Qoq Qagh

Chapter 3

 Later in the day, Es was about to go out grocery shopping and as she opened the door, she looked back and saw Pro trying to explain modern-day television to Lasko. He clearly seemed confused, which became obvious as he seemed to buffer a little bit like YouTube videos with the school's level of Internet connectivity. Es turned around and watched for a little bit as Pro showed Lasko every individual button on the remotes and he seemed confused by them.

"So this button will control how loud the volume is," Pro said, pointing to the volume button.
Lasko simply stood completely still, clearly confused. "I've never seen this kind of technology," he exclaimed.
"Oh? Surely, there must have been some sort of remote controls."
"Sorry, I can't think of any."

Just then, Es chimed in. "Lasko, how would you like to go grocery shopping with me... just to take your mind off of this remote control thing?"
Lasko seemed intrigued now. "Grocery shopping? That's something I can understand. I will come along."

As they walked out of the house, Es led Lasko to her car -- a 2010 Mitsubishi Spider -- and motioned for him to get in the passenger seat. Lasko obliged as Es followed him, getting in the driver's seat. Then, they drove to the nearest grocery store.

But as soon as they got out, Lasko was greeted with some looks of estrangement by the passersby. This made him feel a little... well, he couldn't really describe it... but he was clinging to Es like his life depended on it.

"Perhaps when we get back home..." Es suggested, blushing slightly out of general awkwardness. "I could give you a more... human form like what Pro has?"

Lasko nodded silently, his head darting around, then hiding back behind Es (who was about half a foot taller than him) as they went through the grocery shop. It seemed like everywhere they went, someone was commenting on Lasko's strange, metallic appearance.

"That's a strange child you have there."
"Why is this person covered in metal?"
"I don't think it's Halloween just yet."

Very soon, they had to leave with just the bare minimum because it wasn't just Lasko's worriment, rather Es was getting tired of it as well, so with one last comment by the cashier, they left. On the way home, Lasko clearly seemed relieved as he sank down into the passenger seat, the springs groaning from within the leather as he moved around.

"How are you feeling, Lasko?" Es asked.
"I'm glad to be out of there," Lasko responded, sighing. "I guess I forgot that 2017 is part of the Judgmental Era where people are expected to act a certain way or else society shuns them."
"How do you think I feel?" Es mumbled. It was at that moment that she realized something. She seemed reluctant to say this but it had to be done.

"You do realize Pro is probably going to see you as her father?" she says matter- of-factly.
"I understand," Lasko replied emotionlessly. He clearly didn't get the concept of such a burden so she tried to start with one of the big things.
"That would mean... we're hypothetically married."
"Wait, what?" Lasko probably would have launched through the roof of the car if he hadn't been wearing a seatbelt.
Es chuckled. "It won't mean anything between us of course." She needed to clarify this.
"Umm... I'm a little worried though..." Lasko replied, stuttering slightly. "In 10013, a lot of things have changed. I understand there's some feeling called 'love' but in my year, even feelings are monitored and plenty of feelings were considered unacceptable." He sighed. "I would assume 'love' is one of those feelings."

Es seemed sad when he said this. She couldn't bear to imagine a world where love is prohibited -- a world where everyone is expected to act a certain way.

Where did Lasko come from?