Chapter Sixteen: The red flag on the Kremlin
Year 2022: November:
The seven-year old Lily sat next to the ten-year old Lisa on her bed. Both looked at Lisa's cell phone. They watched the news on the BBC channel. Because from Russia there was news. They looked at the footage showing a red flag flying over the Kremlin. Lily was confused.
"Lisa, what does a red flag mean?"
"In dating, a red flag means its a no-go. And on the Kremlin, which is the center of power in Russia, that means Russia's political position is fundamentally coming to an end."
"What Political Position?"
"A socialist position. Wait, I think something new is coming."
A newscaster went to his position, and straightened himself. Then he spoke in a very pure British English.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. A new headline just came to us, Russian generals want to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. It is a mystery to many experts as to what is happening, but for a week there has been no more propaganda about Russian President Putin. It is believed that Vladimir Putin has been ousted from power and placed under arrest. One name gets mentionet very often, Yury Bolshakov. In addition, the pictures of the red flag over the Kremlin attracted great attention. The flag has the inscription RSFSR in Russian. It is still Little is known about exactly what happened, but we at the BBC will keep you updated."
Lisa turned off her cell phone. She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.
"What do you think could be going on?" Lily asked.
"I don't know," said Lisa, putting her glasses back on.
"But, it's a good thing if the war in Ukraine ends, isn't it?"
"Now it's still a truce. But it's a step in the right direction."
"It's not peace yet?"
"No. But no peace. But I think that behind this peace is not Putin. I think those who hung this red flag also proposed this ceasefire. I hope with all my soul that this war will end."
"I once thought, a war makes no sense."
Lisa smiled. Now she wondered how Lily came to that conclusion.
"How did you come up with that?"
"People kill each other, destroy everything, use up bullets, and the end of a war confuses me."
"How exactly?"
"After a war, people come back and build everything up again. That doesn't make any sense."
"War never made sense. Your conclusion is correct."
"And why do people make war?"
"Because they are stupid."
"Is Lori stupid too because she serves on warships?"
"I don't think Lori went into the Navy for war."
"But the Navy is for war, isn't it?"
"Yes, but also for peace."
"I do not understand that."
"Sometimes a gun brings more peace than words."
Lily looked at Lisa with a look that made her understand that she didn't understand this answer at all.
"Forget it Lily. Come show me that New Locomotive you were telling me about."
"It's not a locomotive. It's a type SBB RBDe 560 NPZ DOMINO railcar with the associated control and intermediate cars. That's something completely different from a locomotive."
"Yeah, that's fine. Just show me the new train. You can take my mind off the communists and the gynecologist with that."
"Gynecologist?"
"Oh right, you're too young for that. A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female body. Especially things like the womb and many other things that men don't have."
"I think I understand. And why are you going to that doctor? Aren't you well?"
"You know, I'm ten and it's still early actually, but my period hasn't started yet. And I'm a little concerned about my body's condition."
"Period?"
"Oh, forget this word. You are too young for this. Enjoy your childhood."
"Ms. Allegra once said to me that I was like a mixture of a little girl and an old woman. I didn't understand what she meant."
"You're partly like an old woman."
Lily tilted her head to the right.
"It means that in some matters and situations you react like an adult. But you are still a child."
"I think I understand."
"Good. Now show me your new loco… railcar… whatever."
"It's an SBB RBDe 560 NPZ DOMINO. But it's a railcar."
Lily went to her room and Lisa followed her. On Lly's model layout there was a train in the small station. It was white with a black window band. On each wagon was a red rectangle with a Swiss cross and two arrows on it. Right next to it was written in black, SBB CFF FFS. Lily started to mention details.
"The way the speed is controlled is the Plus Plus Minus control, or in Swiss German the Ritsch Ratsch control."
"What does Ritsch Ratsch mean?"
"There's no word for that. I read in the book Lynn gave me that the term comes from the sound it makes when the lever is moved."
"Can you speak a little German again? I'm still amazed at how well you can do it. And that you taught yourself it."
Lily started speaking in perfect German.
"Eine Logische Überlegung ist es, viel die sprache zu hören die du lernen willst. So lernen auch Babys zu sprechen. Do you want it to hear in English?"
"I would like to know."
"A logical consideration is to listen a lot to the language you want to learn. That's how babies learn to speak."
"Exactly. You're already smarter than me."
"No. You're the smartest I know."
"But you're smart too."
"I didn't say I wasn't smart. I said you're the smartest I know."
"Well, thanks. So, show me how your train runs."
Lily turned to her model train and picked up a device called the MultiMaus. She turned the little dial and the RBDe 560 model drove off. Lisa watched the train as it drove through the mountain track that Lily had set up, the RBDe 560 rattled through a tunnel, and passed over white bridges. Lily's model, her pride, drove like his role model.
Present Year 2040:
There were also tracks in the Santiago's garden. 45 millimeter track width. Lorraine drove the model NExT that Lily gave her just before she was given command of the Enterprise. Lily was with her too. She had brought her own model. It was a model of a Tramlink Be 6/8 from BLT AG, a Swiss public transport company. The yellow tram with the red stripes had "19 Waldenburg" on the destination display. Lily and Lorraine were having "fun". Lorraine was definitely having fun. But Lorraine never knew for sure if Lily was having fun.
"Lily, are you enjoying this?"
"I'm pursuing my hobby here. I'm enjoying this moment here."
Lorraine started to smile. If both enjoy the moment, then she was happy. Lorraine pulled into an interchange where a station was formed with a simple sheet of metal. She imagined people getting off the RBS NExT and the train getting ready to depart. Lorraine drove off, and as she went over the track switch, Lily quickly hit the red stop button on Lorraine's controller. Lorraine gave a little start and the NExT stopped.
"Lily what the hell?"
