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It never fails. I block one number and it only gives me peace for about a day before needing to block newer ones. I wonder how many text messages never came through when my phone was off of a network.
At the end of the tunnel, it widens into a larger room. If I didn’t know any better, I would not have known we’re underground. I don’t even notice the lack of windows given the soft ambient light.
“Your family really knows how to create a den," I say. “Do you mind me asking if this is a normal Otso configuration or something that was part of adapting to this environment”
“A little bit of both. We generally like our dens and caves, even modernized Otsos, but the tunnels and extended underground that is unique to me I must say.”
I’m not sure about Otso, but if there is an equivalent to blushing or embarrassment it would be this. My heart goes out to him. “If you like it, there’s nothing wrong with it," I say. “It’s like anything in this world. Some people like coffee and then there are those who prefer tea.”
“And there are some people who like both," he says.
“Yes there are.”
We share a quiet moment before he opens the door and I can see his true personality come to life in his workspace. It’s not quite a mad scientist vibe. It’s more that there is a quiet attention to every detail.
His current work area has various gadgets on it and unfinished electronics of some kind. But the rest of the space is neat and organized, and though there isn’t a lot of paper that is needed — most otherkins seem to prefer avoiding resources — he has displays and holographs around that would be the equivalent of whiteboards filled with formulas and sketches.
“This is an awesome space.” I say more to myself than to him.
My words seem to please him. “Follow me there’s more.”
He leads me through another room where there are more tables with various lab equipment, some of which I don’t recognize but as several plants in various pots with various levels of blooms and seedlings.
In the very back he has a sliding door.
“This is my favorite space ever.” He gestures to me to walk inside.
I gasp. I twirl around to look at him astonished.
“It’s a library.”
Rows of bookshelves line the walls. The proportions are made to accommodate a family of Otsos considering how tall everything is.
The larger stacks in the back actually have wooden ladders attached like railings. In the middle is a comfortable seating area with overstuffed leather couches and cushy arm chairs. There are more shearling blankets piled around.
In the very center of the back wall is an enormous fireplace. It is big enough to park a car in. Hell, I think I can fit my first apartment in there.
“I cannot believe this space is underneath the greenhouse.”
He presses his lips together, tilts his head. “I guess in a manner of speaking it is. I just consider it a den set in the mountains.”
“Den. Right.” Nodding and not quite able to wrap around the magnitude of the space, all I can do is agree with him.
If every staircase into a basement leads to something like this, every human woman I know would be tripping over themselves looking for their very own snow beast living in a den.
Visions of reality show dating shows like “The Snow Beast Bachelor” play in my head.
“How many books do you have?”
“I’ve stopped counting as the numbers change depending on what I need on hand. They just happen to be there when I need them. They change depending on what mood I’m in.”
Must be nice to have a truly custom built library, with books that change to my whim. “And here I was supposed to be getting ready for bed. I can’t possibly sleep now thinking of all these books.”
He gives me a curious look. “Well, remember I said I was up for a challenge. Feel free to look around. I’ll grab the tea.”
Oh right. He wanted me to test out his tea that’s supposed to help me relax. I wander to the closest bookcase, hoping I’m able to find something interesting to read.
The very first bookshelf is filled with the current crime thriller series I’m reading. I haven’t had a chance to pick up the latest copy and here it is. A police procedural set in a futuristic New York City featuring a murder cop and her rich husband.
