I've got to go over to the McMillen Mechanical shop today, called Duo as he entered the bathroom to get a shower. They have some sort of scraped mobile suit that they want me to pick up and bring it back here.
What on earth for?
He turned the water on. I guess maybe because they think you can do something with it. You know how Bill is, he's always wondering about new things to keep you busy!
Hilde grumbled. I don't like Bill. He thinks we belong together or something!
Duo didn't hear over the hiss of running water. Hilde padded into the kitchen and started breakfast.
Over his cup of coffee, Duo watched Hilde as she cleaned up. Do you want to come with me? he asked, hoping that she would say no.
No way. Bill'll try to hit on me, she made a sour face, rinsing off the pan she'd used to fry Duo's scrambled eggs in. Have you seen how he stares at me?
He didn't answer, thumbing through the newspaper. She looked over at him, noticing that he'd been acting strangely for the past few days. Ever since Bill, the owner and past partner of the junk yard, had started to become more and more smitten with Hilde, though his feelings weren't reciprocated.
I'll be back in a while, Duo said at the door, his cap in his hand. Hold down the fort while I'm gone.
Hilde smiled and bid him goodbye, her eyes peeled on him as he climbed into the transport truck. Take care, Duo.
Oh my God! Hilde reeled forward as a news break displayed a flaming image of the McMillen Mechanical shop. No! Duo, oh God!
Shrapnel and flying bits of flame spewed from the building as it exploded, collapsing on itself as firefighters scrambled to contain it. Tears streamed down Hilde's face as she watched, terror screaming, twisting in her gut. It had been two hours since he left. He'd have been there only five minutes when it happened. On the screen, the disembodied head of the scrap mobile suit rocked gently on the ground, the bright reflection of a ravaging fire on its protective camera shield.
she repeated, falling to her knees in front of the TV. Duo, no...God...
Bill put his hand on her shoulder. I'm so sorry.
Why are you and the others still alive, Bill? she asked, angrily shoving his hand away. Tell me why Duo was the only one that died!
I'm sorry.
She got up, wearing a black dress and veil over her puffy, tear-ridden eyes. Get out. I can make it to the Maxwell Chapel on my own.
Tears falling constant as a waterfall, Hilde shrank away from the compassionate and sympathetic hugs of the people who Duo had come to know. She sat on the front pew of the chapel, where an empty casket stood covered with white calla lilies and forget-me-nots. The guests slowly filed out, leaving her alone.
Why didn't I go with you? she asked herself. Why couldn't I have been there? So I wouldn't be alone now. Duo...I miss you too much already and you've only been gone three days.
They never found his remains, and Hilde still had the hope inside to believe that he was still alive. But if he was alive, where was he? She eventually controlled her weeping, never touching or misplacing anything in the house. Not a spec of dust came to land on any of his personal objects, and Hilde contented herself only by keeping up the routine she'd built with him over the years.
But still she would get so lonely and so depressed. Three months, three agonizing months after he'd passed away, Hilde found herself in the kitchen, staring at the basket of medications she'd been prescribed. Her fingers curled around one single bottle and she felt hot tears fall over her cheeks, the familiar sting in her nose.
I love you, she said, popping the top off, dumping the yellow and red gel tabs onto the counter. I love you too much to go on.
You've been admitted to the new hospital on a satellite, said Doctor Kentson. Located between La Grange points four and five. It was built not too long after the end of the Eve Wars, Hilde. It's a place designed for people who can't deal with reality anymore.
So you're saying that it's a lock up for lunatics, she replied, her head bowed. I'm not crazy. I just don't have a reason to live anymore.
You'll be taken there later today. I have some people ready to take you back to the compound to pick up what you need. But I need you to sign this release form.
She signed it, her hands trembling, and got up. Thank you doctor, she told him, full of contempt.
So, what are you in for?
Hilde sighed.
...to be continued...