"You drove onto an occupied block. If I hadn't stopped, our trains would have collided."
Lorraine looked at Lily's BLT Tramlink, which was on the exact same segment as Lorraine's NExT. There really would have been an accident.
"Sorry."
"We have to clear the route again."
Lorraine knew what that meant. She turned the regulator on her control device in the other direction and the NExT drove back to the "station". When Lorraine finished her shunting manoeuvre, Lily pulled her Tramlink onto the other platform of the station. Lily acted like a conductor, looking towards the tramlink doors. Then she drove on. Lorraine drove on with her NExT, in the other direction. The model railway line ran through the whole garden, up to the back of the house where bushes grew next to an overgrown flagstone path. There, next to that path, was a permanent railway station, with a model weatherproof building. In her imagination, Lorraine let people get off. Then she went to Lily and left her train. Lily sat at a small garden table, staring into nothing.
"Are you busy with your thoughts again?" Lorraine asked.
Lily barely reacted.
"Lily!"
Lily looked at Lorraine, tilting her head slightly to the right.
"Are you busy with your thoughts again?"
"Yes. I'm... very busy with it."
"Oh come on. You have to have positive thoughts too."
"A thought can't be positive or negative. It's just a thought."
"I see things differently. A positive thought. Rainbows. Waterfalls in nature. The Rhaetian Railway. The Gotthard. Think about it."
"Those are just thoughts, too. I don't see anything negative or positive about it."
"But you never have positive thoughts. Hold on! I have a positive thought. Mom is coming home today. That's positive."
"I suppose that if I don't say that thought is positive, you're probably mad at me."
"Exactly. Is that thought positive?"
"I abstain from this question."
Lorraine made a facepalm.
"Really? You tell me that?"
"I think I made myself clear. I refrain from asking this question."
"Please agree with me."
"I think we should move our trains in. Rain front in the south."
Lorraine looked up at the southern sky, and saw some clouds. Lily put her Tramlink in a transport box and carried it into the house. Lorraine also carried her NExT into the house. At some point it started to rain. Lorraine was bored. Lily looked at her hands and thought again. Lorraine was thinking too. But more about her mother Lori, and about her sister Miranda who was staying with her aunt Ronnie Anne. Of course it was also Lorraine's aunt, but she got along better with Lily. Lorraine was checking out an instagram stories from her classmates. Most present themselves with branded clothes and stylish looks. Lorraine had a number of pictures of her model trains and real trains on her Instagram account. That was how she had become known at school as the odd girl. But that was okay with Lorraine. Because she was very well integrated in the class and also had a lot of friends. She also had a best friend. Violet. A girl who loved to hang out with Lorraine but knew nothing about trains. Both were interrupted in their train of thought when the door opened and Lori came in with Bobby. Both seemed happy to be back home.
"Welcome back mom." said Lorraine.
"Thanks. I'm glad to be back."
Lily got up.
"While you were gone, nothing special happened."
"We're not on the Enterprise, Lily."
"I still think an event report is appropriate."
"Turn off the computer inside you. You need to relax a little."
"What do you mean? Relax?"
Lori got annoyed.
"Relax means relax."
Lily didn't understand that answer either. However, she sat down again, and began to think again. Lori got into her room. Bobby watched Lily for a while.
"Has Lily been doing this all day Lorraine?" Bobby asked.
"We were outside and did a regional service. But then it started to rain."
"And how did that go? Did it go well?"
Lily spoke up.
"Apart from the violation of the regulation that an occupied section block may not be driven on, there were no incidents."
"And that means?" asked Bobby confused.
"She means that I screwed up." said Lorraine.
"I didn't say anything of the sort." Lily said.
"I said that extra exaggeratedly."
"Why?"
"I think you need to be a little more dynamic."
Lily didn't understand either. Then Lori called out from the her room.
"Bobby, what day is it today?"
"It's Saturday. October thirteenth."
Lori came out of her room and stood behind Lily. She put a hand on Lily's shoulder. Now Lorraine was the one who didn't understand anything anymore.
"What about the thirteenth of October?"
"October 13th, 2027. Lisa passed away." Lily said.
"How?" Lorraine asked.
"Lorraine!" said Lori sternly.
"An accident in an Experiment. It happened... very quickly."
"Lily, please don't remember Lisa like that. I wasn't at home, I was on the ships, but you mustn't remember Lisa like that."
Lily thought. Lori, Bobby and Lorraine looked at her. All three waited for her answer. And the answer came.
"The relationship between me and Lisa was very, sisterly. She was also my best friend. The best analogy would be that if I had been a ship, then Lisa would have been the safe port."
March: Year 2023:
Seven-year-old Lily was working on one of her projects again. Getting the model railroad crossing repaired. And that worked relatively well with Lily's small body size. Because she had to cut off the little low-voltage cables under the model railway so that she could replace the wiring. Electronics were easy for Lily. She had learned this area of technology from Lisa. When she had removed all the cables, she crawled back out of the model layout and put the old cables in a pile to be recycled. Now it was four o'clock in the afternoon. Lily now went to Lisa's room to talk to her. The two talked about everything. About trains, science, politics, and also the confusing world of humanity. As Lily stepped inside, she saw that Lisa was not reading, experimenting, or doing other things typical of her. She sat on the bed and seemed to be sobbing. Lily approached Lisa.
"Where is the error?"
Lisa looked at Lily. Lily noticed a lot of tears. Lisa must be sad.
"Remember when we talked about wombs?"
"Yes. That was in November. Why? Did the doctor's result only come out now?"
"Yes."
"And why are you crying?"
"Because there's something wrong." Lisa said, pointing to Lily's part of her body where her uterus is located.
Lily didn't get that right. She lifted her sweater enough to expose her stomach. Then she felt her stomach. But she didn't notice anything unusual. Lily adjusted her sweater and grabbed Lisa's sweater and pulled it up. Lily felt Lisa's stomach. Then she also straightened Lisa's sweater.
