House Naethrí

-

She’d never heard of such a thing, and certainly would’ve never thought of it herself. That fact alone made her nervous, only for the fear of what others might think. If it was an invention from Outside, The O’Neill might disapprove.

For as long as she could remember, she’d had trouble seeing outside, even on cloudy or rainy days. She had trouble seeing indoors, too, sometimes— when too many lights had been lit. She’d like to try glasses, if Sinead thought it might help. But then again, if it came from Sinead, The O’Neill might be doubly suspicious.

“I’d like that,” Kamala said, “But maybe you should get Seamus to ask Miles to make them. There’s not much that can lower everyone’s opinions of me, but if The O’Neill hears you’re bringing in Outside things, he’s going to start wondering what else you’re bringing in. It won’t go well for you.”

“That’s true…” she was reluctant to admit. The last thing Sinead wanted was for Kamala to get in trouble on account of her own rash behavior. “It’s probably too soon. I’ll talk to Seamus and maybe in a month or so, he can bring it up with Miles.”

-

“Glass craftsman?” She frowned and nodded. “Miles O’Reilly now is, after his father died. He made The Naethris’ and The O’Neills’ cups. Why?”

“Well, if he can tint it with color, I thought I might ask him to help me make you a pair of glasses to help protect your eyes from the sun while you’re working in the garden.” She’d noticed how Kamala was uncomfortable in direct sunlight and how pale her skin and eyes were. She suspected some degree of albinism.

For as long as she could remember, she’d had trouble seeing outside, even on cloudy or rainy days. She had trouble seeing indoors, too, sometimes— when too many lights had been lit. She’d like to try glasses, if Sinead thought it might help. But then again, if it came from Sinead, The O’Neill might be doubly suspicious.

-

“Difference is healthy. Like cross breeding plants and animals. The more differences there are, the healthier the offspring. I imagine it’s like that with communities and people. Keeping things the same leads to stagnation.”

She said it quietly. It wasn’t the sort of conversation that ought to be overheard.

Sinead was tempted to continue the conversation. It was intellectually stimulating and Kamala had such delightfully deep thoughts. It was the fear of being overheard that stayed her tongue. 

-

“Of course. It’s just natural. We trust things that are familiar. It’s a basic survival instinct.”

She squinted at the ground. It wasn’t so bad that she’d be going inside. The sky was clearing off and the sun hurt.