The next day, I’m working at a bakery. Tasked with cleaning out the oven, I’m carrying a small pile of dislodged buildup outside when I notice someone leaning against a wall, smoking, across the street from the shop. They were there when I came in a few hours ago.
I slip back inside from the side alley and approach the person working the counter.
“That person smoking across the street—are they someone from the neighbourhood?”
The cashier shakes their head. “No, I don’t recognize them. They’ve been standing there since this morning. Maybe waiting for a friend?”
“Maybe,” I say. Dread spreads hot and sharp from between my ribs.
That night, I wake up to the sound of something scratching at the door. I sit up, tense waiting, holding a knife I placed beneath the couch before I went to sleep. After a few minutes it stops.
When I asked Marinek about her locks earlier that evening, they explained that they were from a security company that she had worked with in the past—a gift for a job well done. They must have caught something in my eye, since she did a few tests to show me they were secure.
I know locks won’t dissuade the one following me for long. They’ll try to get me next time I leave to work or run an errand. And Marinek might get caught up in it. The realization that it’s time to move on settles like rocks sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
Marinek takes the news badly.
“This have to do with the reason you crash-landed in my dimension?”
“It’s just time for me to leave.”
“Stay at least a few more nights. You’re still recovering.”
“I need to go, Marinek.”
“Who’s going to watch your back? I know you can’t access all of your abilities.”
“It’s just small limitations.” My hand moves to trace the symbols under my sleeve.
“Can you even run if you need to?”
“Marinek—”
“You don’t need to do this alone. I don’t care what you’ve got yourself mixed up with. I want to help.”
“There’s nothing to help with. I’ve just found some new work and I need to go do it.”
They look at me without saying anything for a while. “You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to. Just let me come. If you feel bad, you can give me a cut for guarding you or your client.”
“It’s already settled. And you can’t just up and leave your life here.”
“Watch me.”
I sigh, the frustration and guilt fighting to be the first to tear me apart. “I need to go. I don’t want you to come. I don’t know how much clearer I can be.”
Marinek clenches her jaw. “Fine. Then go.” Their gaze meets mine again and fire burns within it. “But you better call me if you get into any kind of trouble. I just got you back into my life again. If I lose you because you’re too embarrassed or worried to ask for help, I’ll hunt you down in your next life[1] and kill you.”
I smile as my heart breaks. “I know.”
Before I leave, Marinek and I share a final meal together. We eat rice and grilled meat. We talk about the past rather than the future.
We wash the dishes side by side in silence.
Once we’ve finished, I fold the blanket back over the couch’s arm and present Marinek with her cleaned clothes.
“Thank you,” they say.
I nod once, then take a step back, arms dropping to my sides. “It was nice… being here, seeing you. Really nice.”
“Don’t keep me waiting so long next time.”
I nod again. “I won’t.” And I hope to Eon it’s true.
“You want a hug goodbye?”
I open my mouth to say yes but pause.
There must be something on my face, because Marinek says, “It’s okay. Maybe next time.”
“Yes,” I say, and the words cut against my dry throat. “Maybe next time.”
The door is heavy under my hand as I pull it shut. I stand in place in the hall and breathe.
[1] Part of dimensional study conducted by scientists in dimensions other than our own includes the idea of Realms. They believe there to be numerous Realms, with the seventh being that which contains matter and energy. A corollary of these scientists’ study is a theory on reincarnation.
Reincarnation was already a part of Chronotheist belief as well as that of a few other religions. The scientific theories thus resulted in reincarnation being a commonly held understanding of the universe by those who live in dimensions that frequently interact with others.
We have not made enough progress in our research to confirm or refute the theory of Realms, let alone the repercussions thereof.
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