"Everything is normal there." said Lily.
"No Lily! There's nothing normal there. I'm sterile!"
"Sterile?"
Lisa grabbed her pillow and cried into it. Lily was beyond confused.
"Lisa, what does sterile mean?"
Lisa kept crying. Lily was waiting in front of Lisa, looking a bit like a cat staring at someone. Only when Lisa had calmed down to some extent did Lily get an answer.
"That means I can't have children."
Lily was even more confused.
"You want children?"
"Someday. I like children. And now I can never have any."
"But, is being sterile fatal?"
Lisa looked at Lily as if she had misheard.
"How did you come up with that question at this moment?"
"Well, if it's fatal, I would understand if you're sad, but since it's not fatal, I don't understand your sadness."
Lisa just looked at Lily. Lily continued talking.
"And Lori and Roberto don't have kids. And they're not sad. So I think not having kids is the same as having kids."
Lisa continued to look at Lily.
"And so I think your grief is misplaced."
Lisa threw the pillow at Lily.
"Get out!"
"I was only logically judging your situation."
"I said get out! You'll never understand what that feels like! You're just a fucking robot!"
Lisa took a test tube and threw it at Lily. Lily dodged and the test tube smashed against the wall. Lisa took a shaker and threw it at Lily as well. But Lily's reflexes were faster again. The shaker shattered like the test tube on the wall. For Lily there was only one way out of this situation. Retreat. Lily ran out of Lisa's room, and ran into her own. In her room, a standard procedure then happened in Lily's head. She took a deep breath and concentrated very hard on herself. Basically, Lily reset like a computer. And that worked. Five minutes later she was back to her usual routine, going about her own business as well. She began to remove cables from the model railway system again. Until Rita came into Lily's room. And Rita was very angry.
"So can you explain to me how you got the idea that infertility is something harmless!? Tell me that!"
"Well, since it's not fatal, a logical conclusion…"
"Stop your logic! She has a malformed uterus! You don't know what this means for a woman! She's devastated about it! She's only ten and I'm always amazed at how grown up she's acting! Do you know what she told me!? Guess what what she said!"
"I don't know."
"She would have loved to have a child like you! Do you know how much you mean to Lisa!? Do you know that!?"
"No."
"Then apologize to her and find out!"
"But I have nothing to apologize for. I was just making a logical conclusion."
"Your reasoning just hurts! The next time you think something like that, keep it to yourself! Because at some point people don't want to have anything to do anymore because of your nature! Think before you do something! Got it?"
"Yes."
"Good! Then do it!"
Rita walked out of Lily's room. Lily tossed the old cables onto her bed. Se thought about how to apologize to Lisa. Eventually she came back to her standard pattern. Go there, Jandreichen, and apologize like she always did. Lily left her room and went to Lisa. She was crying in her room, being held by 14 year old Lucy. Lucy was still wearing her dark clothes. But now, with a little rose brooch on her dress. And her fringes were turned a little to one side. So that you could see her right eye. Lucy looked at Lily, and shook her head to let Lily know it wasn't a good time. But lily went straight to Lisa. And started to speak.
"Lisa, Mom said that I apparently said something that made you sad. So, sorry."
Lisa kept crying. Lucy looked at Lily.
"Lily you can't just apologize for things like that. You have to know what you did."
"But, I know exactly what happened. I said it doesn't matter if it's not a fatal disease. Apparently that was insulting, but I don't know why."
"You must know what you have done."
Lisa spoke between sobs.
"Please go away. I want to be alone."
"Lisa, I think this is a bad time to be…"
"I said go away!"
Lucy stood up and took Lily's hand. She dragged Lily to her room. It was still her old room she shared with Lynn. Lucy instructed Lily to sat on her bed. Lily did so without resistance.
"So, Lily. Lisa had told me what you said. And that was... I never expected a seven year old to say something like that."
"What would you have expected?"
"I don't know. But I mean you say things so special sometimes. I mean you don't understand us and sometimes we don't understand you."
"But we speak the same language."
"Are you serious!? Is that really your answer!?"
"It was a joke. I tried to lighten the mood with humor."
"Lily, you have to make hip reactions. Oh you know what!? I'll help you. Otherwise it'll never work."
Lily considered. In fact, Lucy's help would bring benefits. And that might solve the problem.
"I accept your offer." said Lily.
"Huh? What offer?"
"The help from you."
"Um yeah, that wasn't actually an offer. But I can do it."
"Excellent. What's the best way to apologize?"
"Well, I don't know. How about a letter? That's a good way for sure."
"Will this work?"
"I hope so. Take a fountain pen from a dresser. I'll get some good paper."
Lucy left her room and Lily walked towards the dresser. She opened every drawer, but there was no fountain pen to be found. Lily kept her own writing materials in a box in the closet. Lily went to Lucy's closet and opened it. Then boxes, clothes, and many more things flew around Lily's ears. When nothing was falling out of the closet anymore, Lily stood in a mountain of laundry, and something very uncharacteristic of Lucy. Pink "Princess Pony" play figures. It was obvious that Lily was extremely confused. "Princess Pony" characters were something Lily would never attribute to Lucy. She picked up a pink pony and looked at it. It was a toy that could totally belong to Lola. Lily heard footsteps and looked towards the door. Lucy looked at her slightly shocked.
"Lily. Did you hurt yourself?"
"No. I opened the closet. However, I suspect you are not very good at managing your closet. I would have asked some others, what are those "Princess Pony" figures doing in your closet?"
Lucy blushed. She walked over to Lily, and took the "Princess Pony" figurine, and took one of her bras off Lily's shoulder, which was still there.
"Well... This figure... Well…"
"So it's your character?" Lily asked, tilting her head to the left.
