#projectgem

They say dreams are bridges between our past and our potential future.

Fragments of moments that you haven’t experienced yet.

My dreams always bring me back to Lemuria.

At times it would be me, other times it would be me and her.

One night, someone new appeared.

A girl, by herself on a rock, her tail gently swaying with the current.

“I see you finally remembered to meet me at our spot.” Her voice sounded hurt.

I tried to speak but when I opened my mouth, only bubbles would come out. She slowly rose from the rock and started to swim away. I followed her, as we kept swimming it seemed like she was getting further and further away from me. It was to the point I was rapidly swimming towards her, trying to catch up.

I was so close, her tail just a few inches ahead of me, I reached out to grab it–

I never finished that dream, the strong pain in my chest threw me out of it.

My seal glowed bright red, almost like it was giving me a warning.

This never happened before.

The seal…

The reminder of my bond… with her.

This bond that was created in a different life.

A bond that felt empty.

I can only blame our past selves for bringing us to this situation, why we cling so hard to the idea that we can work out. That our bond means something. 

We tried to explore our romantic relationship– nothing.

We tried to be intimate – no sparks.

Don’t get me wrong, she’s an amazing person. I enjoy our chats, our banter, her company, but that’s it. She’s a really good friend, and bodyguard.

Failing bond aside, I was caught off guard that a new person invaded my dream, and that I was in excruciating pain because of it. I hoped that it was a fluke and that I’ll go back to my regular dreams. 

Unfortunately, I was wrong.

The cycle continued. That same girl kept appearing.

However, these next batch of dreams, I got to actually interact with her.

We laughed, swam, and explored Lemuria.

Despite her being in all my dreams, I could never capture her face. Whenever I was about to see her face I would wake up. Waking up to that same pain in my chest.

Pushing past my pain, I would go to my canvas. I painted what I could remember from the dream, almost like a mad man, making sure I captured the memory.

These paintings culminated into a new series in my art portfolio. Thomas thought it would be a good idea to hold another exhibit. She thought it was a good idea too.

“You never know, the girl you’re drawing might show up.” She suggested.

It was odd, I never confided in her about my dreams. I can only assume she can sense that the paintings don’t resemble her like they did before.

Nevertheless, she was right.

At my exhibit, she appeared.

Unbeknownst to her, the moment she entered the building, I felt something in me shift. 

I left Thomas’s side and calmly searched for the woman causing me my internal disturbance.

I came across a woman, she had very long hair and wore what I can only assume was her work clothes.

From the sides I watched as she walked through the exhibit, taking her time, looking at each painting. She seemed stuck on one painting– she stayed in front of it for about 10 minutes. I took this as an opportunity to approach her.

It was awkward, at first.

It was mainly her who was awkward… Honestly it made me question if she ever talked to people before. It was cute though, she always made a pensive face before speaking. Almost like she’s making sure she says the right thing.

After our many pauses in the conversation, I got the pleasure of learning her name.

Jewel.

Our hands touched.

I felt a pulse flow through my body.

I took note of that.

The conversation picked up after that, leading us to aimlessly walk around the exhibit. I would ask her her opinions on the painting, while she picked my brain about how the paintings came to be. She speaks so eloquently about my paintings, even saying she feels a deep connection to them.

The connection carried even outside of the paintings, when we talked, it was like I already knew her. For once, my soul felt whole.

I think Jewel is the woman from my dreams.

Another lemurian, potentially.

More importantly… my true muse.

Jewel certainly isn’t leaving my mind any time soon. Such a shame we didn’t exchange numbers, but it’s okay, I know we’ll cross paths again. If fate takes too long, I’ll find her.

That night, I couldn’t sleep.

My chest was on fire, I couldn’t breathe. The seal shined bright, each pulse made me kneel over in pain. This felt like I was being punished.

I was being punished for talking to Jewel.

Is my bond making me reject Jewel?

