What If Just...

35 Vivian

"What does that mean?" I ask Aiden. "Are your medicines allowed here, but not there?"

My brain is completely refusing to accept the information that keeps coming in, but I know that I need the truth.

"Yes. Leo and I have a school friend, Gled, a technical genius.
After hearing Olivia's stories, he was inspired to create something that could help the Martyrs...stop being martyred," Aiden smiles awkwardly, "It's a device in the form of an electronic watch that blocks the rays directed at your people."

I can't hide my surprise and shock.

"And is there a big demand for your devices?" I wonder.

"And what would you give to get rid of the pain you experienced on the other side?" Aiden answers the question with a question.

"Everything I have... and even more," I confess, remembering the horror I had to go through.

"That's the answer to your question," he says simply.

I have no words to describe how I'm feeling right now.

All this time there was a remedy that could save me and other people from terrible torment.

"Of course, your government doesn't benefit from such a situation, because the whole system of your world is based on punishments and rewards.
Therefore, we have to look for channels capable of delivering the goods we offer," keeps explaining Aiden, "It's easier to transfer orders at the border where we met - there are almost never police raids there. Most probably, they don't want to meddle with the dregs of their society," he caustically remarks.

Despite the state of shock, I'm overwhelmed with boundless gratitude to Aiden and his friends.

I don't know how to express my gratitude so that he understands how important what they are doing is for us.

"Aiden," I look at him and he turns his whole body to me, "Thank you."

I quickly wrap my arms around his waist, pressing my face against his broad and hard chest.

I feel like I took him by surprise with my actions.
He doesn't move at all for a while, then hugs me back and puts his chin on top of my head.

"You're welcome," he whispers softly, holding me closer to him.

"I don't understand why you were afraid to tell me," I gently reproach him, "What you do is wonderful and noble..."

"It would be noble if we did it for free," he chuckles quietly.

"You always downplay your importance," I can't help but note.

He releases me from his embrace and looks thoughtfully into my eyes, holding me by the shoulders.

It makes me uncomfortable and I try to find an excuse to distract him.

"Can we go to this park? Not for long," I fold my palms in a pleading gesture.

Aiden rolls his eyes dramatically.

"Is it okay that we took a bike, and its owner can't go home because of us now?" he begins.

"We won't go much further than the entrance. I just want to understand if it's worth coming back here someday," I explain.

Aiden looks alternately at me, then towards the park, and finally gives in.

"We have to come back at least in an hour, that is, we have about twenty minutes for a walk. Leo won't leave me alone for being away all night," he muses aloud.

"Then there's not a moment to waste," I say and head towards concrete stairs from which we can descend, and which I have noticed long time ago.

Aiden's footsteps are heard behind me.