After charting a path to the address using the biometric smartwatch around my wrist, I walk two blocks to the nearest bus stop, ride it across town, transfer to something called a metro, and then transfer back to another bus.
Scanning my watch at each juncture in the process generates sufficient clearance and payment. The modes of transport are sparsely occupied, and frequent signs warn patrons to avoid touching surfaces. No one questions my presence or my destination. The freedom feels weird. The second bus drops me four blocks from my target address. I walk.
It’s hotter than what I’m used to. The air is heavy, and beads of sweat form after a single block. As I walk, I occupy my mind with thoughts of Olin. I remember him clearly now, possibly even see him with fresh eyes. He’s not the innocent child I often make him out to be. The last year has forced him to grow up similarly to the way our parents’ death forced me.
I shouldn’t dismiss the possibility that he has seen something in Turon that I missed. Then again, he wants to see something good in everyone, just like I want to see something bad. The only thing I’m certain of is Olin and I are stronger together than apart.
If people are determined to use our abilities to their own advantage, it makes sense that Olin and I should stay together, master our abilities sooner rather than later, and learn to defend ourselves from anyone who would hurt us or hurt the ones we love. That much is a no brainer.
If the first part of Turon’s plan is to reunite me with my brother, then I’ll follow the plan. But…I don’t understand how Turon’s plan here in this universe is possible if I don’t have a brother here. And I’m positive I don’t. Either way, at some point Turon will make the same mistake as the rest. At some point they all think they can control me.
12654, I read the numbers on the mailbox. I recognize the word for the metal box attached to a post before I understand what it’s for. On closer inspection the opening of the box appears to be rusted shut. The fact registers no surprise. Somehow, I understand that mail hasn’t been delivered anywhere in the area for over two years.
Breathing deeply, I follow the cement walking path to the front door. I stand on a mat that reads, Welcome. I glance over my shoulder at the rest of the similar looking houses forming a horseshoe at the end of a cul-de-sac. The yards are small and neatly trimmed. The paint is pealing on most of the homes. I recognize the hum of air-conditioners running nonstop. There’s a window unit dripping condensation less than ten feet from me.
I realize I’m dripping with sweat as well. I attempt to mop my brow with some portion of my tie-neck tank but give up when I realize it’s already damp all over. So damn hot and humid. I wipe the sweat with the back of my hand and fling it away in fat drops.
There is no point in drawing the matter out further. The worst that’ll happen is a stranger appears in front of me with a quizzical look on his face. I crack open the screen door and knock three solid knocks. I let the screen close again, and I wait.
During the first few seconds of waiting I panic. What if I do recognize the person who answers? What if it’s someone I had hoped to never see again? What if it is someone I know couldn’t possibly be living in a house like this, in a place like this? What if the person on the other side of the door proves everything Turon has said to be true?
I stiffen as footsteps echo on a hard surface inside the house. I consider bolting, but the idea is ridiculous. I know I’d only have to try again. The knob turns. The door opens. My jaw drops.
“Hello, can I help you?” A boy roughly my age rubs sleep from his eyes.
I swallow. “But I, but you’re—”
“Are you alright?”
Slowly, I shake my head. “Is your name, Neca?”
He raises a brow in the exact same way I’ve grown accustomed. “I prefer Nicci, but yeah that’s me—the one and only. Why?”
The doorway and the dark-skinned boy standing in it begin to spin. I grip the jam to keep from toppling over. “I think I’m going to pass out.”
END of Episode Four
END of Season Two
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