Clutching my chest, I rose from my bed. The loud boom of thunder drowned my heavy breathing. I clumsily made my way towards the window to see lightning strikes in the distance, the violent ocean waves accompanying it.

The ocean could sense my pain. My restlessness… my uncertainty.

And this is all because of Jewel.

Her face flashing through my mind.

‘I can finish my painting.’ I thought to myself.

I stumbled into my art room, piles of canvases scattered across the floor, and I grabbed an unfinished one. It was another painting of a woman with a blank face. I slammed it onto an easel, there was already paint ready on a palette, it was still fresh.

I vigorously painted Jewel’s face on the blank spot. Remembering her greyish brown eyes, the small freckles on her face, her gentle expression that she carried. I felt my scales growing on my skin and an increasing pain in my eyes. The painting looked like it was becoming brighter and brighter.

I did the final stroke on my painting, observing the completed work. Jewel decorated in traditional Lemurian clothing, pink scales on her cheeks, and a gentle smile on her face.

“Jewel…” I muttered before my world was white.

A young Rafayel found himself surrounded by tall bookshelves filled with several books of various topics. He was looking for someone, he checked different nooks in the library, yet he couldn’t find the person he was looking for.

He eventually reached a table with one person sitting at it.

“There you are Jewel~” He smiled as he approached the girl.

Jewel sighed, “You are too persistent, my prince…” She turned over her shoulder to see the smirk on Rafayel’s face.

“What are you learning today, my historian?”

Jewel closed her book to show the cover, “Tome of the Sea God?” Rafayel read.

“It’s filled with legends and prophecies. You’ll learn about it in due time, remember I will be the one to teach you everything you need to know.” Jewel said matter of factly. [?]

Rafayel rolled his eyes, gently swimming to the opposite end of the table. He placed his arms on the table and looked at Jewel. To him, she looked a bit upset, whatever she’s reading seemed to be upsetting her.

“Can you spare a moment of your reading time to explore a cave with me?” Rafayel asked politely, attempting to entice Jewel into taking a break.

This was their routine. Rafayel finds Jewel reading, Rafayel offers a break –

“Sure, maybe this cave can help me with my studies.”

– Jewel will accept his offer.

Jewel closed her book and placed it back on the book shelf. Rafayel, in excitement, swam over to her. “I knew you’d say yes, and you already have a perfect excuse for my parents if we get caught.”

Jewel shook her head, “Why do we keep using me as a way to sneak out…”

Rafayel started swimming towards the library exit, “Well it won’t be sneaking out if we get back before dinner! Hurry up!”

“Rafayel!” Jewel whined as she followed him, “Rafayel, slow down!”

“Rafayel!”

Thomas was hovering over me, “What did I tell you about sleeping on the floor?”

I sat up, holding my head that was still aching from last night. 

That dream. No… that memory. It was the clearest memory I’ve had so far.

It was me as a child, and Jewel, she was a historian? But she seemed to also be very friendly with me.

She was a part of the Lemurian court?

“Do you hear me talking to you?” Thomas said, he sounded annoyed. Probably because I hadn’t listened to one word he said.

“No.” I replied.

“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, Rafayel. I was saying that your exhibit was a hit! I’ve got people who want you to bring the works to their towns for their local art shows. I already booked one that’s happening next month.”

I hummed in response, my mind still occupied. “I trust you to handle everything, just let me know all the plans.”

Thomas rushed off, muttering something about calling the clients back. Meanwhile, I got myself off the floor and sat on my couch.

After a few seconds of peace, I heard a faint buzz. Looking around and feeling the couch, I pulled out my phone, which somehow got wedged in between the cushion.

I got a text.

Miss Bodyguard: Looks like the exhibit was a success. You looked like you had a good time. ⫘ Link: “Who is Rafayel’s new female friend? [Image]”

A tabloid of me and Jewel, the public is so quick with gossip. I sent the link to Thomas so he can figure out how to get the article down, then I skimmed the article. A bunch of assumptions about me, and how I was allegedly dating my bodyguard, and how Jewel is being labeled as some sort of mistress.

