Sorry for the delay everyone - life has been really rough recently. Allergy season is killing me and due to covid-19, Broadway had been continuously pushed back and now won't reopen until September. Honestly, us in the biz are really projecting that it won't open until spring 2021. I completely understand why and I fully support the decision due to the virus and my personal fear of catching it or spreading it to others - especially my parents who fall into the endangered 65+ age/health catergory. It just is difficult since I now have to officially move back home and I've been looking for other work since I don't qualify for unemployment. It's just so deflating to have my dream come crashing down after finally making it. But hopefully one day I'll be back. Until then I'm practically throwing my resume at anyone who will look at it! Please send positive vibes my way~~~~ Could use some of Mai's happy go lucky attitude and endless smiles at this point!
On a more positive note - My story has finally hit 100+ followers in the past 2 weeks! HOLY COW! Thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying the story and you deemed it interesting enough to continue reading! Woohoo! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and that you'll leave a comment and good vibes for me!:)
Tuesday morning I woke up with renewed energy, refreshed from sleep. I took tentative steps on my feet; they were still sore but if I walked slowly the pain was almost nonexistent.
I looked into the bags Madoka had put in my room yesterday. She had gotten me a variety of clothing items; shorts, tshirts, a pair of jeans, pajamas, and undergarments. She also remembered to get some soap, deodorant, a hairbrush, toothbrush, and feminie products. I'll have to thank her and pay her back. She thought of everything!
After putting everything in the closet, I changed into clothes for the day. I was even able to manage my bra today by myself, even if it was a struggle. I changed my bandages, and noted how well my wounds were already healing. I did a few quick meditations, then I quietly made my way to the kitchen, not sure if Naru was still asleep or not. I made myself some tea and sat at the dining room table with the same paper from last night, making a list of to dos.
First I need to call the bank when they open so I can get a new card reissued. Fortunately in the box that I saved from my apartment, I had my emergency credit card and important documents. I'll go ahead and use the emergency credit card to buy some new clothes. I was thinking about what else was destroyed when suddenly I remembered; my new textbooks and laptop!
I let out an audible groan and face palmed. Those were probably the most expensive items in my apartment. The laptop was a few years old but it had been a gift from Masako after high school graduation. The textbooks were brand new and I needed them next week!
"Mai, what are you doing?" Naru walked into the kitchen. I looked up to see that he was fully dressed and already had a cup of tea in his hands. He probably has been up for a while.
"I'm making a list of everything I need to do and replace. I just thought about my laptop and textbooks which were brand new." I took a sip of tea. "I wonder if I tell my professors what happened, they may let me borrow a copy until I can get new ones…" I scribbled down the idea and went back to making my list.
"Mai. Tea." I was about to put up a fuss, but I remembered that Naru was graciously letting me stay here. I kept my words to myself and went about making more tea.
"Hey Naru, this may be a stupid question, but can I use your kitchen to cook and stuff?"
"Mai, if you thought it was a stupid question why did you ask it?"
I floundered for an answer, "Well, um, because… this isn't my place so I just wanted to make sure I had permission to use things before I assumed I could."
"You're welcome to use the kitchen and anything else in the apartment. You can also use the computer in my office if you need it."
"You have a home office? Why am I not surprised…"
Naru rolled his eyes. "It's the last door back in the hallway. I usually keep it closed but you're welcome to go in. The computer in the office is connected to the BSPR servers so I can access work and research from here, so be careful about accessing or changing files. There is a printer in there as well if you need it."
"Thanks Naru, that will really help." I passed him a cup of tea and he took his work into the living room.
I called my bank and had them reissue a new card to Naru's address. I also called Ryuu afterwards for an update on Mr. Satori; nothing new to report. I went and got my credit card from my room. I looked at Naru sitting on the couch.
"I'm going to go use the computer, if that's alright?"
"Go right ahead, no need to ask." I walked back down the hall and stopped at the last door. It was closed just like Naru said it would be. Tentatively I turned the knob and opened the door. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it hadn't been this.
The room was a tad smaller than the guest room, and it was packed with more books than the bookcase in the living room. The room seemed messy, in Naru-standards. A small file cabinet sat ajar full of documents and folders. The desk was in an L-shape with a chair on either side. There was an apple computer with a printer sitting next to it. The rest of the desk was covered in books, along with documents and research piled haphazardly. The books were littered with post it notes with scribbled lines written in English. I walked around to the desk chair, ready to sit down, when a certain piece of research caught my eye.
