The Absence: 01

- Maybe I am.

- Is that what you're gonna do now? - I pulled my eyes up. The wind blowing loose locks of hair into my face. - Reconsider?

In between cold tiny drops of rain, our gazes met. Her eyes were greener than the grass I had in my hand. Nature had the most singular creations. Effortlessly beautiful, even on the darkest days.

- I don't know. - her pupils trembled trying to get away but I held on to them.

The city line on the horizon seemed to wield great power over her, like a magnet hauling her attention constantly to somewhere else.

- That was my home. - glued to my skin, the wet clothes began to make me shiver. I held on to the air between my fingers to stop my hands from betraying me. - I grew up in that place. - right before my eyes I was taken back to that battlefield. The sounds. Images so clear I questioned if they really happened.. - I knew them…

- I'm sorry. - she was watching my hands while I rubbed a piece of grass until it crumbled apart.

- Don't be sorry, - I picked up another small pointy leaf. That time I didn't tear it apart, instead, I caressed it, feeling the smooth surface on my fingertips. - Just be different.

With her free hand she pulled a leaf that snapped as it was separated from its root. A couple of farmer drones crossed the sky ahead of us, probably returning due to the weather. The rain had gotten heavier, crashing so loudly against the umbrella that it sounded as if it was raining concrete rather than water.

- I don't want to go back. - we both followed the drones with our eyes until they landed on top of a reservoir on the next hill. Back at the person by my side, she delayed herself on the horizon. Tirelessly blowing, the wind set free a few red locks. Rigid as a wall her shoulders didn't move in spite of the hard whips.

- Then don't. - the storm whispered something in my ear. - Stay for a while. - the single leaf I had locked in between my fingers escaped, flying away before I could do anything to stop it. - I know Louise won't mind.

Her eyes jumped to me as the last syllable left my lips. I didn't change my posture nor breathed afraid it would scare her off if I did. In silence we scanned each other's eyes for answers.

- Are you sure? - her torso leaned in my direction as she spoke, moving the umbrella and leaving the tip of my shoes to get wet.

- Yeah! - I shrugged and lost her image for a moment as I blinked. - You two should get to know each other.

- Well then, - one last look at the city and she returned to me with a smirk. - We should get going because you stink.

- That's your fault, officer. Why did you take so long to find me?

Together we stood up, brushing off the grass of our clothes but it only got our hands dirty.

- You're surprisingly fast.

- That's one of the few perks of being "me".

She held the umbrella and I set the pace. Still a little tired from my little sprint I took my time going down the hill and more. She didn't seem to mind my dragged steps and loud breathing. From time to time either one of us would make a comment about the way one was walking or carrying the umbrella. That would lead to a small chat in which we would both said something and then went silent for a few more meters or until something new came up.

Being out in the open, side by side with a cop in a casual roam in the country was odd. I stayed alert the whole time but I also felt comfortable somehow. To be honest I could not say if it had been a long or quick walk back to the farm house. Time waved speeds. The only thing that marked the passage of time was the rain that had stopped, however the gray clouds persisted.

- Where's the car? - I asked when I did not see it near the front door.

- We parked inside the barn to avoid being spotted by any drones.

A gelid chill split me in half as the possibility of being found by the people who attacked my home appeared to me. How long had it been since it all happened? I kept asking myself that but never got to any conclusion. Was it still happening? I glimpsed at the screen on my wrist but pushed away the thought just as fast.

- Hey! - I looked up at her. - Let's get inside. You need an emergency bath.

At the door I could already hear the sound of pans and pots knocking on the counter and stuff getting in contact with hot surfaces. Inside, the smells of spices reminded me of the streets of the restaurant section.

- I'm making curry! - from the kitchen Louise shouted before we had gotten past the living room. - You probably need a shower, so go ups-

The vision of both, me and the officer, standing in her kitchen looking like two washed up orphans cut her off. With a knife in one hand and a dead fish in the other Louise was nothing but surprised.

- So you did bring him back. - the cook lowered the knife and the fish.

- We'll need an extra plate.

Officer Sun had her arms behind her back, posture straight as if she was in front of her commander officer. Louise stared at me pondering my words and the unexpected guest. One word from her and we would follow our paths either separately or not. I trusted she would make the right decision for me.

- That's why I always cook for three. - stepping forward, she sniffed the air then retreated with a face. - It's worse than I thought! - addressing the cop, the older woman assumed her old bossy act. - Did you let him soak in a pool of rainwater? Mother Nature! Go straight to the shower, kid! I'll fetch you some clothes and a towel. - stretching both hands she turned to our guest. - You, officer, come chop this fish while I go upstairs.

Before moving, the redhead woman looked at me. I shrugged and smiled in agreement. There was nothing we could do to stop Louise from bossing around. Argue with her was exhausting. She always had an explanation or counter argument for everything.

- Yes, ma'am! - marching to the counter, the officer Sun picked up the fish and the knife and promptly started chopping.

- Come on, you giant trashbot. - that was me. I followed her but gave one last look behind before leaving the kitchen.