OCCULTA

Written by: Chris Fennell, Anne Grimm, Megan Hasenwinkel, and Rachel Seow

Written for Vibs Petersen, FYS 27
December 11, 1997

CHAPTER 12

Sim lay awake running his hand slowly through Analise's long dark hair. His injuries had healed awhile ago, and he could not recall exactly when he had arrived in the village. It seemed as if his life started when he came and the years before never happened, but he knew the reality of the situation. Here in this village, he was learning meaning and value, two things he had never thought to seek out back in the city but were now terribly essential to him.

Analise stirred under his hand and looked up at him with a soft gaze. That look called him to open up to her. "I often think about my life before coming here.", Sim said with slight hesitation, knowing this would be tough.

She propped herself up on her elbow, and she was now fully attentive.

"I can't see how I found any meaning in my life back at the city. I didn't know about any of this, and it's only with my experience here, that I have truly learned to appreciate what I have."

"Was it really that bad in the city?"

"In reflection, yes it was. If I'd only known what life really held back then, things would have been very different. That is why I'm considering going back to the city."

"You're what!?!", Analise shouted, quickly sitting upright.

"Analise, my thoughts have been weighed down by this for quite some time. I just can't let all those people stay in the dark. Someone has to show them as you have shown me."

"No! They're content. Just stay here with me."

"Yes, they are content. I was content once like they are right now. But content is all they really are. That's the whole point.

"I love you so deeply that it hurts me to say these things; but how can I keep on loving you or myself if I don't have any feelings for my people? They are my family. They are in need, though they don't know it, and I am the only one who can provide for them. My people need to know what love is, and by spreading it to them, our own love will grow stronger."

"This is crazy. If you love me, then why do you want to leave?", she questioned as some of the anger started to leave her voice.

"I don't want to leave and won't do so if you are against it, but I can't ignore my people's ignorance. They need a glimpse of this existence, or their lives will be worth nothing. I can't let them go to waste."

"Well, I don't want you to be unhappy. I can't say that I want you to leave, but if this is the way you feel, then I guess you should go.

Will you come back?", she asked.

"Analise, this is where I want to be.", he responded. "After I try to help them, I'll come right back."

"When will you leave?"

"I first need to find the hoverlift, but I really think I shouldn't sit on this forever. It's too important to put off for too long."

"Okay. We'll make preparations in the morning.

Continue to Chapter 13