I looked down at the printed document and could tell it was written in Chinese. It was an ancient scroll; probably centuries old based upon the grainy picture. Next to the words on the scroll it showed a crudely drawn image of two shadowy figures overtop of a body. Another image showed a grotesque, demon-like figure slaughtering people. A shiver ran up my spine the longer I looked at the crude drawing. I picked up the research and opened up to the next page. It was an email written in English, from Lin to Naru. I looked at the date and time; it was when I was in the hospital in the coma. I quickly focused on the email itself and read it's contents.
Oliver, thanks for the update. We have been doing some research, and Martin and I have been in contact with some of our colleagues and friends. I haven't mentioned anything to Madoka yet, as I'm sure you can understand with the newborn baby that this could be underserved stress. I'll involve her if necessary, but I don't want to jeopardize her health.
Earlier today a colleague of mine found this scroll from the 14th Century during his research. Loosely translated it tells the story of an ancient Chinese town that had once held trials for those that commited crimes. The town council believed that the souls of their elders would guide them and determine who was innocent and guilty by holding rituals, most likely similar to a modern day seance. The guilty were sentenced to death regardless of how big or small their crimes were.
This practice went on for years, until a town elder was discovered performing Satanic rituals on the accused. He was some form of early sorcerer, probably a perfect medium or spiritualist by today's standards, and he was able to force demons into his victims. He considered it a cleansing. He was searching for the few whose souls would be consumed entirely, leaving nothing but the demon. It sounds very much like the ideal of soul convergence to me and that he sought out psychics. He purposefully framed individuals for crimes if he thought they were candidates for his rituals.
This went on for years and when he amassed a small army he became bolder and started to find even more innocent victims. His demon army ventured to nearby lands and brought back people ranging from children to the elderly. He kept meticulous notes and journals which were discovered by one of his servants, and turned over to the rest of the town council. One night he was caught during his rituals and the town put a stop to it. They exorcised the demon inhabited bodies, and sent the demons back to hell, but the souls of the individuals were already gone. They sentenced the elder to death without a trial. He had gained a few followers who were not possessed by demons, just by their own beliefs. Some of his followers had fled and evaded capture.
According to his diaries and followers, he wanted ultimate power over everything. He was planning to use his army to take over nearby lands, then entire kingdoms. He wanted to rule with the devil at his side.
Unfortunately that is where the story stops. The journals and scrolls were taken when the town had been invaded during an early war and they had been uncovered by researchers a few decades ago. Unfortunately they were lost during a fire at one of the research centers. This scroll is one of the few remaining in the collection, and none of the others hold any significant information.
I'll continue to look and to make use of my contacts. Please keep me updated on Mai's condition. She's a strong girl so at the very least we must keep hope. Take care and don't do anything rash.
-Lin
I reread the email again searching for clues. It sounds like it could be related to my powers. It had potential. But satanic? Should I be concerned?
My gut felt heavy but I was soon brought back to the present, when I heard a noise in the hallway. I quickly put back the documents and sat down. Naru said I could use the office, and I didn't want to give him any reason to rescind the offer; especially since I no longer had a laptop.
I logged into my school email account and checked my messages. A few classmates had emailed asking about my well being. One or two of them heard about the bakery and were reaching out to see if I was okay. After emailing them back, I sent an email to my professors in regards to textbooks and the situation.
Next I switched to online shopping. I had been meaning to go shopping for a while but I hadn't thought it would be to this extent. I bought a new backpack, which I had been needing since my last one ripped at the end of last semester. I bought a few blouses and dress pants, shirts, underwear and jeans. I threw in a few black jeans as well because they could easily work for business casual as well. One of my classes was in the evening and was a workshop and lecture with professionals in the field. We were explicitly told to dress business casual for every class.
After purchasing a pair of sneakers, sandals, and dress shoes I decided that I had done enough spending for the day. Ayako would probably take me shopping as well. She always wanted to shop and I'm sure she would take advantage of the situation.
I double checked my email and found that all of my professors had responded back. The emails were more or less the same; sorry about the fire but we don't have any textbooks available. I wrote them back and thanked them anyways, then I printed off a list of the books I needed. The page was printing when suddenly the office door opened.
