IC Inbox

[holyposition]

WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK

USERNAME:
t.laughlin

text ❖ audio ❖ video

Comments

[holyposition]

I believe that he believes it. But I've heard it all before.

[mygoodsir]

Yes. You have.

What do you want most, Tim?

[holyposition]

That's a really broad question.

[mygoodsir]

I suppose it is.

Alright, what do you want most from this situation? To be left alone? To be friends? To see him actually reformed?

[holyposition]

I'd want him to better himself regardless of our relationship.

Even if he does, there's nothing left for us back home. He's already married. I don't want him to get a divorce and run away with us and ruin that woman's life.

[mygoodsir]

Do you think about going home often?

[holyposition]

I was in the first group of arrivals. I've seen so many people come and go. There’s probably less than twenty of us who have been here so long.

I don't know why I'm a permanent fixture. But every time someone I know disappears, I wonder if my time is next. I don't want it to be. At least not the way it is, disappearing without a trace. But I do want to find a way back. I want you to be saved, I want to get started on the work that needs to be done.

I guess I do. Yeah. I understand why you don't. obviously. But I'm ready to have a normal life again.

[mygoodsir]

[Harry, who cannot find it in himself to truly believe he'd be allowed to leave with Tim, despairs. But quietly. Alone.]

There is an awful lot of work to do, it's true.

[holyposition]

[ He knows Harry is skeptical of their chances, but he has to either have faith, or start mourning now, and the latter is unthinkable. If there is any mercy in this place at all, he'll find it. ]

When I was back there, I thought once I got home I'd apply for a job with the refugee office and help people rebuild. I could do that for people I've met here, who can't go back to their own homes.

I'd like to do work that matters. I have fun at dead men, but I'm not changing the world mixing rum and cokes.

[mygoodsir]

That would be good work indeed. People need such help, and I can say firsthand that you are good at giving it. I would not be the man I am now if not for you.

I understand. It is different when you can touch the lives of others.

[holyposition]

You really think you're that different from when you arrived here?

I could do that for a couple years, until people are settled. and then California.

[mygoodsir]

I was lost when I arrived, Tim. It was a struggle every day to remember that people are good.

To fight for acceptance.

[holyposition]

You give me too much credit. But it's very romantic, so I'll let it slide.

Yeah. We could stay in New York, if you take to it. But it would be nice to be warm for a change, don't you think?

[mygoodsir]

I really don't. You and Koby especially were quite instrumental in my early days.

I would love to be warm. To wake up to the Pacific every day. With you.

[holyposition]

I know you had a lot weighing on you, but you always seemed happy to see me, at least.

I'd be grateful to wake up next to you anywhere. But near the beach would be the cherry on top, wouldn't it?

[mygoodsir]

It was difficult not to be happy around you.

Oh, yes. We could walk along the shore after coffee.

Tim, have you ever seen the shell of the abalone?

[holyposition]

I was smitten pretty quick, too 😇

Yeah, they've got the little holes in a row. Never live ones, though.

[mygoodsir]

I still don't understand why. But I'm so grateful.

Do you find them beautiful? The inside of the shell, I mean.

[holyposition]

You were a breath of fresh air. You still are.

Where it's all pearly? Yeah, I guess I do. Why? Adding them to your museum?

[mygoodsir]

Oh, Tim. You are truly my light.

Oh, yes. I wasn't sure modern folk were still impressed by such things.

[He lies, like a liar.]

I suppose it's silly to ask if you find any minerals particularly lovely?

[holyposition]

I wouldn't know, you would need to ask them 🙂

What are you fishing for?

[mygoodsir]

You are modern!

Oh, you've caught me out. I'm trying to feature a few items that you personally might like.

[holyposition]

I'm at least fifty years out from most of the house! Don't lump me in with people who say "rizz"

At the museum?

[mygoodsir]

To me, you are modern indeed.

Of course.

[holyposition]

I'd like any exhibit if you're the one telling me about it.