Symbiosis: When a Girl Meets an Alien (V.6)

Chapter 5: The Coolest Day of My Life

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Redding, California, United States of America

The early morning sun rose above the horizon as Emily set her plan into motion, her heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. She kissed her mother goodbye, took her lunch, and left at exactly the time she normally would. With her backpack slung over her shoulder and her determination burning bright, she set out into the bustling city streets, her footsteps quick and purposeful.

The first leg of her journey involved a long walk through the city, navigating through crowded sidewalks and bustling intersections with practiced ease. Emily's eyes scanned the buildings around her, searching for the telltale landmarks that would guide her on her quest. Unlike her terrifying walk home last Friday, she was confident given it was daylight.

After what felt like hours of walking, she finally reached the bus stop, her breath coming in short gasps as she leaned against the metal railing. With a quick glance at the schedule posted nearby, she noted the arrival time of the next bus and settled in to wait.

As the bus pulled up to the curb with a hiss of brakes, Emily boarded with a sense of determination, her heart racing with excitement. She found a seat near the window and settled in for the ride, the passing scenery a blur of lights and colors as the bus made its way through the city.

The process repeated itself for the next two hours before she got off the bus at Whiskeytown. With a burst of adrenaline, she disembarked from the bus and set off, the late morning sun beating down upon her. She stole a glance at her watch.

11:35 A.M

"Right on schedule!"

As she drew closer to her destination, Emily's heart swelled with a sense of triumph and exhilaration. When her alarm went off at 12:05, she stopped to rest, and pulled out her phone.

EN: Hey mom, on my way to lunch. Just got assigned a group project with a few others. We're planning on carpooling to the library after school. Is that fine?

A minute passed before her mom replied:

Mom: Absolutely! Just text your father when he needs to get you.

"Yes!"

She then switched messages and texted her dad.

EN: Hey dad, I have a group project and we'll be going to the library after school. Will you be able to pick me up after work?

Dad: Sure sweetie. What time?

EN: 8:00 would be great!

Dad: See you then Emmie.

"All according to plan!"

She then hiked her way through the wilderness for another two hours before her blue eyes settled on the spaceship. Once again she was overcome with nerdy wonder as she limped over. She curiously went over to where she stood yesterday.

"Oh... the wounded alien is gone. That's not concerning at all,"

Emily found an open door to the spacecraft, and following her curiosity, stepped inside. The ship's design incorporated biomechanical elements, with intricate web-like patterns etched across its surface. The interior of the spacecraft is a labyrinth of interconnected chambers, pulsating with eerie bioluminescent lights. Strange, organic tendrils line the corridors.

"This is so weird... but so freaking awesome..."

She took pictures of everything and anything she could. She collected anything she could, before approaching one of the tendrils on the wall. It looked like silver Jell-O and had no other physical features. No bones, no muscles, no eyes, nothing else to suggest it was even alive - although it clearly was.