"There you are! You and Oliver are coming over to our apartment, Lin and I ordered pizza!" Madoka all but dragged me out of the apartment and into hers. Lin and Naru were already eating and Lilliana was sitting in a highchair with her own baby food.
I sat down and started to eat. I hadn't realized how hungry I was, but it was 1pm and I didn't make breakfast. Madoka started to feed Lilliana and made light conversation.
Lilliana had her first doctors appointment in Japan today. Madoka gushed about how well she did and how healthy she was. Lilliana had been cranky lately but apparently she was already beginning the teething process.
"4 months old and teething. The doctor said she'll probably cry and fuss more often, which makes me wonder if we'll ever sleep again." She sighed and Lin nodded solemnly.
"Well if you need some rest I'd be happy to look after her for a few hours."
"Oh, Mai that's so sweet of you to offer. Honestly, we may take you up on that. We've been taking turns getting up but still it's very exhausting."
Lin butted in, "Correction we were supposed to take turns, but when she cries Madoka all but kicks me out of bed regardless of whose turn it actually is." Madoka smiled, not even bothered by his statement at all. All I could do was laugh.
After dinner we sat around drinking tea for another hour or so until Lilliana needed a nap. As Naru and I were leaving their apartment, there was an older woman and a dog walking down the hallway towards us. I immediately recognized her as the woman from the elevator who had seen me leaving Naru's apartment early that one morning. Naru ignored her but I made eye contact so I nodded my head in greeting. She took Naru in then looked at me. A knowing smirk graced her lips as she walked on by.
By the time we reached Naru's door, my face was red. "Mai? Is everything okay?"
"Fine. Just fine."
Wednesday had started off as a nice relaxing day. I decided to venture out to the local convenience store to pick up some chocolate. I wanted something sweet and Naru didn't have any junk food or candy. I took my time and walked slowly, as to not agitate my feet. When I returned I made brunch for Naru and I. He was irritated that I left and walked on my injured feet, but I waved off his concern.
Honestly my injuries were healing fine and he was just worrying for nothing. The thought that he was worried about me warmed my heart and put me in a great mood. The day was going well until Yasu called.
"Mai! How are you?"
"Hi Yasu, I'm good how are you?"
"Not bad. Hey listen, Masako finished filming early and we just got back in last night. We stopped by the bakery today."
The pit in my stomach dropped. Oh no…
"Want to tell me where the bakery is? Or more importantly where you are?"
His voice was serious, which was a very good indicator that he was not happy. So for the next half hour I explained to Yasu everything that had happened. He pulled the 'best friend' card and reamed me out for not calling him sooner. I explained to him that no one was in town and that I was sorry. I felt bad for not calling him or anyone else, and the thought of him being mad at me hurt.
"Yasu?" I heard a sad sigh in response. "Mai, if we cut our trips short because of you, it would be our own choice. And we would make that choice because we love and care about you. Even if we couldn't make it home, we could still be there for you emotionally and help you somehow."
"You're right Yasu, I'm sorry."
"It's alright. I'll let Masako know about the situation, but I'm sure she'll want to talk to you herself. But you should let everyone else know... before I do."
I guess I would be making more phone calls today...
"So… living with Naru eh? Does he sleep in pajamas or does he sleep naked?" I sputtered unable to find my words.
"I, no, I, Yasu, you! Good bye!"
I hung up on him but I could still hear his laughter in my ears. Fortunately Naru wasn't in the direct vicinity to hear any of that. When I calmed my racing heart I called Ayako and Monk.
Of course their reactions were more dramatic than Yasu's. There was yelling and chiding and tears. As predicted Ayako promised to take me shopping and I was already dreading it. By the time I hung up It was almost 1pm and I was thoroughly exhausted. They wanted to come home immediately, but I convinced them to stay. I was with Naru, Lin and Madoka, and I was safe. After lots of convincing they agreed to stay and finish their trip.
Since Yasu would tell Masako, I decided to call her later on. I called John but once again the call went to voicemail.
Naru was sitting in the living room reading, but I decided to plop on the couch next to him with a sigh.
"You should have told them sooner."
I gaped, "So you're on their side?"
"I'm not on anyone's side, I'm just making a statement."
I huffed, "Well, it sure sounds like you're on their side." Naru sighed and put his book down. "They're just concerned for your wellbeing."
