The world shaper

10

Horatio sat on a bed when he heard sobbing in front of his door. When he opened it he saw Anna miserably sitting on the floor and crying.

“My dear, what on earth has happened?”

“He left me,” she cried even louder.

“How is that? He should be more positive now.”

“Yes, and that’s it,” she sniffled. “He said he is seeing another woman for a long time now. He hasn’t found a way to tell me that. He is still an asshole he was only now he is a positive one.”

“We unfortunately cannot change a human nature. I can change only a perception of the world.”

“If just I could be like you. I would so gladly help other people considering I can’t help myself.”

“My life isn’t always all milk and honey.”

“But it must be wonderful looking at someone you have just helped.”

“I cannot argue that.”

“You have some meaning in life and my life is so pointless.”

“It just seems so in this moment. That can easily change.”

“That is my fifth relationship that went awry. And also I have no friends.”

Horatio thought for a moment.

“Maybe our meeting wasn’t a coincidence after all.”

“What do you mean?”

She completely forgot about her sorrow and looked at him expectantly.

“I’m quite old. I was looking for my successor for some time now.”

Her eyes began to sparkle.

“I see that you are interested. I must warn you though. This gift has its darker side. It is actually kind of a curse. I don’t know why it is so, but you won’t be able to speak about it with nobody. I was able to do so only because my memory was gone.”

He paused for a second and so gave his word deeper meaning.

“Considering that you won’t be able to speak about it you would be wondering around and helping people.”

“I think that is what I want.”

“You have to be completely sure. There is no way back!”

She took a deep breath and then she said:

“That is what I live for. I want to have this gift!”

“Ok. Then we will do a transfer. I will transmit this ability to you,” he said and was slowly stretching his arm toward her.

She felt like the time has stopped. She felt some memories inside her head that weren’t hers. She knew now what her gift is and what that means to the people surrounding her. After a while she regained her consciousness and saw that Horatio was looking at her.

“How do you feel?” he asked her.

“Quite well,” she said and suddenly flinched.

She wanted to ask him what it was, but she already knew the answer. She saw the world above his head.

“I see you have started to get to know your ability.”

“Yes. It is wonderful,” she replied when she observed the ball from a close distance.

“I would like to ask you for a favor.”

“Anything.”

“I would like that you reshape my world just enough I would forget I had ever had this gift.”

She looked at him and wonted to ask something, but he answered it before she could manage to speak.

“My life was wonderful, but there was just too much stuff I wouldn’t like to remember.”

“I will certainly try,” she said.

She felt obliged to fulfill his wish. She reached for his world and grabbed it.

“Before I forget,” said Horatio. “You should find yourself a replacement when the time comes. You’ll know when.”

He closed his eyes and became silent so she could carry on with her work. She moved her fingers across the ball and dag for memories. She took a bit here and a bit there. When she stopped she moved back and was eagerly watching him. He opened his eyes. He seemed relaxed and he looked like he doesn’t have any problems.

“I must thank you that you let me stay here. Not anyone would take a pity of an old man like me. Now I have my memories back and it is time I go on with my life.”

“You can stay here as long as you like.”

“It is time for me to go,” he said and stood up.

“And where will you go?”

“I will go there where I have always been. Among people.”

He slowly went to the front door.

“Good bye,” he said standing in a doorway, “and good luck.”

She watched him as he was going away, relieved of the curse he was carrying the most part of his life.