Page 16

[five minutes later]

Jeneticist: Oh wow, this is enchanting! Is this a pan flute?

Seeker: Similar. It’s a local instrument.

Jeneticist: I love this. It sounds like elves are gathering in a clearing about to celebrate the spring solstice.

Seeker: …elves?

Jeneticist: Fantasy elves, not Keebler elves. Their soundtrack would be completely different.

Seeker: ??I’m glad you like the song anyway.

Jeneticist: I do! Is that you playing?

Seeker: How did you guess?

Jeneticist: Just a feeling I had. Since it’s an original written by your mom, I didn’t think it would be a professional recording. Thanks for sharing it with me.

Seeker: Oona wants me to focus on music.

Jeneticist: Oona?

Seeker: My mother.

Jeneticist: Ah, I see. In a professional capacity?

Seeker: Correct.

Jeneticist: You don’t want to?

Seeker: I had other things I was more interested in, but I’m starting to regret some of my choices.

Jeneticist: It’s never too late to make a change!

Seeker: Do you really believe that?

Jeneticist: Yep. That said, it’s easier to think about something than to make a big move. Inertia is a powerful force.

Seeker: Is that why you’re still at the community college and tutoring online?

Jeneticist: Ouch. I’m in this picture and I don’t like it.

Seeker: I don’t follow. What picture?

Jeneticist: ??

Jeneticist: Seriously, how do you NOT recognize that meme? Have you been at a research station in Antarctica or something?

Seeker: I’m not online all the time, so what? ??

Jeneticist: Sorry, sorry.

Jeneticist: I’m avoiding the question by picking at you.

Seeker: It’s fine.

Jeneticist: No, it’s not. And you’re right. That’s why I haven’t tried to get a better job.

Seeker: I’m not prone to sticking to what’s comfortable, but there’s nothing wrong with doing that.

Jeneticist: That feels like a pity pat.

Seeker: What now?

Jeneticist: A pity pat. “There, there. You’re doing the best you can. Bronze star for effort.”

Seeker: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Jeneticist: Never mind! Let’s talk about you.

Seeker: What about me?

Jeneticist: Big question time. Have you ever been in love?

Seeker: As in, have I met someone I thought I wanted to share my life with for all time?

Jeneticist: Yeah. Exactly.

Seeker: I don’t think so. What about you?

Jeneticist: I’ve had two boyfriends and one girlfriend. But it wasn’t serious, and they lost patience with my “alien obsession.”

Seeker: Then it wasn’t right. Anyone who cares about you will accept all aspects.

Jeneticist: I hope you’re right.

Seeker: Usually am. But I have some work to finish. Talk to you soon. ??

Jeneticist: ??