"I know. Speaking of being concerned for people's wellbeings, have you heard from John? I've called and texted but he hasn't responded to anything."
"John is still working on something with the Vatican. He informed me that he will be away for quite some time."
I sighed in understanding. But still, a text or a call would be appreciated. Just something to say 'I'm alright' or 'I'm really busy right now.'
"We haven't completed any tests this week."
"Ugh, Naru, not helping." Naru shrugged and picked up his book. "Fine. The sooner we work on your powers the sooner you can go on cases again. But if you don't want to, I have plenty of research to do anyways."
So therefore, I conceded and we worked on testing for the next few hours. We sat in the living room and he had me complete more astral projection exercises with objects. I successfully completed moving objects in through astral projection. With some practice, I no longer had to be holding the object when I fell asleep. With enough concentration, I could pull an object into the astral plane with me after I had already fallen asleep. It took a lot of energy though and I was beginning to feel the strain after enough attempts.
"I remember that 4 years ago, you shared with me that Gene was teaching you on your astral plane. Did he share any hints about your powers?"
"He once told me I wasn't a perfect medium, but I was pretty close. But other than that we worked on pulling myself out of dreams, entering them, and astral projecting. He also taught me how to move objects through astral projection, just like what we were doing."
"I see. And here I thought you were getting smarter. Turns out Gene already taught you how to do it." He smirked and made a note in his file.
"Hey! For the record it's been so long since I've done it that I wasn't even sure I could do it anymore. I just needed a refresher! But moving an object into my astral plane while I'm already asleep is new. I wasn't able to do that before."
He ignored my comment and continued to make notes. "So far we have deduced that you have ESP, pre cognitive and post cognitive dreams, soul convergence, astral projection and now PK."
"So we both have PK?"
"Yes. Do you remember the three different forms of PK?"
"Umm, yeah. There's PK-ST for stationary or nonmoving targets, PK-MT for moving targets, and PK-LT for living targets."
"Glad to see you pay attention. We both possess PK-ST. However, my PK can be used to move objects across the physical plane and manifest physical energy. You have the ability to manipulate objects and move them from the physical, to the astral plane, and back into the physical world again. While we both possess the same form of PK, we manifest the energy in different ways. You can pull an object into your astral plane. At this current moment that is all we know about your PK."
"So when I astral project I'm using PK at the same time?"
"Yes. Being able to combine multiple abilities at once isn't unheard of, but it takes practice and a high level of concentration. If Gene taught you how to do then he taught you well. Let's try a new exercise." Naru disappeared and then reappeared with a game die.
"I'm going to place a die on the table. I want you to try to move it, without astral projecting."
I gave him a skeptical look to which he sighed. "Do you remember when I bent the spoon? I used my ability to manipulate the energy of the object. When you astral project and take an object with you, that's what you are doing. Manipulating the object from the physical plane to the spiritual one but using electromagnetic waves to change the composition of the object. Now try doing the same thing, without falling asleep or touching the object. Focus your energy on the die just like you would when pulling it into your astral plane, but move it by either changing the number or pushing it."
"But I've never shown any ability to move objects when awake."
"Yes, but you can in your astral plane, so the ability to manipulate a physical and non moving target is already there. It's just a matter of concentration and focusing your PK while you're awake."
I perched myself on the edge of the sofa and tried to concentrate. The die sat on the coffee table and I tried my best to focus on it. Regardless of how long I tried and the different strategies I used, I couldn't make the die move.
"Ugh, I don't think I can do it." I ran my good hand through my hair with frustration. I could feel exhaustion pulling at my body, but I wanted to badly to succeed.
"It's alright Mai, it was your first attempt. You may be too tired at the moment since you've projected a lot today. We can try again another day." Naru started collecting his notes, and continued speaking.
"When I was young, I poltergeisted constantly because I did not have control. Once I learned control through concentration and practice, I was able to do it. It's also highly possible your powers are too rooted in your subconscious and dreamscape, and it isn't possible for you. Since your powers manifested internally through intuition and dreams, it wouldn't be such a far stretch."
I threw my hands up. "Then if it's highly possible I can't do it, then why try?"
"Sometimes finding out your limitations help narrow down the potential of your abilities. It's not a terrible thing to possess only a few abilities. It allows you to concentrate and master them, making you a greater asset in the field of parapsychology. Considering you already have so many abilities it will take a significant amount of time to master each one." Naru picked up the dice and assumed his thinking position.
