expand_more
Missing
As
the
first
light
of
dawn
kissed
my
eyelids,
I
stirred
from
my
slumber,
the
air
around
me
thick
with
the
sweet
scent
of
morning
dew.
With
a
heart
full
of
anticipation,
I
prepared
myself
to
whip
up
a
lavish
breakfast
for
my
cherished
overnight
guests.
After
getting
ready
and
taking
extra,
unusual
care
to
behold
my
best,
I
headed
to
the
kitchen,
humming
“…but
I
would
walk
500
miles,
And
I
would
walk
500
more,
Just
to
be
the
girl
who
walks
a
thousand
miles...”
I
asked
my
AI
at
the
commlink,
"What
are
the
recipes
for
a
special
morning?"
"Lychee
salad
and
mohinga,"
the
AI
replied,
"but
am
afraid
that
we
are
out
of
fish."
I
planned
to
make
a
first
meal
to
Ada
and
Joanne,
firstly
to
show
my
thanks
for
the
help,
and
then
later,
another
to
inform
my
future
guests
that
I
wouldn't
be
around.
Usually,
we
had
small
pantry
storage
because
nearby
vertical
farms
or
food
facilities
delivered
most
of
my
ingredients
daily,
fresh.
Our
personal
AI
collectively
with
New
Eden’s
deep
learning
algorithms
ensures
a
balanced
diet
delivered
to
everyone,
but
the
fish,
well
I
had
eaten
that
already,
resource-intensive
foods
like
meat
are
more
moderate.
I
had
to
come
up
with
something
creative.
I
reached
for
some
tubers,
a
few
grains,
and
then
manufacture
my
own
plant-based
milk.
What
else
did
I
have
in
my
fruit
bowl?
Ah,
yes
—
bananas,
boooring
.
The
fawn,
small
and
brown,
bounded
through
the
communal
gardens,
heralding
that
the
morning
had
arrived.
I
mixed
oats,
hemp,
wheat,
and
a
bit
of
agave
nectar
into
my
granite
mill,
and
added
just
a
touch
of
water.
Then
I
cranked
the
handle
on
the
mill
to
grind
it
all
together,
creating
my
own
homemade
milk.
Placing
my
ceramic
pot
over
the
inducer
cooker,
I
looked
in
the
fruit
basket
where
my
bananas
were,
and
to
my
surprise,
I
also
found
a
small
packet
of
blueberries!
How
sweet.
Now
I
needed
a
little
cinnamon
powder.
The
pan
once
seems
to
be
almost
burning
hot.
I
put
my
milk
in
another
pan,
and
slices
of
bananas
in
the
pan.
Over
a
low
heat,
I
cooked
and
stirred
a
cup
of
oats,
a
coffee
spoon
of
fenugreek,
and
a
teaspoon
of
wheat,
all
in
the
vegetable
milk.
You
could
now
smell
the
aroma
in
the
air.
From
here
I
can
even
hear
a
chat
and
the
water
system
working,
they
will
be
here
any
moment.
To
add
a
bit
of
crunch
texture
to
the
dish,
I
added
pistachios.
I
climbed
onto
the
countertop
to
reach
the
top
cupboard.
Being
short
doesn't
help.
Ahhh
—
the
banana
will
overheat!
I
implored
it,
"Stove
off!"
and
it
heeded
my
plea,
ceasing
its
roiling
heat
at
once,
while
the
banana's
edges
melted
into
a
gooey
syrup.
"So
here
origins
this
so
good
trail
of
mouth-watering
bouquet?
"If
it
isn't
our
favoured
morning
meal."
Sounds
like
I
got
it
right.
I
stop
Ada
from
walking
into
the
kitchen,
"Please,
gals,
be
my
guest."
Joanne
sits
at
the
low,
warm,
walnut
veneer
table
for
6
framed
by
wooden
legs
and
sturdy
rubber.
"I
can
be,
just
this
time."
"Just
this
time,
hum!?"
Ada
is
sitting
at
the
lower
table
and
pulling
its
attached
heavy
duvet
over
her
lap.
We
sat
in
legless
chairs.
This
kind
of
table
hides
a
heather
underneath,
so
on
chilly
mornings
like
this,
the
entire
party
could
be
cosy.
"You
should
too,
Ada."
I
add.
"You
are
halfway
through
the
recipe,
stop
doing
everything
alone."
An
audible
stomach
growl
filled
the
room.
I
turned
50
shades
of
red
and
turn
to
the
stove
to
stir
the
porridge,
and
Joanne
tries
to
hide
her
giggles.
I
dished
them
porridge
using
small
bowls,
small
dishes
with
blueberries
and
another
with
pistachio
seeds,
and
turned
on
the
heater
under
the
table.
From
a
battered
mahogany
box,
I
retrieved
stored
old
wamono.
"What
flavour
will
it
be
this
time?"
I
asked,
placing
it
on
top.
"The
Ceylon
cinnamon,
please"
Joanne
said.
