Beyond One Life

The Far Off Purpose of Existence

But when you looked up at Keyanna's bright smile, you figured that maybe it was best to get your mind off it by accompanying the group. "Yeah, I'd love to."

"Cool! Let's go change."

A few minutes later, the two of you had changed into casual clothes and headed to the lobby, where you met up with the others and headed out. Vendors lined the streets to serve dinner, and you bought a small hand sized to eat en route to the subway station. You were trailing behind your peers, all chattering excitedly and looking at maps, but for all your effort you just couldn't muster the same enthusiasm. Your mind was wandering to thoughts of a man named Alfred F. Jones, and those memories were making your heart ache.

You first met shortly after your father became a regional secretary that worked directly for the national people: coordinating their travels, meetings, accomodations, and general business expenses.

You were in New York City for the UN General Assembly, but of course, you had no part in it. Your three-year-old self was pretty confined to the basement levels, left in the care of your babysitter. But shortly before the World Conference started, your father walked you around.

At the time, you were pressing your face to the glass, gawking at the East River as it slowly churned far below where you stood on the thirtieth floor of the building. "We're so high!" you squealed in delight, watching motor boats pass by. You waved to the people in them.

Absorbed in the scenery, you didn't realize your father was talking to someone until he called you by name. "Come here."

You turned your head curiously, seeing a younger man in a suit and tie beaming down at you. His eyes and hair were bright in color, and you trotted over to your father and clung to his leg, peering up at the stranger cautiously.

"Don't be shy. This is Daddy's friend, Alfred. We work together now. Say hi."

You looked away and pursed your lips. Your parents had been teaching you about stranger danger lately, but if your dad said he was a friend, then it was okay, right? "Hi...." you mumbled quietly.

"Sorry, she's normally not this shy," your dad said. "Are you tired?"

"No!" you cried immediately in response, and jumped away before your dad had the chance to grab you and haul you away for a nap.

Alfred laughed. "Don't worry about it, it's fine." He turned to you, then lowered himself to one knee.

"Hi," he chirped. "I'm Alfred. I like your dress!"

Your lips rounded in surprise, and for a moment you stared at him blankly.

"What do we say?" your father interjected in mild exasperation.

You rocked on your heels, and the words finally clicked. "Thank you," you replied, and Alfred's grin widened.

Then he turned his gaze to the window. "It's fun being so high up, isn't it?"

You nodded tentatively, and he looked back to you. "Well, how about after your daddy and I get done with our meeting, I'll take you to the very top floor?"

Your eyes widened. That was possible? To go even higher up? "To the tippy top?" you asked incredulously.

Alfred nodded with a chuckle. "To the tippy top," he confirmed.

"But only if you're good to your nanny," your father added with a small smile.

"Okay!" Now you were smiling in absolute joy, your little teeth poking out. How exciting!

Your father checked his watch. "It's about time to go. Come on."

Alfred straightened, and you scampered after them towards the elevator, only to stumble and sprawl onto the ground with young clumsiness. You hit your knee hard, but you were too stunned to do anything at first. But then you felt some pain in your legs, and no matter how minimal, you could register that crying was the appropriate reaction.