I thanked him and gave him another hug. Sarah was waiting outside to escort me upstairs.
“So, what do you think?” she asked, after walking me through the three-bedroom apartment. “It’s not super chic, and could use some major updating, starting with getting rid of this tan carpet, but at least it’s clean. That’s more than you can say for a lot of other apartments in the city.”
“I think it’s perfect,” I said, trying to hide my enthusiasm. It was almost twice the size of the cabin with a living room, office, and a large kitchen. “And it’s so warm.” The one thing the cabin hadn’t been.
Sarah scrunched her nose. “It’s actually freezing in here. The thermostat hasn’t been turned up in like forever.”
“Compared to what I’m used to, this is warm. I think I’m going to like it here.”
***
I woke early the next morning feeling better than I had in a long time. I looked forward to being around others and learning more about the Deific and myself. In the closet, I found a note from Charlie that read: “I hope these clothes fit and are to your liking. Sarah picked them out.”
I smiled. Charlie hadn’t lost his touch when it came to knowing what I needed.
I dressed quickly in black slacks and a long sleeve white blouse. I pulled my hair back into a loose ponytail, applied a little makeup, and called it good. Downstairs, the Deific hummed with production. It was 8:30 am.
“Good morning, Eve. Did you sleep well?” Sarah asked. Her eyes twinkled and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk.
“I did, thanks. And thank you for the clothes. They’re great.”
“Are you sure? Cause we could go shopping together and you could pick out something more your style.”
“No, really, the clothes are perfect, but I would like to go out and see the city sometime. Maybe you could show me around?”
“Absolutely. We’ll have a girl’s night out.”
“That will be nice. Is Charlie in yet?”
“Yup. Office number 452. Same room you were in yesterday. You remember how to get there?”
“I think so. Thanks.”
I made my way through the cubicles, having to turn around a few times, until I finally found Charlie’s office.
“Come in,” he said when I neared the doorway. He closed the laptop in front of him and leaned back in the chair behind his desk. The lines between his eyebrows were etched deeper than yesterday, and his mouth was pulled tight. “How are you today?”
“Better than you by the looks of it. You okay?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Today I want you focusing solely on your training with Dr. Skinner.”
“Who’s that?”
“One of the most remarkable men you’ll ever meet. He has an insight on life that will change a person, if they’re open to it.”
***
I opened the door to Dr. Skinner’s office. A balding, heavy-set man greeted me. “You must be Eve.”
He stood and walked around his desk to shake my hand. He was barely taller than me, with brown hair that was tousled on top of his head in curly waves. When I took hold of his palm, I glanced into his steady brown eyes and felt at ease.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
“Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine. Have a seat.”
I eased myself into a chair and looked around. Except for a giant framed photo hanging on the wall behind his desk and a vase of roses, the room was void of personal belongings. The picture was a black and white photo of a young girl whose eyes seemed too narrow for her face. She had dark hair pulled into thick pigtails and was smiling cheerfully. But the smile didn’t come from her small upturned lips—it was in her eyes.
“I know you just got here yesterday, but have you had a chance to visit with Charlie much? I know you two are close.” He lowered himself back into his seat.
My gaze dropped to the floor. “It feels strange to say that we are close when we’ve only seen each other a couple of times, yet I still consider him my closest friend.”
“Letters will do that. They can be extremely personal.”
“You know about the letters?” I asked.
“I was the one who suggested he write to you. I figured it would be a good outlet for him, while also giving you a way to still connect to this world.” He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “I hope you know he expects nothing from you. Charlie spoke of you often while you were away, wondering how you were doing. He really cares about you.”
I remained still in guilty silence. Couldn’t I have at least written a stupid letter?
“He was happy when he heard you were returning, but I don’t think he was very surprised.”
I looked up. “What do you mean?”
“A couple of days ago, he told me an old friend was coming to visit. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I knew better than to question him. Sure enough, you showed up. Charlie’s ability is as sure as the rising sun. I never doubt it.”
I nodded in agreement.