It made my blood boil.

Miss Bodyguard: Your mistress looks beautiful, make sure you tell her about us before you decide to keep pursuing her.

For once, I ignored her message.

My bodyguard, the one who I’m bonded to, makes light of the situation. While, I’m on the brink of spiraling. This bond is my crutch, a crutch that neither of us know how to get rid of.

I took a deep breath to recenter myself.

“Focus on the task at hand.” I told myself.

I need answers. Many answers.

I need to see Jewel. I need to learn her. Learn what she's like in this life, if she remembers the past, if she remembers Lemuria, anything! I can't lose the woman who makes me feel alive.

I can't let her know about my bond. Explaining my bond to her will complicate things, so I'll keep it a secret. In the meantime, I'll figure out how to sever the bond.

I will get my answers, no matter the cost.

I’ll learn everything about Jewel in this life, and relearn our past.

Just be patient with me, my muse.

a/n: This ending was such a train wreck, lowkey didn’t know how to end it, but we move forward. Anyway, I’m somewhat back! I did a lot of deconstructing and reconstructing the trajectory of this fic, so that was fun. Things are brewing! Get excited!

“So this is the most beautiful beach in Linkon...”

Whitesand Bay.

Prior to her arrival, Jewel read an article that was dedicated to all the popular spots in Linkon. One caught her attention in particular.

Whitesand Bay is the most beautiful beach in all of Linkon. Perfect for a day trip, especially for couples.

And she would agree, this beach is beautiful. 

The water was a beautiful clear blue while the sand was a silvery-white, several seashells of various sizes scattered across it. She definitely understands why Rafayel’s art is all about the ocean.

Jewel loved the beach, she would visit random shores near Linkon often when she first moved, it’s been a while since she’s had a beach day due to work. Might as well spend a free weekend at her happy place.

Jewel’s been attached to the ocean since she was very young, she can recall faint memories of herself at the beach looking out to the sea. It was always her and an older woman, she doesn’t remember what they would do, but she always remembered the warm feeling she had whenever they would be at the beach.

Clutching her cross body bag, she started to walk on the shoreline, feeling at ease while the grainy sand beneath her made her feet ashy.

After a while, Jewel decided to take a rest on the sand, her legs in a criss cross position. She looked out at the vast ocean. It made her mind start to wander, an old memory suddenly resurfaced. An old memory that she thought she’d forgotten.

It was her and that woman, standing on the shore line, hand in hand – looking out to the sea.

“The sea is a beautiful place… if you’re ever lost, remember the sea will accept you, okay Jewel?”

“Hmm…” Jewel rose from the floor and walked back to the shoreline, she carefully took off her sandals and stepped into the ocean. Her ankles submerged, the breeze gently brushing her as she looked out to the endless horizon.

She knelt down and placed her hand in the water, swishing it back and forth, gently digging her hands in the wet sandy ground. Jewel smiled as she found herself amused by playing in the water. Her hands eventually felt something hard. Scooping it out of the water— she held a small purple shell that closely resembled a shell of a snail.

“It’s so small,” Jewel held up the shell in the air, “I’ve never seen a purple shell.”

“What are you looking at?”

Growing stiff, Jewel turned over her shoulder to see Rafayel, a shocked expression present on her face.

“Cute outfit by the way. That’s a nice shade of blue on you.” Rafayel winked.

Jewel could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, “I…found this shell when I was feeling the water.” She swiftly avoided his compliment, even though she certainly appreciated it. She held the shell in her palm and held it towards Rafayel.

Rafayel looked at the shell, a small glimmer appeared in his eye. “You certainly have an eye for rare shells, this hasn’t been seen in many millennia.” He gently picked up the shell, examining every detail on it.

“Why’s that?”

“Researchers tie these types of shells to an old underwater civilization. A lost city covered by the tides of time. Many scientists are still trying to find items to verify its existence.” He placed the shell back in her hand.

