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The dinner reminded me that although our circumstances may require us to be apart physically, Zorak had found a way to keep us close. He never failed to make sure I was taken care of even in his absence. The thought made me feel more connected to him than ever before, and it brought tears to my eyes as I realized just how much he loved and treasured me.
I opened the note that came with dinner.
“My most treasured being,” it started. “I have enjoyed every second in your presence and every second you have occupied my heart. I hope to convince you to give us a try before I must leave.
“Eventually my duties here will end and I’ll need to return home. We will have to figure our relationship out by then. I’d ask you to consider a leave of absence or another arrangement that might allow you to accompany me to my home of Orkaris to see how it is that I live.
“I could show you the places where I grew up, the places where magical secrets are hidden, and introduce you to the people who shaped me into the man I am today. We could explore new horizons together and perhaps discover what lies ahead for us as a couple on this journey called life.
“Please think about it. There is still so much we have to learn about each other and so many new experiences we have to try together. - Yours always, Zorak.”
“Yowza,” Mark exclaimed as he read the note over my shoulder. “This guy really has it bad for you, huh?”
“Seems so,” I said and set the note down. Jen promptly snatched it up to read it.
“I don’t know why you haven’t left this office and jumped right into his arms. I certainly would have. Plus that iridescent mark on your skin.” Jen turned to me. “I’ve heard about those. Some other species have them. I’ve heard it’s rare, though. They only appear if there is a true connection.”
“You’re going to go with him, aren’t you?” Mark asked like there was no other option.
I stared out the window, not really listening as the two of them chattered behind me. My mind wandered over the thought of Zorak leaving. He had been so thoughtful and generous to me, sending food, gifts, notes of encouragement. It felt like he had been a part of my life for longer than just a few months. How would I adjust without him around?
The sun began to sink lower and the sky turned pink and orange. Could it be so easy to just go to Orkaris with Zorak, to explore the beauty of his culture together? It seemed almost impossible that he would soon be gone, taking all the warmth and kindness he had brought into my life with him.
As I continued to ponder this thought, an unsettling realization hit me: I couldn’t even remember the last time I had been to the grocery store. Food simply seemed to appear whenever I was hungry, a delivery of steak or some far away alien fare from Zorak.
It was as if he could read my mind and know exactly what I wanted before I even asked for it. Tears stung my eyes as I realized how deeply intertwined our lives were becoming. And how soon it might all come to an end when he left T’rra.
“Disappointment,” I muttered.
“What?” Mark asked from behind me.
“I think I feel disappointed he’ll have to leave,” I said, working through the emotion.
“Of course you do,” Jen said. She sounded almost exasperated. “He’s a great guy. He takes super good care of you and has treated you with more bouquets of flowers than I have ever been gifted in my life. So he’s affectionate. A lot of species are. You’re crazy if you don’t take him up on his offer.”
I nodded and looked back out the window, watching the sun dip closer to the horizon and feeling my heart tugging me towards Zorak’s side. I thought about what it would be like to explore Orkaris together, to see all the things that most people never get to experience. I imagined us lying in grassy fields while watching shooting stars streak across the night sky, or walking hand in hand through ancient ruins without a care in the world.
“So, what?” I asked. “Just leave my job? I just put everything I’ve worked for on hold?”
“Do you think all of T’rra’s immigration problems will solve themselves in your absence?” Mark teased. “This stuffy old job will still be here for you if it doesn’t work out with the hunky green man.”
“Stuffy?” I asked. “Since when has this job been stuffy?”
“Since he started sending alien delicacies to the office,” Mark crossed his arms.
“And every flower in the universe,” Jen added.
I laughed, glancing around the office at the many vases of exotic flowers. “Can’t argue with that.”
Chapter 8
Zorak
The prospect of extending my stay on T’rra filled me with elation, and I couldn’t contain my joy. My eyes sparkled with anticipation as I learned about the case involving the Orkarian man. The one Vanessa was working on. The urgency of the situation, combined with my desire to stay closer to her, ignited a newfound determination within me.
I will get to be with her every day, I thought, my heart hammering in my chest like I’d just competed in an intergalactic racing event.
I made my way to Vanessa’s office and approached her with joy, hoping my words would convince her of my loyalty and passion. “Vanessa, this case is perfect! I can help resolve the visa issue and be around you a little longer. It’s fate, don’t you think?”