"Of course, the one I find the most intriguing is what you call 'soul convergence.' I've done some research and it seems that there is limited information on the topic, if any at all. Even under synonymous names there doesn't seem to be much information. It's very unique." He looked at me with curious eyes. I hid my blush and thought about the research that I had seen on his desk the other day.
"What more can you tell me about your soul convergence?"
"Well if you remember, the first day I came back to work for you we talked about my abilities. I was having migraines and falling asleep constantly, and for days at a time. It wasn't until after that the soul convergence ability appeared."
"Yes, you mentioned that you visited Mt. Kouya and some of the Monks helped you. What did they teach you?"
"Initially it was meditation exercises that they use when they pray. I did a few cleansing rituals with them and from what I understood, it was like reharmonizing my mind and bringing it back to earth. They said something along the lines of my powers being rooted too deep in my mind, being trapped in my own mind, and needing to recenter myself on earth."
Naru made a few notes in his file and continued on. "How long did it take to stop the migraines and sleep spells?"
I thought about that for a moment. "Um, I think it took four or five months at least to finally feel like myself again?"
"What specific things did you do while there?"
"I spent a lot of time meditating. That was really hard since I was falling asleep constantly. So they had me do a walking meditation. Since the place was on a mountain, we hiked trails and I focused on nature. I specifically focused on how much body felt with each step and how with every one of my 5 senses, I was connecting with nature. I did breathing exercises and focused on my body as I walked. They said that there was no better way to bring myself back to earth than to immerse myself in it. That helped me stop falling asleep all the time, so I was able to move onto other forms of meditation which also alleviated the migraines. We continued going on hikes and I meditated all over the mountain in various places. It was a really great experience. I wouldn't mind doing something like that again."
Naru took notes and pressed on. "After you left the mountain, you attended a few cases. But it wasn't until you were in America on the plantation that your ability for soul convergence appeared. Correct?" I nodded in agreement.
"This first convergence manifested from a dream?"
"Yes. I had dreamed about one of the girls as if I was her. I saw what she saw, felt what she felt, and it transferred to my own person when I woke up, like I lived through it. After that Monk contacted Lin and he gave me a few warding mantras and meditation exercises. After that there were only a few minor soul convergence episodes which I was able to overcome with the mantras and the fact that the spirit wasn't that strong. Didn't we already go over all of this a few months ago?"
"Yes we did Mai, but we have to review the facts. Lin is the only one to have heard of something even remotely similar to this. He told me that there were verbal stories that he had heard of, but written stories are difficult to find. Fortunately, he believes the mantras and meditations he gave you back then were, and still are, some of the best to use. According to my notes you mentioned that in a convergence, the souls become one but one soul is the most influential, and mutes the other to the point of extinction. Is that still how you would describe it?"
I slowly nodded, "Yes, I think so. When I converged with Reika we shared emotions and memories like we were one person. When she converged with me the second time during the seance, our souls combined but it was like my half was gone. She completely took over and I almost just vanished. I don't remember anything from when we converged, and it was almost like I just didn't even exist anymore."
I only remember the darkness.
"Yes, she did see your memories…" Naru paused for a moment before continuing. "Possession would be a temporary solution for a spirit. They take temporary ownership of your body and essentially hold you captive in your own body. But soul convergence is a step further. It takes the body and soul. You were able to converge through both your dreams on the astral plane and when awake. It started in your dreams though, so it's possible that that's where the ability manifested, but grew to allow you to do it while awake. You can obtain injuries from the spirit's memories and they can see yours." Naru sat in a thinking pose reviewing his notes.
"Possession and convergence both require a spirit to enter your body. Do you have any thoughts on how a soul convergence episode would occur over a normal possession? What makes it different, or in other words, what criteria have to be met for it to occur?"
I had never thought about this before. "Well, I think when someone possesses me, it's more of just sitting in the driver's seat while I ride as a passenger. It's their manifestation of energy and being able to break through the mental defenses of a living person to take control. With soul convergence it's like someone pulled me out of the car and drove off, leaving me on the side of the road and never seeing the car again. The only two that came close to stealing the car were the ghost from the plantation and Reika."
"So what makes them different to allow this ability to work?" He sat back and assumed his thinking position.