A pensive look took over Jewel’s face, she felt like she read a document at work about a lost city and new discoveries on it. The name was on the tip of Jewel’s tongue.

“What’s that look for?” Rafayel questioned.

“The name of the city…It was brought up at my job. I read a whole document on it.”

“What’s your job?”

Jewel paused, “I’m a document dispatcher at the Hunter’s Association.”

“Your job is to give other people papers?”

“My job is to give very important companies and organizations verified and classified documents.” She sighed.

“Sounds like a made up job.”

Jewel rolled her eyes, “Well this job pays my bills.” She shrugged it off. She brought her attention back to the shell in her palm. “So this shell is special, huh… I’ll keep it safe so scientists can’t probe it for research.”

Jewel found herself feeling sentimental, the fact that this small little shell was special, she saw herself as the shell. She was small when she was deemed special, and then her life turned for the worse. Countless days of her being experimented on and being forced to take emotion suppressants in order to comply with their orders. Slowly becoming a shell of herself –

“Be careful, if you keep staring at it, the shell might explode. Your stare might be too intense for it to handle.” Rafayel teased.

Jewel rapidly blinked out of her trance, “I’m sorry. I was thinking…about the city again.” A half truth. “If this shell is from there they must have a lot of other shells and gems.” 

“I know a lot about the lost city, maybe if you guess the name, then I can tell you more about it.”

“Can’t you just tell me the name of the lost city?” Jewel asked.

Rafayel tilted his head to the side and gave a sly smirk, “I think you trying to guess would be more fun than me giving the answer.”

Jewel huffed in annoyance, ‘This guy…’

Rafayel was highly amused at Jewel’s guesses on the name. It got to the point where she said fictional places from books she’s read. Jewel, on the other hand, was extremely frustrated that she couldn’t figure it out. On top of that, her stubbornness refused to accept any hints from Rafayel.

Jewel stopped walking alongside Rafayel, “I’m just going to think about the document for a second.” She prompted before closing her eyes.

Rafayel stopped and stared at Jewel, “Okay?”

With her eyes closed she could focus on visualizing the document in her head.

Hyperphantasia.

A rare phenomenon. The ability to vividly see images that one visualizes in their head. This trait of her pairs very well with her EVOL. Her EVOL deepened her minds’ skill of memory storage, disposal and retrieval.

If she learns information or experiences a moment it’s stored in her memory she can recall it with great detail whenever. If you share a memory with her, she can imagine it as if she was there with you. If the memory is old, it may take her a while to retrieve it, leaving her to physically close her eyes to concentrate.

The downside, she gets terrible migraines.

In her mind, she sees the outline of her cubicle. Taking a closer look at her monitor with a document she has yet to verify. Skimming the first few lines, she finally comes across–

“Lemuria!” Jewel blurted out, opening her eyes to look at Rafayel. “Lemuria was an ancient, marine civilization recorded in legends. It was located in the Deep Sea in the bottom of a fissure, a place sunlight or moonlight could not reach.” She recited, this was all of the information she read from the document.

Jewel felt relieved that she was able to retrieve that memory, she looked at Rafayel for validation, however he looked serious. “Yeah that’s right…”

There was a drastic shift in his tone, and Jewel felt it. Ironically, the waves beneath them seem to become slightly harsher.

“Are you sure you haven’t heard of Lemuria from somewhere else?”

Jewel hesitantly shook her head no.

‘Is Lemuria supposed to be important to me or something?’ Jewel thought.

Rafayel's face remained unchanged, he wasn’t happy with that answer. He looked Jewel up and down, almost assessing her. Which, made Jewel confused but she wasn’t going to ask what he was doing.

“I’m still open to learning about it.” Jewel suggested, as she gently started to pick at her fingers.

Rafayel huffed and a gentle smile grew back on his face, ‘Maybe I need to try something else for her to remember.’ He thought. Shaking his head to get himself out of his own head, he placed his hand on his hips; the mood felt light again.