"Yes, it is."
"Why? That's not something that suits you."
"Yes. It does not suit me. I was once in the "Morticians Club." That was back in Lincoln's day. But then he died. And I've been looking for answers. I don't remember which answers to which questions , but I remember I never really understood the questions myself. Even the help of my friends Haiku, and the others never helped me. And so, I sworn off the club and the "supernatural". I mean, man I hardly see it. Only the pink brooch suggests it."
Lucy pointed to the pink brooch that was on her left breast on her black dress.
"You said you wear this brooch because it goes well with black. Then this brooch has a meaning and not just a purpose?" Lily asked.
"This brooch was meant to symbolize my life energy. Joy, and strength. And it reminds me of Lincoln. He showed me that it's okay how you are."
"Then you associate positive thoughts with this brooch?"
"Especially with Lincoln."
Lily nodded and looked at the brooch. Then she looked at the mess on the floor.
"I recommend that we clean up."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea."
Lucy and Lily started cleaning up. While Lucy stuffed everything messily into the closet, Lily carefully folded all the laundry and sorted them into the closet. As Lucy watched, only one thought went through her head. "Typical Asperger." When the two were finished, the closet looked very strange. One is Lucy's chaos, and the other is Lily's order. Lucy looked at Lily.
"So, shall we write the letter?"
Lily nodded. She sat down next to Lucy at a desk. But Lily didn't start writing.
"Why don't you write now?" Lucy asked.
"I don't know what to write."
"Shall I write you a template?"
"Okay."
Lucy took another sheet of paper and began to write. Lucy took another sheet of paper and began to write. Then she showed it to Lily. Lily read it.
«Dear Lisa,
I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It must be really tough to face the idea of not being able to have children, especially if it's something you've always wanted. I can't even imagine what it must feel like, but I want you to know that I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about it.
As someone who's always felt a bit different, I know what it's like to be judged or misunderstood by others. And I think that's part of why I can empathize with what you're going through, even though I've never experienced it myself. I know how important it is to have people in your life who support you and accept you for who you are, no matter what.
I also know that being sterile doesn't define who you are as a person. You're still the same Lisa we've always known and cared about, and you have so much to offer the world in other ways. I think it's amazing that you're so talented in chemistry, and I can't wait to see what you'll achieve with your skills and knowledge.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and that I'm here for you if you need me. I hope we can all work through this together and find a way to support each other through whatever challenges come our way.
Sincerely,
Lucy»
Lily looked at Lucy's brooch.
"That's helpful."
"Can you write your own letter now?"
"I'll try it."
Lily started writing. It was a fast, beautiful, curved handwriting. But still difficult to read. Lisa sometimes jokingly called Lily's handwriting "The Lily Cyrillic". Because Lily's handwriting was just hard to read, like Cyrillic for people used to The Latin Alphabet. When Lily was done she handed the letter to Lucy.
«Dear Lisa,
I want to apologize for what I said earlier. I now understand that my words hurt you deeply and I did not intend to cause any harm. I realize that my way of thinking and speaking may be different from yours, and that can sometimes cause misunderstandings.
I want to make it right and I hope that you can forgive me. I know that you are going through a difficult time right now and I want to be there for you in any way that I can. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Lily»
"That's actually good."
Lily tilted her head to the left.
"Is that surprising?"
"Yes, that's surprising."
"Then that means you think I can't do that?"
"Oh my god no. Of course I think you can do that. But sometimes your, well, your empathy is sometimes very. Oh, I don't even know the word. Yes, I got it! Your empathy is sometimes hurtful. You mean it always good, but it's always basically like a slap in the face."
Lily raised her hand and looked at it.
"Slap in the face?"
"A proverb."
"I don't understand proverbs."
"Don't worry, you will."
"I do not worry:"
"That's also meant as a proverb."
The two heard a clang, and a curse. It was Lola. Lucy and Lily went to the bathroom where the noise was coming from and saw twelve year old Lola in a jet black dress that had a skirt with tattered ends and long sleeves. Lola also wore black ballerine shoes and black eyeliner. But her hair was still the same beautiful blonde. Lucy didn't quite know if she should be happy about Lola's new look or if she should be worried.
"Lola? What are you doing?" asked Lucy.
"That's me. I always have been. I'm Lola, the Black Princess."
"Black Princess?"
"Yes. The black princess."
Lily was confused too.
"Lucy, I think I know now how you felt when I impersonated Lincoln. But I don't understand why. Is she impersonating you now?"
"Lily, I'm not a psychopath like you! You're just a broken soul! Go to your room and don't disturb us!"
Lily nodded.
"I accept your command."
Lily wanted to go to her room, but Lucy held her back.
"Forget that Lily, you're in the right place here."
"I do not know what to do." said Lily.
"Going normal Psycho. Bye everyone. I have something to do."
Lola went down the stairs.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Lucy.
"To your mother!"
Lola left the house. Lily was still confused.
"Mom is cleaning up the basement today. She's at home. Why is Lola leaving the house?"
"Because Lola doesn't want to go to Mom and doesn't want to tell us."
"I don't understand."
"It doesn't matter. Come on. Let's give Lisa the letter."
"That is a good idea."
Lucy went to her room and held the letter. She gave this to Lily.
"So. You know how?" Lucy asked.
"I'll give her the letter and apologize to her."
"Good. Do your best."
Lily went to Lisa's room, knocked on the door, and entered. Lisa sat leaning against the wall and looked sad.
"Lisa, I have a letter."
Lisa took a deep breath.
"Lily, I know you very well. Is it a good idea for me to read this letter? Is there something in there that I like? Or is there something in there that I'm going to slam the biggest book I have in your head?"
"That won't be necessary."
Lily gave the letter to Lisa. Lisa opened it and started reading. And then she cried. Lily recognized Lisa's crying and became restless.
