“So I think that we are the same person, just from different Earths. It’s called double-gangers where I’m from. And I think that we are different because we’ve made different choices. Or because of some of the consequences of the choices of others”.
When Emma was done telling the story, she looked at Em for any reaction. For a moment she thought that Em wasn’t listening to her at all. She wasn’t looking at Emma, but instead at the wall behind her.
“Em, say something”.
After a long pause Em looked up. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure”.
“Your mother, she’s still alive? On your Earth”.
Emma nodded. “Yes, she’s a teacher”.
Another long pause.
“What would you do if someone told you that your mum, who is long dead, is alive somewhere else? And maybe she’s even happy there”.
Emma didn’t answer. She knew it wasn’t a question for her. She knew that Em was thinking hard. Or maybe she was remembering her mother, how she looked or what she smelled like.