Duplicate Minds

Fourteen

"We're going to take you to my place," Rosa said. "Someone might come looking for you at Sarah's or Mira's."

"I thought you said you and Mira were married."

"We are . . . very recently. I've still got a couple months left on my lease."

"Makes sense. And then we go to the media, right?"

"We're going to record some interviews with you so if we don't get traction with any major media outlets, we can release them ourselves."

"What if none of it goes anywhere?"

"Then we figure something else out. We keep trying until something sticks. Because it's the twenty-first century and corporations shouldn't be allowed to keep slaves, regardless of whether their bodies are made of flesh and blood, or silicon and silicone."

They pulled into the driveway of a single-story, red-brick house that looked like it was built in the fifties. But it had clearly been well maintained, as evidenced by the flawless lawn. As Rajeev approached, the door swung open and there was Mira, dressed in black slacks and a white blouse, staring into her father's photosensors with a look of fascination and confusion.

"Is that really you, dad?"

He was quiet at first, unable to find the words. Finally, he said simply, "Yes."

She stepped forward, opened her arms and wrapped them around him. He wrapped his arms around her and they embraced for a long moment. If Rajeev had had eyes capable of producing tears, they would have been wet.

"I'm sorry for the way I look. It must be unsettling."

She broke the hug and gave her father a chastising look. "I don't care about your appearance. All I care about is who you are on the inside."

In this moment, seeing and holding his daughter for what felt like the first time in years, all distinctions between the "old" and "new" Rajeev melted away. All that was left was a father and a fully grown woman who would forever be his baby girl.

"I love you, Mira. I'm sorry I was away from you for so long."

"It wasn't your fault, dad. You know that."

"I know. Still, I could have driven more carefully. I could have—"

She placed a hand on each of his shoulders and shook him gently as she spoke. "There's no changing the past. You're here and that's all that matters. There's nothing to forgive."

He nodded meekly and they embraced again, until Samuel spoke.

"I'm sorry to break up the moment, but the two of you should get inside just in case NLT has someone hot on our trail."

"What about you?"

"Don't worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Good luck, Rajeev."

"Thanks for all your help."

"No problem."

Samuel and the others piled into the van, except for Rosa, who stayed behind. The three of them walked into the house and Rosa led them into the living room.

The interior of the house had clearly been remodeled since it was built. Fresh hardwood floors lay beneath their feet. The walls were fresh, pristine and white. The home had an open concept vibe, with a low counter separating the living room from the kitchen.

Mira directed Rajeev to a plush leather recliner in the corner of the room. "Have a seat, dad." As he settled in, she walked with Rosa to the couch and the two of them sat down. Rosa placed a hand over Mira's.

"How long have you two been together?" Rajeev asked cautiously.

Mira stole a glance at her partner beside her and smiled. "We dated for a solid two years and just tied the knot this fall."

Rajeev had always considered himself fairly progressive when it came to such matters, but now that it was his own daughter, he found it a more difficult prospect. He felt ashamed by his own lack of acceptance, but found it was something he could only suppress, not control. He smiled as he struggled to accept the life his daughter had made for herself.

"How did you two meet?"

Rosa answered this time. "Online," she said, smiling broadly. "We met up for drinks. I wanted to keep things casual, but . . . well, your daughter is quite an amazing woman, Rajeev. I couldn't resist her."

"I don't blame you." He looked away awkwardly. "So what now?"

"What's mine is yours," Rosa said. "Make yourself at home. I, uh . . . I assume you won't need to use the kitchen or bathroom, but we have a spare room you can use if you like. Do you sleep on a bed?"

"It's not strictly necessary, but it's what I'm used to."

"Perfect," Mira interjected. "Let me show you to your room, then."

She led him up a pair of slightly creaky stairs to a room at the end of the upstairs hallway. A twin bed took up half of the small room.

"I know it's not much."

"For my purposes, it's great. Thank you."

"So do you actually sleep?"

"Yes. I'm like a computer, apparently. I need to be refreshed every once in awhile."

"Get some sleep then. We'll record some interviews with you tomorrow. It'll turn out better if you're well rested."

"I will. Goodnight, Mira. I love you."

"I love you too, dad. I'm so happy you're back."

With that, she shut the door behind her. Rajeev fell onto the bed and closed his eyes, allowing himself to fall asleep while also reveling in his newfound freedom.