But that night, a wild storm broke over the area. The small cave I’d taken shelter in flooded. I wasn’t resourceful enough to think quickly under pressure. I crumbled. I just shook uncontrollably and wept as I was nearly washed away.
The whole time I remembered Unit 44’s charming grin and chiding remarks:The only reason you’re here is because of my research. You’re just an assistant, and I can have you replaced. But you’re nothing without me. Remember that.
That night, the storm raged. And by then, Unit 44 was dead. He couldn’t help me. But it didn’t erase his smirk burned into my memory or his words haunting me like ghosts.
I’d spent months working alongside him. Every waking moment was dedicated to helping him and trying to be useful. I couldn’t just press a button and eject him from my mind. He wasn’t easy to forget.
In many ways, Unit 44 was similar to Farr’vye. Smart, passionate, relentless. They didn’t stop until they got what they wanted… even if it caused harm.
Maybe that was why I found it easy to be around Farr’vye. The dynamic was familiar. But Farr’vye never made me feel stupid, or insulted me, even though I deserved it.
His orange stare was warm. His touch was gentle. And despite all my flaws and shortcomings, all he ever did was make me feel wanted.
My eyes clenched shut harder until it felt like they’d pop.
God, I’m an idiot.
What was I thinking? Running away and worrying him wasn’t going to solve my problems.
I scrambled to my feet, suddenly desperate to run back to Farr’vye and apologize for my stupid behavior.
A bright flash streaked across the dark sky, lighting it up like a white-hot brand. The lightning was followed instantly by a cataclysmic boom of thunder.
I shouted in terror, dropping to my knees. The thunder was terribly loud. It penetrated down to my bones. I was reminded of my weakness and how frail my body was compared to the local Maeleons.
A fat drop of water hit my nose. A second later, rain poured down.
I don’t have time to run back,I realized with a stab of dread. I was too far from the village. I’d be drenched by the time I returned to Farr’vye’s side.
If the torrential rainfall didn’t wash me away first.
A small part of me wanted to sink into the mud, curl into a ball, and cry. But the rest of me desperately wanted to run into Farr’vye’s arms. Then, in the safety of my alien lover, I could curl into a ball and cry as much as I wanted.
That sounded nice.
Spurred on by the idea, I scrambled to my feet and ran back to the village. Rain fell in sheets that blurred my vision, and the mud sucked me down with each step, yet I pushed on.
I didn’t get very far. I tripped on a thick root and fell on my face.
Spitting out mud, I gasped for air. Heavy rain pelted my back, pushing me down like a boot on my spine. My clothes were already waterlogged, and I couldn’t see past the rain. Even if I did stand up, I’d lost sight of the village.
I was alone, soaked, and directionless.
And the storm had only just begun.
Oh no. I might actually die out here.
Regret chewed me up inside. I could’ve been cuddled up in Farr’vye’s warm arms, but of course I’d acted like a moron and would spend my last moments in a cold bed of mud.
Lightning and thunder cracked simultaneously right above my head.
“AHH!”
I screamed, hiding my face.
Suddenly, something touched my arms.
I jerked. It must’ve been the tall stalks falling on top of me.