"I think I hurt you again. I'm leaving before the book comes."
"No. Wait. Lily, the apology is okay. It's okay. I just want to be left alone for the next few days. Is that okay?"
"Yes. I think if that's what you want, it's only fair that I stick to your boundaries. See you soon Lisa."
Lily walked out of Lisa's room to find Lucy waiting for her.
"And? did Lisa accept an apology?"
"Positive. Do you want me to do something else?"
"No. Do what you want."
Lily quickly went to her room. Only one cable had to be removed. Then she started assembling cables. Right this time. The new circuit diagram was intended to prevent disruptions to the level crossing. Eventually, Lily ran out of wires. She wanted to open her piggy bank. Lily had actually saved up a lot of money. 500 dollars. She would now spend this on the new wiring and a new locomotive. SBB Ce 6/8 III number 14305 in H0 gauge. But before she could even pick up her money box, she heard drums. And not well-coordinated, loud drum sounds. Lily walked in the direction of Lola and Lana's room. And saw how Lola tried to play on a drum kit that had a devil's pentagram on the bass drum. And she saw Lana covering her ears.
"Stop playing! Or I'll throw this drum kit out the window!"
Lola gave her the middle finger.
"Fuck me bitch!"
"Fuck me too, whore!"
Lucy came over to Lily who was standing in the doorway.
"What the fuck!? Lola!"
"Fuck you!"
Lucy covered her ears. Lana got up and adjusted her red and black plaid shirt.
"I'm going to buy a shit tent! Lola has been messing things up for the last few weeks, but now she's going too far! Go fuck yourself Lola! And Lucy Lily! Tell mom and dad that I live in the garden now!"
Lana left. Lucy turned to Lola.
"Lola! Where did you get that shit drum kit from!?"
"I bought it!"
"And where did you get the money from!?"
Lola started to grin. And sometimes looked at Lily. Lucy feared the worst.
"Lily! Check where your money is!"
Lily went to her room and opened her money box. And that was empty. Lily ran to Lucy with the empty money box.
"The money box is empty."
Lucy got really angry.
"Lola!!! You stole Lily's money!!! For that damn drum kit!!!"
"I don't care! The little psycho has enough trains already!"
When Lily heard that, she got angry.
"You what!? I... I…"
Lily let out a bloodcurdling scream and ran to her room. Lucy didn't know what to do. She went to Lola and took her drumsticks away. Lola got up and stood threateningly in front of Lucy.
"What do you allow yourself!"
Lola grabbed the drumsticks back and slapped Lucy in the face. But Lucy didn't care.
"What's wrong with you!? Lily had 500 in savings! And you stole it! What's wrong with you!?"
"Everything is right with me! And now get out!"
Lola pushed Lucy out of her room and slammed the door. Lucy straightened her dress and ran to Lily's room. There was only a piece of paper on the door. And it had three words written down. «Border!» «Zoll!» and «Douane!». When she opened the door, Lily was standing in front of her with a broom, blocking her way into the room.
"Stop! Border!"
"Lily? What? Border?"
"If you want to enter my country, you must be able to identify yourself! Or you must be an ambassador!"
Lucy responded with the answer she knew Lily would concede.
"I am ambassador!"
Lily shouldered the broom like a rifle, and waved Lucy through. Once Lucy was inside, Lily closed the door.
"Land? Please Lily, explain what's going on here."
Lily handed Lucy a piece of paper without a word. And when Lucy read this, she understood.
«Constitution of the Independent Room Country of Lily
Article I: Name and territory
The name of this country is the Independent Room Country of Lily. Its territory includes the entire bedroom of Lily.
Article II: Form of Government
The Independent Room Country of Lily is a Authoritarian one-party system country. The government is led by Lily as the General secretary.
Article III: Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens
1. Every citizen has the duty to be loyal to the Supreme Leader, Lily.
2. Every citizen has the duty to protect the country's resources from theft, damage, and misuse.
Article IV: Judicial Power
1. The Supreme Leader is the final authority in all legal matters.
2. Any violation of this Constitution will be subject to the punishment determined by the Supreme Leader.
Article V: War and Peace
1. The Independent Room Country of Lily declares war on Lola for stealing 500 from Lily's money box.
2. The country will not make peace with Lola until the stolen 500 is returned to Lily.
Article VI: Amendments This Constitution can be amended only by the Supreme Leader, Lily.
Article VII: Army and Defense forces
The room country of Lily shall have a standing military force known as the "Lily Brigade".
1. The Lily Brigade shall be responsible for defending the room country of Lily from any external threats or aggression.
2. All citizens of the room country of Lily shall be required to serve in the Lily Brigade for a period of no less than twenty years.
3. The Lily Brigade shall be under the direct command of Lily, who shall have the authority to appoint officers and give orders as necessary.
4. The Lily Brigade shall be equipped with any necessary weapons and equipment as deemed necessary by Lily. This includes Atomic Bombs.
5. The Lily Brigade shall also have the authority to quell any internal threats or uprisings within the room country of Lily, as deemed necessary by Lily.
Signed,
Lily, General secretary of the Independent Room Country of Lily»
Lucy put her hands on her head. Lily had actually proclaimed a state of her own in her room. And had written a constitution.
"Lily what the fuck? What's that supposed to be? Your country?"
"Yes! And I declare war on Lola!"
"What?"
Lily handed her another sheet of paper.
«Dear Lola,
I am writing to inform you that as a result of your recent actions, I have decided to declare a cold war on you. This war will be fought with economic sanctions, rather than military force.
Effective immediately, I will be withholding all financial support to you until such time as you return the 500 you stole from me. This includes any gifts or allowances that I would normally provide.
Furthermore, I will be encouraging others in our household to do the same, and will be spreading the word to our wider social circle. You will find that your access to resources and support will be severely limited.
