"I should head home. It's getting late," The door clicked shut behind me, muffled by the low hum of Aetherion's evening bustle.
The streets of Aetherion were beginning to narrow down as the working hours were about to finish. The adventures were returning from hunt, the researchers were heading back to homes, it is lively to see these things. The Iron Fountain stood proudly at the heart of the city lake, catching my eye as I passed. Even from a distance, its gleaming iron structure glowed softly beneath the rising streetlamps. It was a strange comfort—a symbol of something enduring, unmoved by time.
I sat at a near bench for a while, while the dawn was about to end, I watched as the street lamps lit. And I waited for a while till I was the only one who was alone in the whole area.
With a sign of relive, I sighed. "Ahhh…."
"I am living a lie, yet I can't tell them the truth. But I honestly find this lie pretty good." For the first time in my life, I can think act chose for myself.
I decided it was time to go home. And started pulling the pully-cart. At home, I find Brian making dinner.
"Hey, I am home. What's for dinner?" I asked, Brian as I was reaching the kitchen.
"It's chicken stew. Thought you should eat light and not pressure in dinner." Brian Spoke.
"You will make a good house wife to Servana for sure." I joked and spoke.
After dinner, I went to my room upstairs. And submerged myself in thoughts of what could be the possible reason for this condition. But I couldn't get any possible reasoning. Followed by my blank mind, I got a message by Sydeny, where gave me the location and time to come tomorrow.
"Lets meet by the Iron Fountain at around 1 PM?" She wrote on the text.
"Yeah, I will." I messaged as I slept in for the night, feeling calm.
It was 6 in the morning of the Sunday. I was still adapting and understanding the human body. I felt a sudden pain in my lower stomach which was new. Which made me realise, I haven't urinated in a while, and this is possibly on of the reactions the Body does when it needs to inform the brain.
I went to washroom and did the deed. And went downstairs to see that Brian is sleeping, so I put on some tracking cloths and went for a walk. I went to the City Library, that is open 24/7. I quickly went to the Human Anatomy section; to know about the Human body and traits, I am going to keep my body in good condition.
The smart man, uses all the tools at disposal. The information is already in the book, all I need is to know what I need and don't need.
"They say what to do, but not how to do it. How the hell do you take care of hair or skin? I didn't even know I had to." I said it out a little loud. And was caught by a Library Intern.
"Hey, there. Need any help?" He asked. "I am, Anton BTW."
"Hey, I'm Dy—Mark. Just Mark."
Anton raised a brow. "Dymark? That's... unique."
"No, just Mark," I said quickly, a nervous smile creeping in.
"So, Mark you need help with finding anything?" Anton replied.
"Oh yeah, actually I was reading this book, and it states that I should take good care for my skin and hairs. Except there is nothing written about in it." I replied to Anton.
"Well buddy, that's an encyclopaedia. And you will not find grooming or self-care tips in there. Come with me." I followed Anton to the library section of Self-Help Books.
"This section is totally new to me." I spoke out loud.
"Well, with that messy hair of your. I can tell." Replied Anton.
"My hair is that bad?" I panicked.
"Well, don't go on a Date with that Hairstyle. You will fumble bad." Replied Anton, laughingly.
"Well, I will hangout with friend of mine today." I mummered.
"Is the friend a girl?"
"Yes. She is."
"And only you two will be there?"
"Yeah, that what we agreed on."
"Just wait a second, you need this book, this book and this book." Anton handed me 3 Books, with targeting each of my things, Clothing, Hair and Skin.
"Thanks, bro." I was checking the books out curiously.
Then Anton, spoke to me. With keeping his hand on my shoulder. "What ever the outcomes are, never feel empty and don't hesitate to talk to me."
"Thanks bro, I get it. Can you please make me a Library Card." I replied,
"Oh Yeah sure, come to the front desk." Anton and I went to the front desk where he registered my ID card.
"So, Mark, what is your full name."
"It's Mark 'XI' Eleven." I replied, considering this was my 11th body.
"Here you go, your ID is ready, want me to check the books in?"
"Yeah, that would be great."
"Okay, everything is done. Make sure to return the books by 30th of next month and you will have no penalties. Oh btw, take this magazine with you, these are weekly magazine which covers nearly everything. We have for many genre."
"Is their one with, tech and bio-tech related too?"
"Yes there is, want one? Let me give it to you."
"Thank you very much. When do I need to give these back and how much does this cost?"
"Honestly, never and zero. The magazines are renewed each week and hardly anyone takes them. So we just give them to people who comes in to issue the books."
"I see, thank you Anton. Will come around soon." I left with the books and went home.
I started walking towards home, and was stopped by a Bakery. I packed a few Mint Chicken Sandwiches and went home. While leaving the store I looked at the reflection in the glass of the store. And it felt like me for a moment.
"I wonder if Dylan ever cared what he looked like."
Maybe this is what being human means—learning what you don't know and laughing about it.
On the way back, I spotted Servana walking towards the House.
I jogged up to her, panting slightly. "Hey Sis, Good Morning." I said, still catching my breath.
"Good morning. You woke up early today. You went shopping?" Servana asked after seeing the books and sandwiches.
"No, not really. I went for a walk, stopped by the library, and grabbed some sandwiches on the way home." I spoke still gasping for air.
"Here—give me one of those." She took the heavier bag from my hand. "Don't stress yourself too much."
"Thank you. Lets get going."
She gave me a sideways glance and smirked. "So, did you get enough for me too—or should I wrestle Brian for a bite?"
"Eat his. He can't fight you off anyway."
She laughed. "That's one way to earn breakfast."
"Just kidding, I got enough for all three of us." I replied as we walked near the door.
We walked together toward the door, the quiet rhythm of our steps syncing without effort. For once, I wasn't thinking about the past. I was just... here.
*****