Believe Me

I never thought I’d come close to touching such a dream; I never thought I’d be able to trust, or love, or find peace. I’ve been searching for so long for a pocket of quiet to inhabit, a place to exist unencumbered. I always wanted a door I might close—for even a moment—against the violence of the world. I didn’t understand then that a home is not always a place. Sometimes, it’s a person.

“Kenji.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” I say, still staring at Ella. “For everything.”

“Anytime,”

She is above it. Above us all. A spark of light separated from the sun

have a feeling that once you see her your brain will do that creepy super-focus thing it always does—you know, like when you ignore literally everyone around you—and then you’ll start feeling better because, um, yeah”—

“No, of course not. Because that would be human, and we both know you’re secretly a robot.”

We took care of it. You seemed really busy standing still for half an hour, staring at nothing. We didn’t want to interrupt.”

Yes,” I say slowly. “I suppose I did say something like that.”

“How’s this for a surprise?” Kenji says, leaning against the folding chair. “This beautiful piece of shit right here?” He gestures at the dilapidated house next door. “This one’s mine.”

That wipes the smile off my face.

“That’s right, buddy.” Kenji is grinning now. “We’re going to be neighbors.”

“I’m not sure my heart can handle any more surprises, love.”

“That is a very generous lie