Leaving her and his hometown to start his new journeyin college had been the most difficult decision he’d made up to that point in his life. And since her death, nothing else could compare, or even seem to matter as much.
“Did you finish reading the story?” Professor Munoz asked. She was on the move, leading the eleven students to the main entrance of the architecturally stunning building. Jonah had to quicken his usual leisurely pace to keep up with her. Considering she was a petite woman, Jonah was surprised by how fast she moved.
“I did,” he said. “I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favorite Kafka piece.”
Stopping in her tracks, the professor turned to him. “Oh? Which one is your favorite?”
Jonah didn’t pause before responding with, “The Judgment.I guess you could say it spoke to me in a way, much more so thanThe Metamorphosis.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that,” Professor Munoz said. “That story is about a father and son. From what you’ve shared with me, your father isn’t a part of your life.”
“I never met him,” Jonah explained. “It was always just me and my mother. Until a few years ago.”
Turning away from their conversation, Professor Munoz shifted her attention to the other students. “Everyone, once we’re inside, I encourage you to view the emergence window. If we’re lucky, you might bear witness to an actual metamorphosis occurring.”
At first, the warm, humid air inside the lush conservatory was a welcome relief. Yet, within a couple of minutes of breathing in the tropical air, Jonah unknotted his scarf and unzipped his jacket. Despite his reluctance to be there, he had to admit the atmosphere was nothing short of wonderful. Surrounded by leafy tropical plants and flowers and trickling waterfalls, Jonah felt like he was walking through an enchantedsanctuary, an escape from the outside chilly world. Following the cement pathway that cut through the conservatory, Jonah was at once in awe of the many butterflies surrounding him, some even fluttering past his cheeks.
I kinda wish I could stay here forever.
Happy he made the decision to follow through and be a part of the field trip, Jonah grinned at the enchanting environment as he rounded a soft curve in the path, recognizing the wash of joy he felt. It was an unfamiliar feeling, given the somberness of the last few years. Yet, it was invigorating.
Johnah came to a sudden stop, halted by the breathtaking view in front of him. It wasn’t another blue butterfly; it was a dark-haired man who looked to be close in age. The nametag he wore identified him as Eli.
Cracking a smile and trying to hold back laughter, Jonah said. “Your glasses are fogged up. How can you see to do your work?”
Eli slipped off his spectacles and wiped them with an edge of the khaki-colored uniform he was wearing. When the man blinked, Jonah couldn’t help but recognize the beautiful shade of green that Eli’s eyes were. “Job hazard,” Eli said with a soft smile. “It happens all the time.”
With a sudden surge of courage, Jonah stepped forward. “I’m Jonah.”
Eli seemed to welcome the connection, indicated by the kind smile he offered in response to the introduction. “Hi, Jonah,” he said. “I’m Eli.”
“Yeah, your nametag,” said Jonah. “It says Eli.”
Eli glanced down and said, “I always forget I’m wearing that thing.”
“What do you do here?” Jonah asked, not wanting their conversation to end.
“I’m an entomology technician.” There was pride in Eli’swords. It was evident he loved his job.
Who wouldn’t love working in a place like this?
“I have no idea what that is, but it sounds cool,” Jonah said, still grinning. Not sure if it was because of Eli or the humidity, but Jonah’s face felt warm.
“Are you here for school?” Eli asked.
“I am. We readThe Metamorphosisby Franz Kafka, and our teacher wanted us to see the real thing.”
“Nice,” Eli said. Their eyes met then and something silent was shared. The two young men took a deeper look at one another. In his inquisitive stare, Jonah saw a flicker of curiosity in Eli’s pretty eyes. The expression only drew him in more. Eli took a step closer. Aware of how close their bodies were, Jonan felt his pulse quicken and a thin layer of sweat start to form on the back of his neck. “So have you?” Eli prompted.
“Have I what?” Jonah asked.
“Have you seen the real thing?” Eli asked. “A metamorphosis?”
Jonah gave Eli’s words some thought. “That sounds like a deep question.”
“I hope it wasn’t too forward,” Eli offered. There was an apology in his tone. “I’m surrounded by butterflies all day and sometimes my communication with humans can be…lacking.”
“I feel like a lot is changing…with me.”
