The world shaper

9

She lazily opened her eyes and listened to Simon’s snoring. If Horatio could really shape people’s worlds perhaps he could help her. Something is very wrong with hers and Simon’s worlds. They have almost nothing in common. She slid from the bed and slipped into her dress. She looked at still sleeping Simon.

She walked to Horatio’s room and knocked on the door.

“Yes?”

She entered and spotted that Horatio was observing himself in the mirror. She gave him an inquisitive look and when he looked at her he noticed her embarrassment.

“I was just watching my world,” he started explaining. “I can see it, but I can’t manage to reshape it.”

“You seem to have at least a great part of your memories back.”

“I’m afraid I have all of my memories back,” he sadly replied.

“Why such a long face. And most importantly why are you trying to reshape your own world?”

“I have several reasons for doing so. I’ll explain then on some other occasion. Now tell me what have you came to ask me.”

She looked at him astonished.

“Don’t forget that I can see your world, your perception of the world. I can see a lot of detail. It is nothing like thought reading, but I can sense your feelings.”

“That’s nice. I wouldn’t be comfortable around somebody that could read my mind.”

“I do have one request,” she continued. “And I don’t know how to put it.”

“Let me guess. It is about you and your husband.”

“Considering the fact that you can’t read my mind, you’re doing it quite well.”

“I can also observe.”

“Yes,” she looked down, “I know we are not an ideal couple.”

She paused for a while.

“It is not your fault,” Horatio tried to comfort her. “It sometime happens that our worlds reshape themselves by their own. Our only fault is that we let them do that.”

“That in fact is so true. A while ago you said you have seen Simon’s world and it is completely different than mine.”

“Your world contains a lot more of positive energy than his.”

“I’m wondering if you could reshape my world so it would be more than Simon’s.”

“Your world is way too positive for something like that…”

He looked at her and he saw a tear that was building in the corner of her eye. It slowly slid down her cheek.

“But I could,” he spoke if softer voice, “try to reshape your husband’s world. It would require some colors, a bit of happiness and optimism.”

“And when could you do that?”

“What about right now?”

She couldn’t hide her enthusiasm so she gave Horatio a big hug. She grasped his hand and took him to her sleeping husband.

He stepped to the head of the bed and stared to the hazy ball. There were some shiny bits here and there. He hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing. He never interfered with the personal affairs. But he was very fond of Anna, so he decided to make an exception this time. He reached for the ball and touched it.

Anna stood there for a while and observed his each movement. Then she snapped out of it and went out of the room.

Shortly after her came Horatio into the living room.

“The coffee is ready,” she said with shakily voice. She didn’t dare to ask him how it went.

“Thank you. I could use a coup of hot coffee right now,” he stared but when his eyes met hers he continued in more peaceful tone. “Be patient. We shall soon see if it succeeded.”

In that time came loud voices from the bedroom.

“I think now is that moment,” he said almost triumphantly.

“Morning,” said Simon cheerfully. His smile was firstly authentic after a long time.

“The coffee smells good. Is there any left for me?”

Anna poured him coffee with amazement. He never asked for coffee. He always took the pot and poured himself. In case there wasn’t any he would immediately start to argue.

She passed him the cup from which exhilarating smell was spreading. He inhaled and made a short sip.

“I had a peculiar dream this night. It was so vivid. They put me in a cage and wanted to wash my brain. I can still see them poking into my head.”

Anna gave Horatio a covert look.

“I will leave two of you alone. I have to arrange some things,” said Horatio and went to his room.