Take The Leap

Chapter 9: Freakish Coincidences

Scene 1:

It's been almost a month, and the absence of Kaz has been really hard on Lynn. To protect the group from the truth, she told them Kaz took a vacation to Big Florida, and is staying there for a while. But as more and more time passes, it keeps getting harder to hide the fact that he's gone for good. Right now, it's Tuesday, June 6, late afternoon. Lynn is still dead set on staying in this universe for good, and she's now studying a new language, with her move to West Gigametris in mind. Martin knocks on the door, and she opens it.

Martin: Hey.

Lynn: Glekk Mobbah.

Martin: What?

Lynn: Good afternoon, in Gigametrical. I was practising. Come on in.

[Martin enters. She closes the door]

Martin: Why are you suddenly practising another language? Don't you know 6 already?

Lynn: I've been approved to move to West Gigametris.

Martin: You can't really do that, can you?

Lynn: Yes, I can. I'm a Sorleyist, which means I automatically get permanent residence. Besides, it's a good country. Pretty safe, cheap, lots of freedom, and you only have to work there for 3 years, to become a citizen.

Martin: Lynn, you can't go through with this. It's June 6th. I don't know if you remember, but you're supposed to be outta here on June 8th.

Lynn: For the last time, I'm staying! For good.

Martin: Please don't do that.

Lynn: Are you worried that you guys will never see me? 'Cause I'll come visit. Flights to West Gigametris are cheaper than you think. I'm gonna be moving back and forth.

Martin: Lynn, please go back home. Just please.

Lynn: ... Martin, you know me. You know I never had a family. I grew up in a foster care. I was invisible at school. The only valuable skill I have in the other universe, is hacking, which is illegal. It's very easy for people like you and Kaz to judge my decisions, when you don't know what it's like to be in my shoes. So no. I'm not going back, thank you very much.

Martin: But that's the thing, Lynn. I know what it's like to be there. You think my life was all happy-go-lucky back then? It wasn't. Nobody at home gave a shit about me, which is why I ran away all the time, and started visiting different universes later on... You and I are not so different. You grew up without a family. I grew up with a terrible one. And I fell in love with this universe too. I also wished I could stay here forever... And later I came to the conclusion that I would regret that wish.

[Martin starts crying. Lynn consoles him]

Lynn: I'm so sorry, buddy. Didn't mean to upset you.

Martin: It's okay. You don't have to feel bad for me.

Lynn: But why do you wanna go back, if you were miserable there?

Martin: Because despite all of its flaws, our universe still has some amazing things. I wish I could go back. I'd give everything to go back. You have no idea how fortunate you are, that you're still able to open a purple portal.

Lynn: ... You know what? That's it. I'm going back.

Martin: (wipes tears, stops crying) You are?

Lynn: Yeah... Not right now. I promised Loren I'd see her stunt tomorrow. But afterwards, as soon as I can, I'm outta here.

Martin: I'm so happy I changed your mind. 

Lynn: I'm not just doing this for you. I wanna see my old hometown. I wanna see the lack of sunlight in our universe, and how dark it is compared to this one. I wanna talk to Melissa one last time, and maybe see some people from the foster care.