To Perceive an Image

Thirty-Five: Images of A Powerful Question

The Image World, September 24, 2040, 6:36 PM

"You're an angel, thank you," khalto whispered into my shoulder.

"Wait, I thought I was the angel, mama," Malak protests, sounding offended. Her feelings go understood by me. I would feel pissed off until the next millennium if someone used my name for someone else. Flynn doesn't have the same understanding as I do of her words. He raises his finger to his mouth, gesturing for her to stay quiet.

I thought I could trust him to prevent a moment from becoming unnecessarily sentimental, but I was wrong.

My hands perform the classic back rub, "you're welcome, khalto. I hope you like it."

She pulls away, hands wiping her teary eyes. Oh shit.

"Oh, I love it. Sorry for crying out of nowhere, but the color reminded me of something sentimental."

That's cute, I think.

I look at Flynn, and we both shake our heads, agreeing to keep from asking about it using telepathy like the mythical creatures we are.

The worst-case scenario that could happen during sessions is I hit a sensitive topic when speaking with clients, resulting in a diversion from the topic. I know that talking about anything and everything is my job, but it's better for them to stay on par with the course.

In nonprofessional settings, I fucking hate the feeling I get when a bucket full of ice water falls on me when someone cries for whatever reason.

Not because I discourage crying, but because I know not to intervene the poor individual from doing so.

So, why not make my life simple by not mentioning tear-inducing topics? Truly a one of my kind, as Flynn said.

"What did it remind you of, mama?"

Malak didn't get the memo, it seems. It's fine. She's still young and will learn. We were all oblivious as fuck in our lives at some point.

Perhaps still are.

"Malak," Flynn warned, giving his sister a look. I've seen my fair share of angry men, my father being the causal case, but Flynn brings a new definition to the table. The world could flip on its end, or someone could steal his most valued item, heck, one could hurt the deepest part of him, but he never allows his anger to get the best of him. His ability to stay makes him the jack of all trades.

But his ability to be open with his feelings makes him even better.

Hotter, you mean.

Not in front of his mom, you indecent-

But I agree.

Imagine having to resort to only one small action to express your feeling.

All Flynn has to do is give a glare, and then boom, no one dares to defy him. If they are in the wrong, that is.

He never resorts to an outburst of anger but keeps it silent through gentle words or glares.

I wish I could be like him.

Malak understood his silent warning and didn't remark further.

He must've figured out what made his mother emotional and didn't want Malak to feel the same. I assume it's about his father. Shit, what component of the apron reminded them of him?

That is why I make my gifts instead of buying them.

Wait, she said color.

I look at the old red apron, wondering what meaning the color could have. It's none of my business.