“I guess I can tell you more–” Rafayel down at the ocean waves, they seemed to be a bit more aggressive, then to the now gray sky. “Buuut we should probably get inside though, a storm seems to be coming.”

Rafayel started walking to the shoreline, Jewel followed suit. “My art studio is nearby, so we can stay there until the storm passes.” Rafayel said.

Mo Art Studio. Rafayel’s personal art gallery and home.

It was a large building behind a set of gates, a pillar labeled “Mo Art Studio” right next to it. There were also several plants and a small statue near the entrance.

‘This place is huge…’ Jewel thought as she watched Rafayel unlock the gates to the studio. Pushing past the games, Rafayel stayed behind, “You can head inside, I’m gonna lock the gate. The front door should be unlocked so just push it open.”

Jewel nodded before following the path to the tall doors. Walking through them, she sees several art pieces were meticulously placed throughout the room. It looked like a collective of Rafayel’s old works. She took a mental note to ask about his old artwork. She found an open doorway and went to the next room.

She walked into a large open room, several windows rested on the wall. There was also a glass door that led to the beach, it made Jewel question why they went through the front door, if he already had a back door they could’ve entered.

On the left side was a tall ladder with several canvases, paint, paint brushes. Very messy…fits the lifestyle of an artist. On the right side there was a living room area, a large orange couch with blue and white decorative pillows accompanied with several potted plants and a coffee table. It seemed some of his art items bled into this side of the room.

She walked towards a large wall – it looked like two white fish and an unfinished person in the center. Looking at the wall made a chill down her spine. Moving past that lingering feeling, she made her way into the living room and sat on the couch. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a large white tub, making her turn her full attention to it.

“A tub?” Jewel questioned. “It’s like this guy is a fish.”

Hearing footsteps approaching she turned to look at the door, Rafayel had finally rejoined Jewel, holding a small brown box in his hands. “Pay attention, this is your first lesson.” He sat next to Jewel, he placed the box in her lap. On top of the box was a carving of a little fish, it almost looked like the same fish on the wall.

Jewel gently opened the box, inside were an assortment of gems and shells. “These are some items that were commonly found in Lemuria–” Rafayel spent the next few minutes picking out an item from the box and explaining what it was in full detail. From its origins, to how it fits in their culture, to the importance of the item. Jewel was impressed that he knew so much, and how he spoke kept her engaged. He spoke with such passion, she would catch herself imagining what it was like in Lemuria.

“Lemurians had a lot of beautiful jewelry, nothing nowadays could top any of this stuff.”

Rafayel chuckled.

“Here,” he placed the box in her lap, “You pick the next one.”

Jewel gently scavenged the box, a glimmer of blue caught her attention, she picked up an item that was a small flat ovalish shape. Rafayel watched Jewel very carefully.

Raising it up in the air, it appeared to be a necklace. She rotated the necklace to get a better look at it, it was translucent, and held a certain shimmer. ‘Why does this look familiar?’ She thought.

She looked at Rafayel. He looked at her with anticipation, waiting for her to say something about the necklace. “Will she know what this is?” Rafayel wondered.

Gazing at the necklace. “I’m gonna close my eyes again…” Jewel said awkwardly, before turning her gaze to the necklace. Her eyes scanned the item before her body forcefully closed her eyes, traveling into the depths of her mind to find a memory to match with the item.

She was brought to a mirror, the location was unknown to her. Bringing her face closer to the mirror, she observed her face. Light pink rhinestones and scales travelled from her cheeks all the way to her neck. She gently touched them, recoiling at how sensitive they felt. As she shifted her body, she felt a weird sensation in the lower half of her body.

Backing away from the mirror, a long mermaid tail revealed itself, an iridescent blue tail replacing her human legs. Swishing her tails back and forth, she saw small air bubbles appear beside her tail. Her upper half was covered with a pink corset like top that hugged her body. “Okay...” Was all she could say. Bewildered at her current appearance.

