39- Prudence and lack thereof
World change: world II
September 17, 2016, morning
A few hours have passed since I regained consciousness. So, in my attempt to make things better with Dakota, I printed what I wrote, and left it in an envelope on her nightstand. I also plan to write more things and leave them there. It won't make up for the time, but I hope it makes her feel accompanied.
She is still peacefully asleep. Today I take care of breakfast and organizing the whole house. I also do the laundry, hang it to dry, and make sure there is not a single dirty dish in the kitchen. I woke up before six in the morning. So when I check the clock once I'm done with everything, I almost fall on my butt when I realize it's ten forty. I was almost five hours doing the chores!? Wow. This work should be paid.
When I finish serving the food on the table, I lie down on the couch in my house. Then, with one letter in hand and the other one scanned and printed, I start a video call with professor Chad.
"Saturdays are for resting, Mr. Montjoy. Why are you contacting me without notice?"
Ah. This guy is cynical.
"I wanted to tell you that I believe you, professor."
"Eh? And what are you talking about now?"
"All that nonsense about alternate worlds, and all that… It doesn't seem that crazy to me anymore" -I take a deep breath-. "I read a bit of the book you recommended me to read, and…"
"You saw that it wasn't the ramblings of a mad scientist, didn't you?" -He scoffs-. "It isn't. I didn't say any of this randomly. I've been researching, Eron. And I will keep doing it. What impresses me is having reached you. I mean, you are living the journeys! Even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined something like this."
"Do I have to talk about this naturally now? I'm sorry. It's too complicated for me. I can believe in the matter now, but I wouldn't die because of it."
"You will as you keep investigating" -He waves his hand, dismissing it-. "I do it for science, and you for having a normal life. We both win."
"Yeah… Sure."
I start reading the letter that a supposed "T" "sent" me. I emphasize the matter of getting rid of the letter and mentioning it to a lot of people. This guy seems eager to tell everyone, but if they sent this to me from who-knows-where asking me to be careful, well, then I must be.
"Are you telling me that you had confirmation that alternate worlds are real and you were still treating me like an idiot?"
"I'm sorry. I admit I was an idiot" -I admit-. "I will collaborate more from now on."
"You better do, kid. It's for both of our sakes, I remind you" -He crosses his arms-. "As you say, if that letter asks you not to reveal so much, it means it's not prudent to do so."
It's obvious, right? It's what I told him.
"So…" he continues. "It's better if you keep pretending that I'm a madman in front of your acquaintances and thus prevent others from getting involved in the matter. Okay?"
"So… I act like I always do."
"Oh, Eron. Whatever you say. But do it" -He points at the screen-. "You have the task of reading both letters over and over again. I don't trust these electronic devices, so we'll talk about the matter next time at some café."
"Eh? Seriously?"
"Yes. Liry wants to visit you, and obviously I'll accompany her" -He emphasizes-. "So, see you in a few days, Eron. Keep reading. Goodbye."
And, without giving me a chance to say goodbye, he hangs up. This guy is truly incredible. We only talk when he wants!
Since I have nothing else to do, I think about reading the letters, but…
"Alternate worlds, Eron?" Dakota's voice startles me. "I know cleaning chemicals are strong, but I didn't think they would alter your perception of reality so much."
I don't know what to answer her. I suppose this is when I have to act like a fool. I'm about to open my mouth, but she beats me to it.
"I must admit that what little I have heard makes sense to me" -She seems like she's talking to herself. Then she rushes to sit next to me on the couch-. "Where did that letter that you have in your hand come from?"
The small possibility that Dakota had conspired with Faven to play a prank on me with this letter is completely discarded. So, yes. I am already pushed to believe.
"If you heard me, you know that I shouldn't involve people in this matter, Dakota…" I give up. I can't do anything if she has me cornered.
"I am involved because I sleep with you and I hear what you imprudently say in the living room of our house, Eron" -She points. Then she crosses her arms-. "Faven mentioned the crazy theory of professor Chad about your fainting spells to me, but even I am starting to believe that the old madman is right. I have also been watching the videos you left in the youtube history. You're not very discreet. There is something called incognito mode, you know?"
Ah, damn it. I really am so inept.
"Don't worry. It won't leave these four walls. Besides, think about how it's good that I know, because I'll be able to save you a lot of search time. I'll be able to help you when you are unconscious." Her eyes sparkle. "We might even find a way to stop that from happening! You'll be able to have a normal life! Please, let me be part of this. You trust me."
"Of course I do" -I assure her. I know she didn't ask me, but it's good to reaffirm it.
"Ah, excellent. We'll resolve this as soon as possible. I know it" -She kisses my cheek-. "I'll eat that thing you left there! It looks delicious. Shall we order some pizza for lunch? I want to watch TV all afternoon."
I laugh a little at the ever-changing situation.
"Weren't we going to get to work on the matter?"
"We'll watch those strange videos together, Eron. It seems like you don't know me" -She takes one of the sandwiches and takes a bite-. "Besides, I hardly ever share with you. Let's take advantage of it, please!"
It's a relief not to feel guilty this time. Actually, a glimmer of hope grows in some corner of my mind. In addition, embarking on this journey with Dakota makes it more exciting. It's like we're living a new adventure, and I like that.
It's good to know that in these weird things, I'm not alone. I have someone else by my side.