SCP 1471 [An anomalous life]

XVIII

I wasn't going to get angry and argue with the one person who could help me get Mal0 back, so I just laughed with her.

-I don't think we'll find an anomaly overnight. -Said Mia, before drinking from her soda.

-I guess not...
-Ai can detect those computer anomalies, can't she?

-Eh...
-Only the ones in the systems it logs in to.
-And it doesn't usually do that. -She added, shrugging her shoulders.

-Oh.

I sighed and leaned against the white plastic table, looking out the window.

The city seemed full of life at midday, each person passing by having their own goals and concerns.

I felt tiny, as if I were a spectator in their private lives.

I looked away from the glass, turning back to the fast food restaurant and finishing my meal.

-You should walk down the street with your eyes wide open.

-...
-That sounded like a threat. I said without looking up from my half-eaten burger.

-No--
-I meant, you can see the anomalies.
-That's what you told me, right?

-Yes.

-That's what I meant. -She said, blowing air through her nose.
-Is that something you learned, or...?

-...
-I don't know. -I said, shaking my head.
-It started one day, the same one that Mal0 gor a physical form.

-Wait.
-...
-Physical form?

-Yes? -I asked, puzzled.

-It's just, I remember reading the 1471 report when my mother was working, and nowhere did it say anything about a physical form.

-...
-Who knows. -I said, not wanting to explain anything about the stone platform.

Even I didn't really know how it worked, I wasn't going to try to make sense of it right now.

-And how come I didn't see her at all?

-And you won't. -I replied bluntly.
-The foundation doesn't like anomalies walking on the streets.
-...
-That's why they took her away, it was my fault.

Mia seemed to realize the issue and refrained from asking any further questions and continued eating her food in silence.

_______________________________________

When we finally finished eating we got up almost at the same time.

We walked out of the restaurant, which had filled up with students as we ate.

-Are you feeling better? -Mia asked, turning to look at me.

-...

I was going to respond with a funny comment, but when I saw her genuine expression and saw that it was no joke, I regretted it.

-I'm better.
-...
-Thanks Mia. -I said, smiling a little.

There was an awkward silence between us, in which no one knew what to say.

-...
-Goodbye.

-Yeah, bye.

I found it comforting to have at least one person helping me in my goal.
Even if that person was against the very entity I was trying to help.

I guess it didn't matter.

I found myself walking back home, albeit with a full stomach this time.

I took a path I never used to take, just to spend more time walking.