Page 53

“Yes,” Hannie answered.

Nell rushed into the supply room. She rummaged around, looking for a small can of white paint. When she found it hidden behind the much larger cans, she grabbed it by the handle and raised it up in triumph. “Thanks Maklr, for wanting things in clinical white,” she said to the sky. Nell walked through the corridor toward the family therapy area. Halfway to the young couple, the hair on the back of her neck and arms stood on edge.

She hustled toward Celvhon who was pushing his daughter in the swing using his knuckles.

“Are you all right, Nell?” he asked. “You look more pale than you did before,” he said.

“I’m fine. I was just startled by something.”

Celvhon growled. His horns lengthened and his claws extended. “Is there a threat?” he asked. “My daughter is here.”

“No, not at all. I’ve been jumpy lately, that’s all. It was just a shadow.”

Celvhon gave her a look that she interpreted as he didn’t believe her, but he dropped the topic. “What’s with the paint?”

“It’s to help you remember where to put your hands.” Nell opened the lid, dipped her hands in the paint and pressed them against the swing seat. “The paint will be dry almost instantly. Maklr, the chief medic, made sure to order this specific brand because of its ability to dry. Sometimes, I’m grateful for his impatience.” She grinned.

“Impatience or efficiency?” Maklr said, strolling into the family therapy area. He wore his civilian clothing of black pants and a loose black vest cut solo and showed off his sculpted pectoral muscles. “How is our patient doing?”

“I’ve been pushing Stella in the swing.”

Nell smirked. “Not the way I taught you.”

Celvhon huffed. “Fine, I’ll do it your way.” He placed his hands on the now dry paint and gave a light push. Stella screamed in excitement. “This is actually fun,” he said.

Another medic, one Nell didn't recognize, walked over. “Leaving early tonight, Maklr?” he asked. “I am. I finished my rounds earlier than expected.”

“That’s good,” Nell said.

“Oh?” the second medic questioned.

Nell looked at Maklr and winked. “Yes, someone owes me ice cream.”

They headed toward the exit. Hannie called out. “Before you go, I have a quick question for you, Maklr.” Nell waited by the door. Maklr trotted over to answer her question. “See you soon. You’re making good progress,” Maklr called once back at Nell’s side.

“Thank you,” the family replied. Stella, still babbling, waved her fists in the air.

“Time for ice cream?” Maklr reached for Nell’s hand. “Let’s go to the park and get a cone.”

“I’m not super hungry. We can share a cone.”

“If that’s what you want.” He paid for the treat, and they headed to a bench overlooking the city. Nell licked one side. “Hits the spot,” she said.

“Weird humans. I know that’s just a phrase.” Maklr licked the other side at the same time as Nell. Their tongues met, mouths forming into a kiss.

“It’s getting late,” Nell said. “I should get back, but I don’t want tonight to end. It’s been perfect.”

Maklr nodded in agreement. “As much as I agree, I should get you back home.”

Nell clung to Maklr’s arm, heading out of the park toward the transition center. “Maybe it’s autumn in the air and the cooler weather causing me to see things that aren’t there.”

Maklr stopped under a street light near Dorbound’s most popular club, Club Vortex. He leaned in, pressing his lips against her ear. To any passers-by, they’d appear to be a couple enjoying an evening out, taking a breather from the pulsing music of the nightclub. “You’re right. Something’s off.”

“I am?”

“I’ll get you home, but I’m staying with you tonight.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“Okay,” Nell said, her voice small. She jumped as a boisterous, drunken couple stumbled out of the club directly into their path.