I was at the clock tower again. The bell silent as ever above me while I leaned against the edge, taking in the view of Illagu. This would be the last time I saw the city like this for a while. Maybe I’d get a view like it in the System – if she even let me go on top of the walls again – but it wouldn’t be nearly as pretty. The System was all white walls and steel structures. Nothing like out here.
A creak behind me followed by footsteps. Probably Celeste. I’d asked her to meet me here. To say goodbye.
Celeste appeared by my side. She lifted herself onto the ledge, her back to the city as her legs dangled inside the tower.
“It’s a breathtaking view,” Celeste commented, although she wasn’t looking out at the city. She wasn’t looking at anything. “Can’t blame you for taking it in every chance you get.”
She sounded sad. Had she already figured out I was leaving?
“I’m going away for a while,” I told her. “For about a year. So it may be a long time before we can see each other again.”
Celeste frowned at me. “Maybe not even then.”
I looked back at her in confusion, waiting for her to explain. She threw her head back and sputtered like a horse as she sighed.
“Thewuthkfnhme family things going on,” she said. “I might have to move away bewtejiodfsklmdnhack.” Then Celeste gave me a weary smile as she said, “You know how family obligations are.”
“No, actually, I don’t,” I replied.
Celeste tilted her head to one side. Guess it was my turn to explain.
I glanced away, looking out at the city as I spoke. “Families aren’t really part of the System. It’s not something we have.”
“So, no parents?” Celeste asked. “No siblings?”
“No,” I responded, still not looking at her. “The System keeps track of that sort of thing, I’m sure. Just to make sure mistakes aren’t made. But it’s the System who raises us. And we’re expected to meet the System’s standards at all times. No room for letting her down.”
“Eh, sounds like family to me,” Celeste said.
I whipped my head toward her, shocked at her comment. Were families really like that?
“I’m kidding,” Celeste said at my look. “Mostly,” she muttered as she jumped down from the ledge.
Then she hugged me goodbye. I watched her as she left the room. It would be a shame if she wasn’t here when I got back. I hoped I would see her again once the mission was successfully completed. …If it was successful.
To be continued…