I hope that you will take this declaration seriously and understand the severity of your actions. I am willing to negotiate a resolution to this conflict, but it must begin with the return of my stolen funds.
Sincerely,
Lily»
"Oh my god! Lily, are you serious?"
"I'm dead serious! And if you'll excuse me, I have to fight a cold war. Take the broom!"
Lily pushed the broom into Lucy's hand. She took the declaration of war and went to Lola's room. She entered without knocking, and walked out to Lola, who was making noise with the drums.
"What do you want here psycho?"
Lily gave her the declaration of war without hesitation. Lola read the document and laughed.
"Do you think this works? Here, I'll show you what this is worth!"
Lola tore up the declaration of war, threw it on the ground and spat on it. Lily got even more angry. She ran to her room where Lucy was still standing. Lily started writing a new document.
"Lily... what are you writing now?"
"I am writing a letter to The White House. I hope Biden is smart enough to ally with me. But if Biden aligns with Lola, then I will align myself with Bolshakov and the RSFSR."
"Yes...yes of course you want to team up with the Russians. Lily!? Do you know how crazy that is?"
"That's not crazy, that's war."
"And war is crazy!"
"Not this one. Now get out. I have to concentrate!"
Lily took the broom from Lucy's hand and told her to leave the room. Lucy went out. And didn't know what was going on. And then the door opened again. Lily hung a piece of paper on the door that had a red flag drawn with a black hawk stretching its wings vertically. Then Lily got a post it note and stuck it to her dress next to Lucy's brooch. Lucy looked at the note that said 'Deputy General Secretary'.
"Lily, you're taking this all way too seriously."
"No. Lola must be punished in every possible way."
"Yes, but please don't write a letter to The White House or the Russians. That's ridiculous."
"If you promise me that you will support me with the sanctions against Lola."
"I promise you. And don't write letters to politicians. That's stupid."
"I will not send the letters. But anyone who aligns with Lola will also be affected by the sanctions."
"Yes. We will tell everyone."
"Thank you."
"So. And now I will take over your sanctions."
Lucy went to Lola and Lana's room and approached Lola. Lily stood behind Lucy. And they both saw Lola painting her room black, and putting all the colorful things in a garbage bag.
"Lola Loud, I am participating in the sanctions against you for stealing Lily's 500. I will not lend you anything, give you anything, and I will not help you until you have apologized to Lily and returned the money."
Lola got up.
"Do you think I care? Do you really think I care? I don't need you. And I don't want you here either. Now get out!"
"I don't believe." Said a lisping voice.
Lisa entered Lola's room.
"Well? Stopped crying, spectacled snake?"
"I heard everything that happened. You can't trample on us like that. I join the sanctions."
"Do that. I don't care."
"Good. You will see what will happen." said Lucy.
Lucy took Lisa and Lily by the hand and walked them out of the room. And they all immediately went to Rita in the basement.
"Mom. We have something to tell you." said Lucy.
"I hope it's nothing serious. Okay, what is it exactly?" asked Rita.
"Mom. Lola stole Lily's five hundred dollars." said Lisa.
"Oh shit. Got the money back Lily?"
"Negative. She bought a drum kit with the money that was earmarked for new cables and a Ce 6/8 III."
"Okay... Lola is definitely grounded for a month."
"I would like you to take my sanctions."
"Sanctions?"
"Lily got angry and declared her own state in her room. And she declared an economic war on Lola." Lucy explained.
"And what does economic war mean?"
"All assistance will be denied. No gifts, no requests, no permissions. I want everyone in this house to accept these sanctions and abide by them. I also want Lola's food rations to be limited."
"What, should I starve Lola?" asked Rita.
"Yes."
Lisa waved her hand down.
"No Lily, that's not possible. If you allow me? Mom, we want to make things difficult for Lola so that she understands that it's not okay how she's treating us."
"Well… yes, I'll take your sanctions."
"Thanks mom." said Lily.
"Yeah. Uh, go upstairs. I'll call your father."
"Yes."
Lily, Lucy and Lisa went upstairs to the living room. And in the living room they heard swear words coming from the garden. The three of them went into the garden and saw Lana trying to set up a tent, and Lana failed miserably.
"Lana? You really want to live in the garden?" asked Lucy.
"Of course! I have enough of the boss bitch Lola."
"Boss bitch?" Lily asked.
"Great Lana. Now Lily knows a word not to use."
"What does that word mean?"
"It's a swear word and you won't use it!" said Lucy sternly.
Lily nodded. Lisa looked at Lana's tent. Lana had great difficulty getting it in position at all. When she was finally on the point of ramming the first hoes into the ground, the tension in the ropes caused the hoes to fly out of the ground. Lana got so angry that she took the tent and threw it against the tree.
"Easy to build up!? Easy to build up in my ass!"
"Lana please calm down." said Lisa.
"How? A fifty dollar tent that sucks and a twin sister who's freaking out! How am I supposed to calm down?"
"Please lana. We already have Lola as a problem." said Lucy.
"I have problems too! Where should I sleep? Huh! Can someone answer that for me?"
Lily considered. And had an idea.
"Lana, as Secretary General of my Room Country, I offer you asylum."
"Lily, I don't understand everything that's going on in your head, but what the hell are you talking about?"
Lily started to answer, but Lucy covered her mouth and answered for her. The reason Lucy did that was because Lily was going to give a complicated answer.
"Lola stole five hundred dollars from Lily, Lily got mad and declared her own state in her room."
"Lola did what?"
"She stole all my money. Five hundred dollars." Lily said.
"Lily, we're full allies from now on. I'll follow you!"
"Thank you so much Lana." said Lily.
"Good. But what do we call our alliance now?" asked Lisa.
"Free Alliance of the Loud Sisters." said Lily.
