Jurassic World Chaos Theory: "Prehistoric Paradox"

S1E6: Free Fall

Fourteen months ago:

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my breathing. Brooklynn had recommended a program called "Dino Immersion Therapy," and I was about to give it a try. Raising my left hand, I approached the Kentrosaurus.

As I got closer, memories from the past began to flash through my mind, each one a sharp sting. Determined to keep going, I whispered, "Okay. All right," encouraging myself as my hand moved closer to the dinosaur. I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation.

My heartbeat quickened, the flashbacks intensifying, but I kept breathing steadily. Slowly, the memories began to fade. I opened one eye and saw that I had firmly touched the Kentrosaurus. Lifting my gaze, I locked eyes with it.

The Kentrosaurus lowed quietly as I chuckled, feeling a subtle pride for having done this. "Whoa," Brooklynn said, approaching slowly. "That was amazing." She clapped her hands, pride shining in her eyes.

"Thanks," I said, softly chuckling. "I wouldn't go that far, but it's a process."

Brooklynn bent down, caressing the Kentrosaurus's face. "Yaz is being too hard on herself, isn't she?" she asked rhetorically, using a baby-talk voice. "Yes, she is." She petted its head, rubbing it gently.

"Didn't we agree?" I reminded her of the no baby-talk rule. Brooklynn smiled. "Yeah. No more baby talk. My bad." She stood up and walked closer to me.

I took a deep inhale, channelling inner peace. "I thought I was done with dinosaurs once we left the island, but then they go and follow me back here." I exhaled, sighing. "I was fine before. Why is it so hard again?"

"I know, right? I don't think any of us expected this to be our lives," Brooklynn stated, nervously touching her necklace. "It's hard to adapt when the world is so different than you thought it'd be."

"I'm just glad you found this place," I said gratefully. "I never heard of Dino Immersion Therapy, but I am clearly their target demographic."

The Kentrosaurus exhaled with a loud bellow, making me jump. Brooklynn gently scratched its body to calm it down. "Cool, right?" she said, smiling. "Yeah. I read about it on this website Ben told me about. Once in a while, he'll send something legit."

I chuckled softly, touching the Kentrosaurus again and running my hand along its body. "Definitely legit."

Brooklynn's face shifted, concern showing in her eyes. "Not that I don't love hanging out with you, but is there a particular reason I'm here and not Sammy?"

Her question hit hard, and I found myself searching for the right words. "Honestly, I'm working hard to get my anxiety in check, but Sammy still treats me like I'm fragile. I really think this new college program in Wyoming will be good for both of us. Hopefully, she'll see the progress I'm making once I'm there, you know?"

Brooklynn smiled sweetly, grazing her hand along the Kentrosaurus's skin. "Totally."

"Unless I'm just tricking myself into thinking I'm getting better, when really I'm a total mess," I joked, chuckling to myself.

Brooklynn crossed her arms and leaned against the Kentrosaurus. "If you're a mess, then there's no hope for the rest of us," she said, looking at the dinosaur. "Isn't that right, widdle--" She stopped herself, realizing she was doing the baby talk voice. "Girl," she finished in her normal voice.

"It's a process," I joked, and we both giggled. "So, where's Y/N?" I asked, curious.

"Oh, he's with Sammy. He wanted to help her with her ranch," Brooklynn said, chuckling as she retrieved her phone. "Check this out." She pressed play, showing me a video.