Hypothalamus

Chapter 5 Drop in Temperature

I sit by my sister's bedside watching her chest slowly move up and down listening to her quiet breaths. She looks like she's sleeping as if she could so easily open her eyes and wake up.

But I know she won't, she hasn't. Not for a year now.

I was quite excited when the doctors told me she had more brain activity. I know that's not a guarantee though, just a possibility. The higher percentage that something better could happen creates a glimmer of hope in me.

I don't know how long she'll be like this. I know Tristan is sinking deeper and deeper into hopelessness as the days pass. They should have been married by now but he doesn't have anything to show for it but a ring. They've missed so much time together, I've missed so much time with her. She should be here, she's supposed to be here. She was the favorite, the socialite, the one who was going somewhere. It's hard to think about especially when I don't know why this happened. Some stupid little thing called life just throws you a curveball and expects you to catch it.

Reaching my hand out grasping hers I plant a kiss on her palm, quickly snatching it away. Her temperature begins to drop on the monitor next to her, my inhibitor beeping before shocking me. I lean back into my chair with the sigh adjusting the inhibitor around my neck. Fucking hate this thing, the beeping is so annoying and shocks don't even hurt anymore. In all its a useless inconvenience.

Anyway I should probably visit my mother and then head home. I could probably fit in a nap before going to Mrs. Margaret's for dinner. Giovanni is staying with her for a while.

He's...intriguing.

I can't put my finger on it but there's just something about him. Maybe its his charm or something, he is quite attractive I wonder if its causing this reaction from me. It's true I haven't really entertained the thought of flirting let alone starting a relationship. Maybe I should put forth some effort and see what happens, should be interesting.

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Parking my car in a line of others against the sidewalk I head towards a flower shop. Passing through the crosswalk a man seems to appear out of thin air. I take a step back greeting him awkwardly "Um...hi, can I just get past you to the shop."

The man peers down at me and suddenly I feel like Jack looking up at the beanstalk. The hell, this dude has to be atleast 6'11.

His tight thin lips hide under the scraggly wires which make up his beard. Opening them he lets out a surprisingly serenious and cordial voice, "Oh my didn't mean to get in your way. I just wanted to offer you a flyer."

My eyes are immediately drawn to his paper filled hands. "No thank you, bye", I say beginning to walk around him.

He places himself in front of me again, "Actually sir I think you might want this. I noticed the inhibitor on your neck."

God is this another anti-deviant dude. I could fight off the other ones I've encountered. This guy could snap me in half like a fresh celery stick, I have no fighting chance.

"Some of us deviants have created a support system for those struggling. We help with coping with lifestyle changes, familial rejections, and discrimination. The whole point is to help others adjust in this new world we find ourselves living in", he finishes up with a smile handing me a flyer, "Have a wonderful day and know that you have a support system to fall back on."

Interesting. I take the flyer, a person under an umbrella as its logo. He gives another smile and walks away. Hmm, I didn't get beat up, quite the opposite. Didn't know there were any support groups for deviants.

Folding the flyer and stuffing it in my pocket I head into the flower shop. The bell above the door jingles as I enter a man already at the counter. He turns around and lo and behold Giovanni stands in front of me.