Taking in a deep breath, which felt odd coming from her new gills, she needed to stay calm so it doesn't potentially affect the vision, and ultimately herself. Jewel took this time to inspect her surroundings. She seemed confided in a room, seeing a bed, wardrobe, a large bookshelf and an assortment of personal items scattered in the room.

"Someone's room in an underwater nook, how fun."

Jewel clumsily swam to the bed, the sensation of the bed silk hitting her body, as she fell onto it. Pushing herself up, she used all off her force to turn her body, now laying on her back.

"So how did we get here..." She thought. "I've never been in or seen this room, and I don't think I've ever been a mermaid."

Jewel ran her fingers through her hair. She was puzzled, puzzled at the fact she couldn't make sense of this. "One day, I'll learn to not visualize things when people are telling stories, I'll just listen." Blaming her active imagination, in her mind, Rafayel's tales of the underwater kingdom made her think she's been there.

Sitting up and looking around the room again, her eyes landing on the book shelf, she scooted closer to the bed in an attempt to read the names of the books. Unfortunately, the spines had characters that were unfamiliar to her, yet a wave of nostalgia ran through her chest.

Whether this was her imagination, or a true memory, she needed to get out of her psyche.

Taking another deep breath, she fully relaxed her body and mind to assess her body. After a few steady breaths she recognized that this feeling was the same sensation she felt earlier when she retrieved her memory of the document. A sort of limbo between her real self and her mental self. The difference is that when remembering the document she wasn’t physically warped into the memory– yet here she was.

“How did I get out earlier?”

She took another deep breath, thinking back to the moment from earlier, she got out of her retrieval state. "I said what I was looking for out loud."

The necklace. She’s trying to see why the necklace looked familiar. What does the necklace look like?

Looking at the mirror, her eyes traveled to her tail. The tail that was draped in pearls, stones, and her own … scales. The tails on her scale match the necklace!

Finally finding her voice she shouted, “It’s a scale!”

Coming back to reality, her words were not as strong as she envisioned. They were slurred, exhausted from pulling herself out of a deep vision. Reopening her eyes, she weakly said, “A scale...” Her body swaying, barely being able to keep itself up.

Rafayel ears perked up once Jewel tiredly said her answer, he was beginning to get worried at how long she was in her still state. His body, once relaxed, was now alert, taking in how Jewel was struggling to keep herself upright.

“It looked... the color... on my...” Jewel babbled as her body finally give out, Rafayel quickly caught her and the box from falling on the floor.

“A Lemurian scale…” Rafayel said as he held her, “You remembered something.” His tone sounded relieved.

 The view Jewel had before closing her eyes was the gentle smile on Rafayel’s face.

a/n: jewel passing out, and rafayel being happy about her remembering something, LMAO

IDK IF IM DUMB OR THE LAYOUT OF RAFAYEL’S STUDIO IS DUMB? If his living room is on the second floor, then how come the door just leads to the beach. Like a backdoor to the beach. Maybe I never knew the layout of his house. Anyway, he just lives on one long floor, cause that’s how it makes sense in my mind.

Anyway shoutout love and deepspace wiki tumblr acc!

Today is January 31st, 2048.

Another day.

I currently live in Linkon City in an apartment, all by myself. I’ve been living here for 3 years. It’s nice here, in Linkon; it’s less chaotic than where I grew up. I work at the Hunter’s Association in the document dispatch unit. It’s not as exciting as being a part of the Hunter unit.

I may not be throwing my life on the line while out in the field, but I’m still helping humanity somehow. I receive important documents, and with those documents, I manage the flow, processing, and distribution of documents, ensuring they reach the right people or systems efficiently, securely, and in compliance with regulations.

I looked over to my phone to see I got a text from my friend Ian Quinn, I call her Quinn for short. I met Quinn when I first moved into my apartment. She was very excited to meet another black girl in the complex, and honestly, meeting another black girl in a new city gave me comfort.

IQ: Happy Birthday, Queen! IQ: [gif]

Oh. My birthday is today. It’s my 24th birthday today.

