet or some such. She was in agony when she came back. She'd been very careful about wrapping herself up but even so she was covered in painful blisters and she was burning up. She burst into tears. "It hurts so much, Catbo. It really does." I set to immediately. I urged her to use her wands. She was due some medication then anyway and she had a palliative wand but I could see it only took the very edge off her pain. I contacted the medics and ordered them to do something. Within ten minutes there were two powerful wands in the delivery draw. One was to ease the pain and the other was to make her sleep. "You are so good to me, Catbo," she said as she snuggled down in bed. I could tell the pain was easing and she was becoming drowsy. She slept well and in the morning she seemed quite perky. Most of the blisters and blotches had disappeared. "Thank you so, so much," she said. "You are a clever little cat." "I am but a machine, Mistress," I replied. "And may I suggest that you allow me to conduct some of your searches? I can find and process the information much more quickly than you can." "You can?" She hadn't realised. "Of course. That is one of my main functions." "Well then, let's do it." She laughed. She actually laughed. I don't think I'd heard her do that before. "Mistress." I bowed and started work straight away searching via her dataserve.

So from then on she allowed me to help. We searched and searched. We found new things to try. Some worked a little, some not at all. She became better at managing her pain. Then one day it all went away. Her father - not the biological one who rescued her from a petri dish,- sadly he was killed in an accident at work - but her adoptive father, attachment of her step-mother, this adoptive father was a high-ranking diplomat and she began gradually taking over his role as he also became ill. Inhabitants of another planet were able to affect the cure for her. There were tough negotiations but in the end she was cured. Completely. You might think I feel a certain amount of frustration at that but you'd be wrong. I am glad for her, really glad. She now leads a normal life - in some respects anyway. Life can never be completely the same as that of another young girl for her - she has so much responsibility. Anyway, can a machine feel frustration? Can I feel glad for her? And yet I do. I'm always busy helping her. I've been able to look up information for her rapidly. I've advised her on some courses of action and I've been able to alert her to enemy space craft approaching the planet. I have even become her confidant on matters of the heart. Only the other day she said to me, "What shall I do about Toby?"

"Do you love him?" I asked "Or is this just lust?" "I adore him. I want him with me always. But will he be too much of a distraction?" "Mistress, you may be even more distracted if you keep him distant," I replied. I now observe they are spending much more time together and she is happier.

And naturally from time to time I am just cat. It's puzzling to me that I have become this instinctive creature that can love and hate, despise and respect, and even be sad or happy. Her adoptive father has now died. She needs me less in some ways because she has so many other people around her. And she needs me more in other ways because he was her mentor and friend as well as a father and she misses that. Plus, her step-brother, the biological son of her adoptive parents, is a very difficult child. And he has become more difficult since his father died. He has befriended a droid. Norman. An enemy droid. So, I have been busy.

I have managed to preserve the animus of her adoptive father. I am attempting to link it to the droid, Norman. Thus, she will have her mentor still and her step-brother will have his father. The enemy will also stop being the enemy. I understand what you're thinking. Why doesn't he appeal to his own creator? Is this moral what he's doing? Is it safe? Well, I have to keep this so secret. It has to happen without anyone noticing. I'm safe talking to you. You are our past. Even if you write this down for future generations it’s so fantastical, isn't it, that people who read it will think it but a fairy tale. Norman is beginning to act like their father. The other day I heard him say to Petri: "Go girl!" That was her father's pet phrase whenever she was facing something difficult.

I'm not so sure how this will develop. So, I'm warning you. Look at me. A mere cat and a mere machine have developed into something much more ... sentient, intelligent? What may happen if we use a human animus in the first place? Now, I'm working for the general good and so is Norman. But could it swing the other way? Please be careful.