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Taurus Resurgent

Finding Purpose

By Brian DrakePublished 3 years ago 10 min read
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The door slams closed. Dropping my things on the floor, I fall to my knees, then curl up upon the laminate.

"Why?" My lament echoes through the empty apartment.

My hand reaches for the phone in my coat pocket. Checking the time, I think better of calling Daisy, and text: laid-off, again.

Lacking any motivation, I lay on the floor thinking about the owner's sudden need to close their shop.

Argh—Ten jobs in two months. It could be worse, at least the Compulsory Service Committee supplies room and board. Working on Theriesian 8 is a little different in that regard, but I have to "work" for eight years.

My fist confirms the hardness of the faux wood tile. What is with my luck? My thoughts entertain moving, but I don't think that new scenery will change anything.

Beep. Beep.

The vibration of my phone offers meager comfort.

That sucks, Tristan. I'll be home soon. Ice cream?

The last part makes me laugh. Daisy's ability to cheer me up never ceases to amaze me. Given how often this happens, it's now our excuse to consume sweets all night.

Sure.

We've known each other since High School back on Terra. She’s a month older than me, born mid-March to my late April. After finding out how things work in Theriesian 8, Daisy asked me to be her roommate. Knowing we'd miss our siblings and given our platonic relationship, answering "yes," was a mere formality.

"Activate loungewear." In an instant, a grey t-shirt and close-fitting sweats replace my work clothes. The convenience factor of living here amazes me; Changing clothes, even cleaning is a snap since everything we own exists as a digital program. Not that I'm lazy, but it beats fighting over who's going to do dishes.

Stretching my arms and legs against the floor, I endeavor to rise to my feet. It's easier than explaining to Daisy why I’m lying on the floor. After collecting my things, the small dining table accepts them as I plop into a chair.

Comfortable, my thoughts wander until Daisy returns.

"Tristan?"

Daisy's greeting pulls me out of my despondence. "I'm over here."

I hear the fridge open and close before she walks into the dining area with her usual verve. However, after today's events, it's not enough to lift my spirits.

"Oh, dear." She places some bags on the table and lowers herself to meet my gaze. "How can I help."

Emotions from earlier bubble to the surface. "I-I don't understand." My voice lacks any hint of consistency. "How—this many times?"

She nods, then places a hand on my knee. "On the plus side, I was able to find your favorite—."

Excitement replaces my gloom in a flash; leave it to Daisy. "You mean Chicken Curry?" She knows my weakness all too well—it's hard for me to brood when eating.

"Yes, knowing you, I doubt eating came to mind." She pulls out some take-out containers from the bags on the table. "If you want to vent afterward, I have dessert too."

My wide grin evolves into a hearty chuckle. "You're evil. You know that, right?"

"Perhaps," Daisy delivers an impish grin. " But, you love that about me, don't you?"

My eyes lock on hers as we prepare to start eating. "You're right. I do." After opening our meals, the pleasant aroma of curry permeates the air. "Had you not told me about how bull-headed I can be, this ordeal might be much worse."

We complete our first few bites in silence. "Your single-mindedness isn't always a bad thing—I tend to want to hide from the world at times."

"That's why I'm so frustrated." My hands point to the barren walls, and then the painting I created of the Taurean Bull and Pisces black and white Koi Fish. "I want this to be a home for both of us—."

Daisy raises her hand to stop me. "I know. I love your painting, but things are less important than the fact you're sitting right in front of me."

She's right. The act of creating the painting is just as important to her as the piece itself. "So what, I should take a break from working?"

Daisy shrugs. "Maybe. To me, it seems this cycle is wearing you out. There are other ways to earn a living, right?"

My efforts to eat cease. "You're okay with it?"

Her expression becomes thoughtful. "If it means you'll find something that interests you, I have no problem supporting that. But—."

"When you're home, it's our time?" It makes a lot of sense, considering that Daisy will be covering our needs until I can earn credits.

She nods her head. "Yes." She sighs. "Sorry, I've debated this for a while—I need your help with something." Daisy's usual calm belies hints of anxiety.

I fight my instinct to guess what she'll ask for and offer her a patient smile. "You've come through for me so many times. I can't count—."

"I want to share everything with you." She gauges my reaction before continuing. "When I hide in my room, there are times when my mind wanders to some pretty dark places."

I raise my index finger to gesture at one condition. "As long as you don't mind me trying to solve all your problems—it's in my nature."

Daisy appears relieved. "Of course, I'm counting on it. Just talking things through is a big step for me."

Wait. Thinking about our relationship, neither of us has pushed the other beyond our comfort range. Isn't that why we click? But then, for Daisy to say she wants to share—. "Let me rephrase that. Daisy, I might not have any answers for you, but I'll listen to whatever’s on your mind."