IQ: Since it is your special day, I have created special birthday plans for you!  IQ: Tonight, dinner at my place, you and me Me: That sounds good [thumbs up] IQ: Wait, there’s more IQ: [link] IQ: Art exhibit! We’re going! Wear something cute [heart]! Me: Okay :)

Birthdays weren’t really a special thing for me, but I appreciate how Quinn tries to make it a grand thing. Even though it makes me feel uncomfortable, maybe because I’m not used to such pomp and circumstance for my birthday.

Even though it was my birthday, that didn’t stop my workday. I still went into work and did the tasks I needed to get done for the day.

Entering my workplace, my coworkers greeted me as usual. There aren’t a lot of us in this unit, so I’m fairly cordial with my coworkers. A lot of them enjoy coming to my cubicle to have chats with me. The chats typically are them needing to vent or ask for advice on something, and I simply listen and respond to whatever they say.

Ironically, despite all the conversations I’ve been subjected to, none of them knew it was my birthday. I didn’t really care, though. They can share all the information they want with me, I won’t share anything about myself. I naturally enjoy gathering intel on others. Quinn says that makes me nosy, I think that makes me observant.

 Quinn has repeatedly told me that I need to work on my “conversational skills”, it just takes me a while to share anything about myself. 

The day went by fairly fast. I was packing my work bag until my boss interrupted me, “Happy Birthday, Petros. Your work here is noticed and appreciated.”

Ah, my boss. He would know my birthday. Since he hired me, I would assume he would know all employees' birthdays.

He hands me a birthday card.

“Thank you, sir,” I say, as he is already walking away. I didn’t even finish my very short sentence. I shrugged it off and placed the card in my bag, zipping it up afterwards.

4 o’clock on the dot, I clock out.

I walked to work, so naturally I walked back home.

Arriving at my apartment, I see a lavender envelope on my welcome mat. I took a napkin out of my bag and gently picked up the envelope. I carefully tilted and turned it to see if anything would fall from it.

‘I think this is safe to touch…’ I thought to myself as I flipped it to its back.

On the other side of the envelope were the words “Mama A.”

My smile grew wide. My mom sent me a card for my birthday. Interestingly, it didn’t go to the mailroom; knowing her, she probably had someone hand-deliver this, especially since there was no address on the envelope.

I unlocked my door and entered my apartment. I placed the card from my mom on my counter. Telling myself that I’ll open it when I finish having dinner with Quinn.

I got out of my work clothes, putting on a nice grey sweatshirt and sweatpants set.

My phone started to buzz.

Quinn is calling…

I answer the phone.

“Happy Birthday to ya! Happy birthday to ya! Happy birthday! Happpppyyyy–”

I moved my ear away from my phone… I stare at my phone as Quinn continues to sing loudly into the phone. After a while, there was silence on the other line, “I’m done!” Quinn shouted. Cueing me to bring my phone back to my ear.

“Thank you, Quinn, I appreciate it.”

“No problem~! I’m leaving work now, so I’ll knock on your door to let you know I’m home. You can come over, and I’ll start cooking!”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye bye!” Quinn hung up the phone.

I sighed.

Birthdays… A celebration of life. I should really live in this moment, a moment where it’s my day. I don’t need to feel uncomfortable. I’m safe here. I hope I have another calm year in Linkon.

Cheers to 24 years of life.

I hated that word.

Special.

Being special brings unwanted attention.

Being special makes you lose your family.

Being special makes people forcefully put a tattoo on the back of your neck.

Being special makes people probe you to see how your EVOL works.

Being special makes people feed you medicine that makes you feel funny.

Being special makes you meet people who want to hurt you.

...

I hate this room.

I hate the lab.

I hate these people.

'Why don’t we just… leave…?'

...

I observed. Memorized routines and agendas for each day. With that I formulated a plan.

A plan to get out of this lab.

It took me years, but I did it.

It wasn't perfect, but it got me out of there.

On March 3rd, 2038, I left.