"Good idea." said Lana.
"And regarding my offer, do you want to live in my country?"
"Yes very much."
"Good. Then come."
Lily and Lana went up into the house to Lily's room. But preparing the room was difficult. Lily wanted to keep her overall order, but that doesn't work if there was another person living in her room.
"No, the closet is mine. Only my clothes are allowed there." said Lily.
"And where should I put my clothes? I'm sure there's room in the chest of drawers at the foot of your bed." said Lana.
"No, the summer clothes are inside."
"But one drawer is empty." Lana said, and opened an empty dresser drawer.
"It's empty but only spare clothes are allowed there."
"But you said earlier that your spare clothes are in the closet."
"Yes, but the entire dresser includes spare clothes."
"Oh holy shit, can I at least put my clothes in a laundry basket and put them on the floor?"
"No, there must be nothing on the floor, because the floor must always be clean so that I can locate any part of my model railway if I lose something."
Lana got a red face.
"Where the hell am I supposed to put my laundry if I have nowhere to put it?"
"I don't know that!"
"You are a bad head of state. I, as a citizen, should have all the rights to one place for my laundry!"
"Here you have no rights, you are here under my command!"
"Your constitution says Secretary General, but you're a little dictator!"
"I'll write a letter to the Russians and then you'll come to Cold Siberia!"
Just before this situation escalated, the twenty year old Lynn entered Lily's room. It was already 6:11 p.m. Lynn had come home from work.
"Hey what the hell is going on here? We're supposed to stick together today."
"Yes. But I don't know if that's possible since Lola went crazy today." said Lana.
"I know I hear the drums. Lucy explained it to me in the living room."
"Are you part of our alliance?" Lily asked.
"One hundred percent. And I idiot lent Lola fifty dollars a week ago. I guess I don't get it back."
"But admittedly I didn't expect a week ago that Lola would change like that. She looks like a mix of me and Lucy."
"I think so. But it feels extremely salty here today. And what did I hear, Lily wants to send you to the Russians?"
"Yes she doesn't want to give me any space for my clothes."
"Because there is no space." said Lily.
"There's enough space in the chest of drawers!"
"The drawer is reserved for spares!"
"Lily, give this drawer to Lana, please. We all have to adapt." Lynn said.
"But I can't break my order."
"Lily just do it. It's not so bad once you see it."
"I won't allow that."
"Good. Then we'll force you."
Lynn went to Lily and picked her up. that wasn't a problem, but when Lynn told Lana to put the clothes in the drawer, Lily's chaos began. Lana put the clothes inside and Lily's whole body tensed. And when Lana closed the drawer, Lynn lowered her back onto the floor. And just knowing that that school drawer wasn't what was supposed to be inside put Lily in quite a stressful situation.
"And Lily? It's okay the way it is." said Lynn.
"You're just like Lola." said Lily.
"Well, Lily. It really isn't that bad. And when I sleep next to your bed on the floor in my cozy sleeping bag, you'll see that I'm a cool roommate." said Lana.
"Children! Dinner is ready!" called Rita from the dining room.
"Okay, then we'll see if mom abides by your sanctions." said Lana.
The Loud sisters walked into the dining room. Rita, Lynn senior, Lisa and Lucy were already waiting there. Lana, Lily and Lynn sat down. There was salmon and rice. Five minutes after they started eating, Lola came. With headphones in her ears and a lousy look on her face.
"Lola, no headphones at the table!" said Rita sternly.
Lola took the headphones out of her ears with a pissed expression on her face.
"What's the food?"
"Wholemeal bread and water. Said Lynn senior."
"Yes yes very funny."
Rita got up and put a plate of wholemeal bread and a glass of water on Lola.
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Watch your tone. And ask yourself why we treat you like this." said Rita, and sat down.
Lola glared at Lily.
"Oh you little goddamn psycho robot!"
Lynn, Lucy and Lana got up. It was a power demonstration.
"I've imposed sanctions on you for stealing my five hundred dollars. Every family member has taken on those sanctions. Until then, you're not getting pocket money, all permits have been revoked, your food rations have been rationed, and Mom has grounded you." said Lily.
Lola got up. She was angry. She walked to the dining room door and looked at her family.
"You're all the worst! I thought I screwed up! But now you're screwing up!"
Lola reached into her pocket and pulled out twenty dollars.
"That's the rest of your money Lily! I thought I'd give it back to you, and give you everything back plus some more, instead I'm going to Burger King and get some food because you guys don't give me anything here! And Dad, The garbage that Burgerking calls food is a thousand times better than what you cook! It's a wonder I can still taste it!"
Lola went to the front door and slammed it shut. Lynn, Lucy and Lana sat down again. And once again Lynn's voice spoke to her in her head.
"You're driving your young sister crazy. You're bad! Shame on you! Bad sister!"
"Get out of my head!" screamed Lynn.
"Lynn? Do you need some time off?" asked Rita.
"Yes. Yes. This is all too much for me."
Lynn got up and went upstairs to her and Lucy's room. The Louds keept trying to eat. But that turned out to be difficult after such a situation.
It was towards midnight. The USS Honolulu exits the Panama Canal and enters the Pacific Ocean. 22 year old Lori was off shift. She paced the stern of the anti-aircraft artillery cruiser in civilian clothes, looking out at the lights of Panama. now she had a purpose. Pearl Harbour. Hawaii. The island of Oahu. This was a dream for many to be stationed there. Lori turned and walked to the superstructure, past the two twin turrets with the 127mm semi-automatic artillery. When she reached her quarters, she quietly entered. But that was no use. Joker, lying in bed in the dark quarters, was awake. She moved and spoke in a tired voice.
"Don't need to be quiet. I've been awake for a few minutes."
"Oh? That's why? The waves are calm and we didn't let the guns do the talking." Lori said.