I
lit
a
match
to
the
coal
and
searched
for
tea
options.
"Do
you
have
that
ginger-balm
infusion?"
Ada
asks,
and
Joanne
gives
a
look.
I
answer,
"I
think
so,
if
it
wasn't
finished
from
the
last
tim—"
"What's
wrong
with
some
cinnamon?"
Joanne
snaps.
Ada
replies,
"Nothing
sweetheart,"
as
I
turn
my
face
into,
looking
after
both
infusions,
then
"What
about
kapha?"
"No,
no,
no..."
they
answer
in
unison.
"Alright,
alright,
alright."
How
can
I
get
a
unanimous
agreement?
"Maybe
roasted
matcha?"
I
suggested,
as
if
I
wanted
to
dodge
any
judgment.
"Hojicha!"
both
chirped.
Well,
this
time
it
was
easier.
Back
when
we
were
kids,
tea
time
was
the
best
part
of
my
day.
We'd
just
chill
and
chat,
sharing
all
the
fun
stuff
we
did.
Then
came
that
quiet
moment
after,
where
we'd
think
about
all
the
good
things
in
life.
It
was
like
getting
a
big,
warm
hug
from
the
world,
telling
me
everything's
okay.
Hours
later,
my
comm
broke
the
silence
announcing
Mihail,
Paul
and
Cellestine
were
at
the
house's
entrance
porch.
I
stood
up
to
pick
some
more
porridge
bowls
for
them.
I
regarded
Ada
and
Joanne
with
a
solemn
expression.
"Do
either
of
you
recall
your
solemn
vow
to
aid
the
Councillors
in
forgiving
me?"
I
queried,
my
voice
almost
audible.
Joanne
looked
at
me,
"yes,
we
do."
I
didn't
expect
any
other
response.
Ada
was
staring,
too.
"We
remember,"
she
said.
I
found
my
mind
drifting…
a
young
girl
was
happily
skipping
near
the
garden
by
the
photosynthetic
vehicle
shelter.
She
was
giggling
and
waving
her
arms.
"Mari,
Mari!
Come
inside,
let's
play
a
game
-
over
here!"
so
the
little
girl
replied,
"I'll
be
right
there,
Aadaaa!"
Then
she
begins
to
walk
as
if
weighed
down
by
heavy
chains.
"Mari,
have
you
been
making
progress
with
your
vehicle?
You've
been
out
working
for
a
long
time
—
since
yesterday?"
She
looked
up
rubbing
the
back
of
her
neck.
"I
have
been
making
progress,
slowly
but
surely.
The
vehicle
is
coming
along
nicely.
I
think
I'm
really
starting
to
bond
with
it,
you
know?
I'm
almost
ready
for
the
big
race
next
week!"
Joanne
smiled
from
the
table.
Young
Mari
knelt
at
Joanne's
side,
tugging
the
surrounding
blanket.
She
leaned
in
close
and
whispered,
holding
her
arm,
Joanne's
eyes
wide
in
recognition.
"Ditto
I
understood,"
she
murmured.
"I
will
speak
to
Ada,
and
I'm
thankful
you've
come
so
far.
I'm
glad
you
came
so
far."
paths.
Nevertheless,
remember
that
each
path
is
but
another
side
of
freedom's
coin
-
one
offers
security
within
familiar
walls;
the
other
promises
liberation
through
exploration.
“Ahoy,
Mari!”
Paul
says.
The
landscape
of
my
dreams
fades
as
I'm
pulled
back
to
reality.
I
have
a
sensation
of
dread
in
my
gut,
overwhelming,
overwhelming.
Standing
there
with
the
hojicha
caddy
in
my
hand
,
Paul
asks
"You
okay?"
I
shook
my
head,
"n-no,
I'm
fine.
I
had
been
thinking
about
something
else,"
I
don't
want
to
figure
about
anything
else.
I
only
wish
to
indulge
in
their
company.
Arms
around
me
bring
comfort
and
security,
reminding
me
I'm
not
alone.
My
friends'
embrace
reminds
me
of
their
support,
and
together
we
walk
towards
the
kitchen,
ready
to
enjoy
a
meal
together.
Mikhail's
greeting
is
filled
with
laughter,
a
deep
baritone
mixing
with
Ada's
light,
airy
laugh.
Meanwhile,
Joanne's
sigh
cuts
through
the
exchange,
a
sharp
reminder
that
she
is
not
amused.
Joanne
pressed
her
hands
on
Cellestine's
cheeks.
“aaaaw
Cell,
how
much
I
missed
you
my
treasure!”
“Yeah
Jo,
since
you
know
when…”
said,
avoiding
eye
contact.
"So,
Paul,"
Joanne's
voice
hardened
slightly,
"how's
that
darling
iguana
of
yours
doing?"
It's
hard
to
understand
why
I'm
anxious,
considering
I've
been
looking
forward
to
this
for
a
while.
Maybe
I'm
just
too
used
to
stagnation.