Daisy smiles. "Thank you, Tristan." Her eyes confirm my offer means more than she's letting on. "Why don't we finish eating? Then I want you to tell me the story behind your painting again."

My initial reply consists of a spoonful of curry entering my mouth. A slow succession follows as I recall how finding the dish occurred by happenstance. It's hard to believe my life held the same level of satisfaction beforehand. The best part is Daisy enjoys it as well.

After placing my utensil down, I rise to my feet. "Want something to drink?"

Daisy glances at me as embarrassment engulfs her features. "I forgot." She pulls a bottle out of the bag still on the table. "Chardonnay. That will work, right?"

"Activate two white wine glasses and a bottle opener." The sweet smell of Apple escapes after the bottle opens. Pouring generous amounts for both of us, I seal the bottle before taking my seat. "I'd say cheers, but—."

Daisy gestures she needs to swallow. "Sorry, let me think for a moment." her gaze moves on to something else.

I nod. Whenever Daisy needs a moment to think, the ideas she generates are downright poignant.

Her eyes light up, and she rises with bold yet graceful energy. "To us! May we both find something we didn't see before."

"To us!" The rest glides past me. I'm sure it'll be obvious later, but I appreciate the sentiment.

Clink.

We both enjoy a sip before returning to our meals. A short while later, Daisy deactivates the empty containers and refills our glasses.

As she sits down, an excited smile beckons to me. "Okay, it's storytime—you know I love this one."

I smile, knowing full well that Daisy's childlike enthusiasm makes telling it a joy, regardless of how often she asks.

***

Long ago, in a place called the Celestial Realm, a council of animals guided its inhabitants on various matters. Of course, while some animals got along better with some over others, all-in-all, they kept the realm peaceful.

On one particular day, Fintan the bull arrived at his favorite resting place. A lush glade tucked away from the world. He often went there to relax and enjoy the surroundings, whether it be the myriad colors of the flora or the fragrance they produce as it wafts along with the gentle breeze.

After setting up his things, he is about to sit down when Selene, one of the Pisces koi, contacts him.

Fintan, sorry to bother you, but Gi and I need your help. Our pond is too crowded, and it's difficult for us to set boundaries for everyone—we need to get away for a bit to think the situation over.

Fintan sat for a moment. Torn between taking a well-deserved rest and helping his friends, he offers a reply. Selene, I know just the place. You and Gi are welcome to stay, but I must insist you not share its location with anyone else. It has a special meaning for me.

Neither koi responds right away.

Fintan, this is Gi. You honor us by sharing something so precious to you. We accept your terms.

Fintan rises and turns toward the direction of the koi's pond. It's a day or two away, depending on how rushed a pace he can sustain. He packs up his gear and discovers a container large enough to hold his friends. Fintan smiles as he remembers that Selene's magic will allow the koi passage home.

Resolved, he starts at a brisk pace towards their pond. However, Fintan neglects the scenery along the way to focus on returning to the glade as soon as possible.

To Fintan's surprise, he reaches Selene and Gi by evening the next day. Both are excited to see him and at the prospect of what kind of paradise Fintan will be taking them to. Despite the koi's offer to rest and leave the next day, Fintan convinces them to leave that night.

After packing up the Koi with ample fresh water in the container, he sets off back to his beloved glade. However, between the added weight of transporting his friends and not resting during his trip to pick up the Koi, Fintan can't maintain his prior pace.

After notifying the Koi about needing a break, he realizes that not paying attention to the landscape earlier means he doesn't know where any freshwater might be.

I apologize, my friends. I should have accepted your offer to rest earlier—I was too eager to return.

Selene does her best to console him. Don't worry about us. Just make sure you don't push yourself too hard.

Fintan rests until he feels confident enough to complete the rest of the journey. It took longer than he expected, but his friends were right—getting rest when he needs it would be better than collapsing and placing his friends at risk.

In the end, Fintan arrived back at the glade with his friends. He felt tired but was otherwise fine. Selene and Gi were amazed by the pond at the glade and offered to listen to any future problems Fintan had to show their gratitude. Overall, the experience strengthened their relationship.

The End

***

I look up to find Daisy with a thoughtful look in her eyes. "That story reminds me of us." Her gaze settles on me. "In time, I hope we can share everything."

As I nod in agreement, the thought that she might be alluding to building upon our relationship dawns on me. "Thank you, Daisy. With your support, this setback won't hold me back long." A break would be nice—more time to create paintings or stories. Wait. “Daisy, earlier, did you mean I should try to sell my creative work?”

She provides me a sly smile. “That’s up to you, although I will request being your guinea pig for your stories.” Daisy rises and reaches for the bag again. “Ready for dessert? It’s a raspberry posset.”

I chuckle to myself. Of course, Daisy wouldn’t tell me what to do. “Sounds great.” Resolved on my new path, I ask how her day went.

Short Story
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About the Creator

Brian Drake

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