"No. Your sister called. Said it was urgent."
"Really? Which?"
"Dunno, any of the younger ones. Think Lola. Or Lara. Oh dunno. She said you should call her back."
"Okay. I'm trying to be quiet."
"Don't force yourself."
Lori went to the wall phone and dialed the call log. And there she saw Lola's number. She chose this one and waited. It took a few seconds, but then Lola took the call.
"Lori? Good you're calling. Things are so shitty here." said Lola dejectedly.
"Okay. What happened Lola?"
"I stole five hundred dollars from Lily and bought a set of drums."
"Do you know how freaky Lily will go? She'll lose her mind!"
"It already happened. And now she's got everyone conspiring against me, and I can't do anything until I pay Lily the money back."
"Lola, this will take more than just paying the money back."
"What should I do? I don't have any money and it's unlikely that I'll be able to find any in the near future."
"Well, I certainly won't help you."
"Please Lori. Help me. I don't know how I can take this anymore. I'm being treated like a criminal and it feels like shit."
"Well, it's all your fault."
"Please Lori. I beg you. Please."
"Before I answer anything, you answer two questions for me. If I lend you the money and you give it back to Lily, will you do it for Lily or for you?"
It was quiet. Lori waited for Lola's answer. And it came too.
"Lori I was acting like a total jerk. I'm doing it for Lily. Please. I don't know why I was acting like this but please help me."
"Good. And who the hell did you buy a drum set for? That doesn't suit you at all."
"I don't know. I can't say that."
Lori think. Loaning Lola five hundred dollars was probably wrong. On the other hand, she couldn't let her sister down.
"Okay. I'll see if I can wire you the money tomorrow. But this is the last and only time I'll help you with something like this!"
Lola was relieved.
"Oh thank you thank you thank you. You won't regret it."
"Take this chance and do it right! Okay?"
"Yes I understand."
"Good. Now go to bed. It must be early morning in Roway Woods."
"Yeah, about that, I'm not home."
"Yeah holy shit where are you then?"
"Do you know where the Burger King is at the steel mill?"
"Half an hour's walk? Why?"
"Because of everything that happened."
"Okay. So, call Bobby. He's probably at home. And if he asks why you're calling him, tell him I told you."
"Okay. Thanks again Lori."
"Don't say thank you, just don't do that shit anymore. Bye."
Lori hung up. When it got quiet again, she heard Joker laughing.
"Music to my ears." said Joker.
"Shut up Joker."
Lori took off her clothes and put on pajamas. While she slumbered, it kept going west.
Year 2040:
"So now you've been talking more about your fight with Lola than Lisa, aunt Lily." Lorraine said.
"I know." said Lily.
Lori whispered in Lorraine's ear.
"Even if Lily doesn't admit it, she can be sad. And please ask very carefully about Lisa."
"Okay Mom."
It was silent again.
"Girls, do something you enjoy." said Bobby.
"We drove a little while ago the model trains. Until the rain came." said Lorraine.
"Isn't there something else?" asked Lori.
"We heard music in the morning." said Lily.
"That's great. Why don't you do that?" asked Bobby.
"I like rap or music you can dance to, and Lily has weird tastes in music."
"We have very different music."
"Then find something else to do." said Lori.
Lily's phone rang.
"Excuse me, I have to pick up the phone."
Lily went into the guest room.
"Mom, it seems like a year ago Lily was a little different."
"Yes. Way too much has happened since last year."
Lana sat across from Lola at her dining table. Lana's house was always empty, and that's why it was always very quiet with her. In front of the two layers of documents and building plans. Lana hung up a call on her cell phone and put it aside.
"Good. Lily now knows that the gun is in my garage." said Lana.
"The fact that Lily is even allowed to own a gun is unbelievable." said Lola.
"Forget Nuuk. Lily will never be held accountable. Now concentrate, you wanted to check out the Kickstarter projects."
"Yeah yeah sorry. What about a circuit breaker that can turn itself back on?"
"That sounds like a death trap. Away with it."
"Sorry. What about a phone case with a compass and a calculator?"
Lola gave Lana the documents. Lana smiled.
"The basic idea is nice, but leave out the calculator and make the cell phone case thicker so that you can put first aid utensils and things that are important for survival in it. Although, there is already something like that, get rid of it."
Lola put the document on a pile. Then she took the next one.
"An apartment jungle. A self-cultivating green area for the living room. How is that?"
"That's cool. Keep that to the side, I think I can take a look. What's next?"
"Next is... a talking toothbrush Holy fuck."
"Another acid maniac. This kind of thing will never sell."
"It would sell, but it's just ridiculous."
"Oh forget it. Come on, it's almost evening, do you want to go eat something?"
"You mean the weekly try to get you a boyfriend?"
"Oh shut up Lola. I'm really hungry. What do you want? Sushi, Thai, Indian, Chinese? Or Italian?"
"Italian. Or Greek."
"Not bad."
Both got up and put on shoes and jackets.
"I have another suggestion." said Lana.
"And your suggestion would be?" asked Lola.
"Burger King."
"Yes yes you are very funny."
"I know. But really, I'm glad you're the way you are today."
"The princess phase and the goth phase just needed me to be the way I am today."
"Love you twin sister."
"Love you too."
Lola and Lana hugged. Then they walked to the front door of Lana's house.
"So, Italian or Greek?" asked Lana.
"What about the Italian restaurant in the center?"
"Good idea."
The two left the house and locked up. It was quiet. Only sometimes Lana's macBook made a message sound when an email was received. Otherwise it was very quiet.
End of Chapter Sixteen
Authors Note:
Some Ideas in this Chapter are from GylmarGeniusCat, who also wrote a Requiem for a Loud Fanfic. Go check him out, he Is a Fanfic Collaborator, and Artis on Deviant art.