AR-131

Life Resumes

I quit the ice cream shop and begin work as a diver. They are excited to have me on since I don't need any equipment and I can't get tired. I swim groups of people out to play with dolphins and give tours on boats. I swim in the ocean every day, but it's never enough. I never go far enough or deep enough.

I learn how to surf and make friends with a lot of surfer boys. They are fun, and teach me how to be funny and laugh at other's jokes. Most of the time I'm still not sure why I should laugh, but I'm pretty good at guessing when to laugh.

Selene has been going out of her way to make me happy. I'm not sure why. I tell her I'm content, but she doesn't think that's enough. I don't know how to make her believe me.

I don't believe myself.

Diving has finished for the day, so I stand on the deck of a moored boat and watch the sunset. The sun's rays strike the coming storm clouds, turning them into explosions of pink, orange, purple, and red. What's left of the sky fades from light blue to deep indigo. Stars sparkle just before the clouds take over, and raindrops stir the ocean.

I head home in the rain, enjoying its crisp freshness. I enter the apartment to find Selene working on a succulent arrangement for a client.

"Hey," I say, trying to be casual.

She looks up. "Hey." Her voice is quiet, and her body seems small. She's not standing up straight like she did when we first met. She hasn't for a while.

I set my things down and look out the window. The rain has picked up, and the wind howls through the small street. I think the surfers must be enjoying the waves. I wish I were out there too.

"Ari," Selene says, walking toward me with her head down. "I had a horrible day today. Would you just... lay down with me?"

"Of course." I smile at her. I hope she feels better soon.

We snuggle under the covers, and Selene tells me about her day. I listen and agree that her clients today were terrible, but my mind is in other places. The rain pounds on the roof.

Selene falls asleep, so I crawl out of bed and sit on my charging stand. Today was a lot of work, and my battery is pretty low. I watch the storm through the window. I've never seen the ocean in a storm.

I bet it looks amazing.

I bet it's powerful.

I've never felt powerful before.

It's been so long since I was free in the ocean.

I'm only at 80% battery now, but I decide that's enough. I jump up and run through the door, down the stairs, and toward the beach.