Loki steps out of Magda's car at a low brick building with large windows and murals painted up the few large expanses of brick. The word "welcome" frames the entry in a few dozen languages. Loki wonders how many of them he will heard spoken over the course of the day. Magda unlocks the doors and leads him to her office near the front of the centre.
"It will be only a few minutes before the few other staff members arrive. But it will be another hour before the people we serve get here."
"What do you wish for me to do today?"
"Participate in our groups as one of us. Join us for lunch. Watch the children in the play area. Just be with us and do as you are comfortable."
"That is very unspecific."
"I understand. But that is one of the things about people- we are quite broad in our needs." She points to a large map on the wall, "The pins represent the people who come here now and in the past. The are from all over this world. No two people will need the exact same things, even if they are from the same village."
"May I ask you a very personal question?"
"Of course."
"Do they treat you any differently because of your...your...gender? This trans-gender thing we both are?"
"I do not speak of it here, so they do not know. Some suspect, yes, but none know. I entered this work as Magda."
"Duly noted. I will say nothing."
"Thank you. Those who do suspect are kind, though. We are all here for the same purposes."
Someone knocks on the door frame, "Knock knock! Morning, Mags!"
"Good morning, Shelly."
"Sorry if I'm interrupting. Who's your friend?"
"This is Loki. He will introduce himself in the circle."
"Sure, sure. I'm Shelly. I work with the kids here. But you'll see me around. We all eat lunch together and there's a play hour a lot of the families come for."
"It is good to meet you." Loki shakes hands, but the gesture feels distant to him, having grown accustomed to Wanda and Magda's hugs and the two kisses on the cheek.
"You too. Catch you guys later!" She bounds out of the office.
"She seems quite friendly."
"She is wonderful with the children. They need laughter and light. Many of them have never seen toys when they arrive here. Some played with sticks and rags fashioned into dolls, or rocks in the street. Often, bits of rubbish, such as a tin can, or the skull of a creature killed for meat, were their playthings. But here, we have all things bright and colourful and a gymnasium they can run about in when the weather is poor and we cannot play at the parks. It is all new and it is a wonder every time they visit."
"There are those living in such conditions in this realm?"
"There aren't in yours?"
"I suppose there are a few, but we are a rich realm and we take care of our own."
"'Our'? I think that is the most you have claimed Asgard in the time I have known you."
"The conversation this morning has me thinking."
"Well think on the move, my dear- we must venture forth. There are things to do to ready for the day. But do find a book or talk to the others. I will not leave you to your own thoughts for long." She locks her office door behind her and leads him to classroom space filled with a variety of sitting surfaces, from large wingback chairs to fluffy oversize pillows, "Make yourself comfortable. We will gather here soon. I will make coffee. Shelly will bring in something for breakfast. And if you are not otherwise occupied, she may try to talk until your ears fall off."
"I do indeed hope you mean that figuratively."
Magda chuckles, "Yes, my dear. But my sweet Shelly does love to chat."
"Where might I find books?"
"Under the window."
Loki finds the shelf and is perusing the backs of the novels when Shelly comes in to set up the food, "So...Loki. Are you staying with Mags or something?"
"No. I am her neighbour." He returns his attention to the back of the John Grisham novel, skimming to figure out if it seems like one he will even understand. He puts it back. Midgardian justice systems are beyond his comprehension. He picks up another.
"Do you like King?"
"Hm?"
"The book. Stephen King. You like him?"
"I have never read this author."
"I like him. He's got to be crazy, but he's a great writer. Creepy stuff."
"Ah. Well I do not wish for creepy this early in the morning, so perhaps I ought choose another novel."
"You don't speak like anybody here. You're all proper and formal. Where are you from?"
"I believe Magda stated I would introduce myself in the circle so I only have to tell once."
"Awww, come on, not even a hint?"
"Only that you will likely not believe what I tell you."
"But is it true?"
"Very."
"So why won't I believe it?"
He drops into a large pillow with a book and props is feet up on a nearby bench, "You will simply have to wait and listen." He starts reading. She keeps talking.
"You're not Sokovian, though, like her other friend, Wanda."
"No, I am not."
"Do you know Wanda?"
"Yes."
"Did you meet her though Mags?"
"No, I met Magda through Wanda."
"Wanda has a social life? Mags talks about her like she's a hermit."
"She prefers her quiet, yes. She has had far too much extra noise in her life."
"She hasn't been around lately. Busy?"
"I do not know her every move."
"You are totally unhelpful. I'm trying to weasel out who you are and you're giving me nothing. Nada. Zilch."
"Correct." He smiles, his eyes fixed on the page.
"You're not going to give me anything, are you?"
"Of course not. Not until the circle."
"What if I told you you're really cute? And you should tell me because I want to ask you out for coffee."
"While I appreciate the offer and the compliment, no, but thank you."
"Seriously, you're super adorable."
"Thank you, but still, no, I will not divulge my secrets in advance."
"But will you go for coffee?"
"No, though I am flattered."
"Oh. Why not?"
He closes his book and sighs, "I was assaulted yesterday...I have been treated worse, yes, but I would rather stay in for a while. Stay in and live quietly. At least until I have my bearings back."
"Shit, I'm sorry." She turns pink, embarrassed, "I stepped in that one."
"Do not feel bad. You could not know."
"I work at a refugee centre. I should be more sensitive."
"I bear you no ill will. Move forward."
"Yeah? We're OK?"
"Indeed."
She smiles and goes back to setting up breakfast, "Thanks." He returns to his book. She leaves the room to set up the gym for the children; it has started to rain.