Free All We See or Seem by Leah Sanders Page A

brisk pace. “Part of your routine will be walking here.” It was several moments before either of them spoke again.
    â€œIt’s safe out here, Gemini. They don’t observe the gardens. They assume my supervision is sufficient. Do you have questions?”
    Gem understood why she trusted Ms. Birger. She looked her in the eyes and talked to her like they’re equals. Nevertheless, Ms. Birger was still Endfield staff. It was difficult for Gem to overcome her discomfort in asking questions, not to mention the strangeness of interacting so closely with a clinician. The expectations she had been ingrained with since the first moment she was cognizant plagued her, warned her not to speak. It could mean nothing but trouble for her. Still — Gem couldn’t help but ask the questions in her mind. Why? Why was she chosen for a pregnancy? Why was Gryff chosen for the honor of a Code Green? Why was he taken from her? Why did her world seem to be crumbling without him? And why was Ms. Birger so interested in helping her?
    Nothing made sense anymore.
    It hadn’t made sense since Gryff left. As far as Gem could tell, it would never make sense again.
    There were so many questions, and no matter what Ms. Birger told her, there was no one to answer them.
    They walked on in silence. Gem could feel the moisture rise in her eyes and begin to slip down her cheeks freely. Even that made no sense.
    Before Gryff had left, Gem had never been teary. She was content to be with her friends, to follow her routine, to meet expectations. Now she was a mess. Not a day went by without the emotion surfacing.
    â€œGemini. You’re crying.”
    â€œYes.”
    Ms. Birger led Gem to a wicker bench off the path and helped her to sit down. “I realize this is a lot to take all at once. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.”
    Gem stared at her own hands. They were trembling — the way Gryff’s had trembled when he opened his orders.
    â€œI can help you, Gemini. I want to help you.”
    Gem looked up at her then. Ms. Birger met her gaze and waited silently. “Why?” The word burned on Gem’s tongue, rebelling against her better judgment. But her companion seemed unfazed. She only blinked and smiled sadly.
    â€œI can’t really explain it, Gemini. It’s just something I need to do.”
    Gem looked back at her hands. Somehow that did make sense. The unexplainable need, like how she needed Gryff — she would never be able to describe that. It just was.
    â€œI’m sorry, Gemini. I know you don’t understand what I mean, but it’s the best I can do now.”
    They stood and returned to the path, this time at a slower pace. Ms. Birger laughed suddenly. “Wow!” I’m a great help, aren’t I? I tell you to ask questions, but when you do, I can’t answer them!” Her face lit up with amusement. The delight was contagious, and Gem couldn’t help but echo her laughter.
    ****
    Aaron had spent the morning packing the last of his belongings for the movers, who had arrived and carted them off right after lunch. There wasn’t much, actually. He and his parents had agreed it would be better to take what he knew he couldn’t live without and just acquire anything else he needed when he had settled in. All he had left in his room was his deployment bag and his laptop.
    His flight was in just four hours. The shuttle would be here to take him to the airport in just a few minutes. His mother had objected to the shuttle at first. In fact, it had been the subject of a much-heated discussion the day before. She had been adamant about seeing him off herself, and Aaron had been fighting a losing battle until his father had stepped in and explained it in that special way only he could.
    â€œCary, he doesn’t want you crying all over him at the airport. Do it here. You can drip snot everywhere and nobody will care.”
    She had, of course, clamped her mouth