Sord in Prosperity - Hope Beyond the Apocalypse

EP. 156 - YANKED

THE SHUTTLE SKIMMED QUIETLY across its track and neared Durango City Center.

"Why are your eyes closed," Daisy whispered in Sord's ear, sending chills down his spine, "and what are you thinking about?"

"Sorry. I was recalling my ancestor's writings and how amazed he was at being alive and conscious, which, I suppose, are two different things."

"And . . . ?"

"And how quickly life experiences can change. I nearly died a few weeks ago. One bite at my neck from the racnine above my head. One strong tug at my arm."

"Oh, don't talk about it!" she begged.

"And the dichotomy of that possible outcome versus the wonder of today. Here I am, with you; the happiest I've ever been. It's this experience, something you can't build expectations about, and suddenly it's here upon you and making you aware of how great it is to be a conscious being."

Sord knew the day with his new love was about to end, but he longed to stay with her. "Shuttle's getting close. Once we arrive, can we sit together in the lobby for a few minutes and you can take a later one to Hesperus?"

"I can't, Dearie," Daisy explained. "My dad's going to be worried if I'm not home soon. Do you realize we've been out on this adventure much of the day? He's not accustomed to his girl being away like this."

Just then, it hit him. He should have seen it all along but so much of his time had been spent admiring her, not listening necessarily to what she was not saying.

"What about your mom?" he asked, holding the bioplas-boot prize in one arm while the other arm was wrapped tightly around her waist. "Doesn't she worry, too?"

Daisy recoiled, causing Sord to drop his prize to the ground.

"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, crouching down to help him pick it up. "I didn't mean to scare you."

He knew something was wrong. This was the first time Daisy seemed to be distant from him.

"Don't worry. It's bioplas mostly. Didn't hurt anything," he assured her.

"Oh, my God, Sord!"

"What?"

"Do you know what we forgot?"

He was dumbfounded at this quick exchange; lost in words. "Forgot? What?"

"My rose," she cried, "the rose you gave me. At that little restaurant." Her shoulders slumped down, and she bent forward as if in pain.

He was surprised to see her so forlorn at such a small thing and slapped his forehead. "Oh, my God. I'm sorry. I'll get you another. Right here, if a store is open."

"Dearie, Dearie," she uttered, shaking her head. "I mean that rose. That special rose. I may keep it forever. It is a rose for which there is no replacement."

He puckered his lips. Here was his beautiful Daisy, saying without speaking. He knew exactly what she wanted, and what he had to do.

"I'll go back and get it."

She grabbed his waist and squeezed hard.

"Okay, okay!" he laughed, nearly dropping the bioplas-boot again. "Assuming a molecule of oxygen remains in my lungs."

He set it down and they kissed until the shuttle came to its stop, where they exited.

"Next time we meet, please bring the rose, okay? Oh, and store it upside down to preserve it."

Sord smiled and watched as she slowly walked away toward the elevated bridge and the shuttle to Hesperus.

"Love you!" she yelled from the top, waving frantically. "Got to go."