Suddenly a word came to my mind.
"Hate."
"What was that?"
"Hate. I'm as susceptible to possession as you or Masako. I've been possessed by innocent spirits before. But the difference between a spirit possessing me or converging with me is hate."
"You're saying the spirit has to be full of hate to converge with you?"
Naru sounded a little skeptic and looked to me for confirmation, but my gut was telling me I was right. The strong feeling of hate seemed to be the right answer. I nodded to him and he seemed to tense with this new information.
"The ghost at the plantation had a vendetta and strong emotions. She wanted revenge for herself and others, and for the plantation owner to finally let her move on because he was holding them back from crossing over. Reika also had strong emotions against her husband and wanted to prevent men from hurting other women. She was taking her anger out on men and it became hate, as she wanted to punish them. Naru?"
"If the hate truly is what starts the soul convergence this ability could be more dangerous than predicted. You have a strong empathy towards others and your natural inhibition to help those in distress could be a link to this as well. Maybe it somehow unlocked this ability... It's possible your strong empathy opens a pathway for an angry spirit to take control, further than a natural possession. A spirit full of hate could be on the cusp of becoming demonic, or could already be demonic. Your ability would provide the perfect vessel for their vendetta if a demon were to converge with you."
"Similar to the story on the scroll that Lin sent you…"
Naru sighed and glared at me. "I thought something seemed out of place on my desk." I blushed and felt guilty.
"Sorry Naru. It was just sitting there and I couldn't help myself. I felt almost drawn to it."
"I assume you read Lin's email?" I nodded and looked solemn. "Well, considering the lack of information on this ability and if hate really is the crux, it's all the more reason to abstain from letting you go on cases."
"But Naru, wouldn't we learn more about my abilities by putting it to use?" Naru seemed to bristle, and his whole demeanor turned cold.
"And what do you expect to do Mai? Find an angry spirit and test out this ability?"
"Well, how am I supposed to learn how to control it if I can't practice it? And if hate is the key to soul convergence, then no random spirit will work."
"Are you really that much of an idiot Mai? Reika wasn't a demonic spirit but she had enough hatred in her that you spent 7 weeks in a coma. Imagine finding a demon who converged with you. Your soul would be gone and you would never wake up. I thought you were smarter than that but I guess I was wrong. That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard." Naru looked at me with the coldest look I'd ever seen on his face. He completely dismissed my idea and it really angered me.
I jumped up from the couch and felt my anger rage. "What am I supposed to do, Naru?! I could walk by someone or some place that has a demonic or angry spirit and suddenly have a soul convergence! It could happen anywhere at any time! I do my meditations but will they always be enough? What if they aren't strong enough? I want to help people and I can't do that if I'm hiding myself away, too afraid to try to control these abilities!"
Naru fixed me with the angriest look I had ever seen. I almost flinched back, but I didn't dare back down.
"You can't help anyone if you're dead, Mai." I was about to argue with him but he cut me off with a venomous voice.
"This discussion is over. We are done testing for today. As your employer I forbid you from testing your powers unless instructed. You are too inexperienced to know how to protect yourself and too inexperienced and childish to make these kinds of decisions."
I could feel tears prick my eyes. My anger was so white hot and dangerous, but all I could do was whisper.
"Screw you, Naru. This is my life and you can't tell me what to do."
I left the living room and disappeared down the hallway, into my room. I wanted to slam the door but I was afraid I would break it. Instead I held in my anger, closed it quietly, and laid down on the bed. I pulled the covers over my head and let myself feel the hurt that his words had slashed through my heart.
I don't know how long I laid there. Eventually I heard the front door of the apartment and I knew Naru left. Apparently he didn't want to be around me as much as I didn't want to be around him.
A wave of tears crashed over me as I realized how easy it was for him to leave. Just like 4 years ago.
To him, I was just the same, stupid girl I was 4 years ago.
All of my emotions washed over me; the sadness, anger, and absolute frustration of feeling so limited and caged in, the feeling that my emotions weren't being understood and disregarded. And that night, I cried myself to sleep.
Just like I did 4 years ago.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Leave a comment!
Be healthy and safe - and be kind to essential workers and to employees of businesses that are beginning to reopen. They are tired, stressed, and are there to help you. The least you could do is say please, thank you, and not make their lives more stressful than they already are.
-Jen