I
unscrewed
the
top
of
the
jar,
and
a
rich
smell
of
cocoa,
mixed
with
a
hint
of
smoke,
escaped,
and
filled
the
room.
"What
be
the
matter,
Mari?
Of
late,
thou
hast
been
acting
most
peculiarly."
Paul
incites.
"It
might
come
as
a
surprise,
but
I'll
be
at
New
Eden
to
forfeit
my
position."
I
said.
"Y-You
can't
just
throw
it
that
way!"
Paul
snaps.
"I
never
scapegoated
us,
or
put
anyone
in
jeopardy.
It's
not
a
straightforward
choice.
I
must
accept
what
it
bids."
The
room
fell
silent
at
my
announcement.
Five
pairs
of
eyes
stared
at
me
in
disbelief.
I
just
nodded,
placing
squared
ramie
clothes
in
front
of
us.
"What
do
you
mean,
forfeit
your
position?"
Joanne
finally
asked,
her
brow
furrowed
with
concern.
"After
everything
you've
worked
for?"
“I-I
didn’t…
for
this.”
"As
the
surveys,
you
are
the
most
prestigious
in
a
large
margin
Conductor
to
be
delegated,
by
just
being
you."
Cellestine
cheers.
I
took
a
deep
breath,
trying
to
steady
my
nerves
as
I
poured
the
fragrant
hojicha
tea
for
everyone
gathered
around
the
table.
The
warmth
of
the
ceramic
cup
in
my
hands
was
comforting,
but
it
couldn't
entirely
dispel
the
unease.
"It's
not
giving
up,"
I
hissed.
"It's...choosing
a
different
way
forward.”
I
sipped
the
earthy,
slightly
smoky
hojicha,
letting
the
familiar
flavour
and
aroma
soothe
my
jittery
nerves
before
responding
to
Joanne.
"The
last
Conductor
was
in
charge
for
what,
60
years?
That’s
a
whole
life!"
"What
else
is
possible
is
chaos,"
Joanne
retorted
sharply.
"The
outside
is
dangerous,
unpredictable.
You
would
risk
everything
we've
built,
the
harmony
we've
achieved,
for
some
naive
dream
of
adventure?"
Ada
placed
a
gentle
hand
on
Joanne's
arm.
"Peace,
love.
Let
her
speak."
her
eyes
soft
with
understanding.
"I
know
your
heart,
little
bird.
But
this
is
the
path
you
were
born
for.
Change
can
be
frightening,
but
you
have
the
strength
to
lead
us
forward."
Shook
my
head,
frustration
building.
They
didn't
understand.
Couldn't
understand,
when
they'd
never
longed
for
more
than
this
cloistered
existence.
And
I
replied,
"I
know
it's
scary,
but
I'm
a
skilled
driver
and
will
be
more
careful
and
cautious
than
ever
before."
Paul
shook
his
head.
"But
venturing
out
there
alone...
anything
could
happen!
What
if
you
get
lost
or
hurt?
What
if..."
He
trailed
off,
unwilling
to
voice
darker
fears.
Reaching
across
the
table,
I
squeezed
his
hand.
"I'll
be
careful,
I
promise.
My
vehicle
with
me
are
in
top
shape.
You
know
how
seriously
I
take
my
driving
skills."
Joanne's
gaze
was
like
steel,
unwavering.
"You
would
threaten
all
we've
worked
for,
the
peace
we've
found,
and
for
what?
The
outside
is
chaos,
Mari.
Disorder
and
danger.
You
are
needed
here,
now
more
than
ever
as
the
chosen
Conductor."
I
met
her
eyes
steadily,
refusing
to
back
down.
"I'm
not
turning
my
back
on
our
people,
Joanne.
I
want
them
into
a
brighter
future.
But
I
can’t
do
that!”
They
all
stare,
uncertain
of
their
next
move.
They
are
clearly
worried
about
my
leaving,
but
also
understand
my
need
for
freedom.
Mikhail
starts,
"How
can
you
just
leave
us
behin—"
but
Cellestine
pokes
him
with
her
elbow.
I
nodded,
recognising
her
efforts.
Then
it
got
quiet,
and
we
could
only
hear
the
tickling
of
our
dining.
Joanne
is
staring
at
me,
as
if
she
is
talking
so
much
to
me
in
her
head,
so
is
Ada.
All
that's
left
is
to
say
goodbye.
To
tell
them,
"Joanne,
Ada,
sorry
to
leave
so
suddenly,
but
this
is
my
last
day
with
you
two,
and
you
mechanic
fellas."
Placing
one
of
my
hands
on
the
side
of
the
bowl
cup,
with
the
other
I
twist
it
to
show
the
beauty
part
of
it
towards
them,
before
lifting
it
to
sip.
And
so
follows,
each
one,
Ada,
Joanne,
Mikhail,
Paul,
and
Cellestine.
I
can
feel
my
eyelids
soften.
There
is
so
much
at
the
table,
and
it
is
not
about
the
tea.
"I
will
miss
this."
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