ColorChallenge: FridaySkyBlue - "Blue Skies" [9MinuteFreeWrite]
This is Part Five of my Steemit-exclusive, ColorChallenge-inspired, FreeWrite story series. No edits, no going beyond the designated time. I hope you are still with me, and that you are at least enjoying the ride.
<< Part Four
Photo taken by yours truly in Jeju Island, South Korea
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" XJ-1920 greeted as she hugged her surprise guest. She was pleased to see VI-0818 out of her nurse's outfit, but she was mostly pleased that she got to smell her in person again. The weeks have not been kind to her, and she desperately needed some friendly company. Even though she felt like she belonged in the apartelle, she never really made friends with anyone there. "Here, let me help you with that."
VI-0818 had just started her vacation, and she thought what better way to spend it than to go on an outreach retreat. She didn't have to go too far, since she already knew a person who was in need. For someone who has access to public transportation, getting there only took an hour and 30 minutes, so the journey wasn't all that tedious. She packed light, and she brought a long an air of hope that XJ-1920 sorely needed.
"Did you miss me?" the nurse teased.
XJ-1920 wanted to kiss her right then and there, but she knew better than to act on her feelings. If VI-0818 were to shut her down, she would be severing the only friend she had left. She didn't want to risk it, as there were more important things they needed to accomplish. They instead sat on the bed.
"Look, so I know we have a plan in place," the nurse followed. "It's great, I mean, there's always a chance it could blow up in our face though."
"I thought that of the two of us, you're the optimist?"
"I am! It's just that … Well, I was thinking. Y'know, maybe before everything, we should take a breather first. Relax and all that."
"Now? I … It's just that, I'm slowly getting through to him. I mean, not really, but I'm making progress. He tolerates me now, and doesn't readily scream bloody murder."
"Yeah, but … What's one day, right? Come on! It's been a long time since I've visited here. A lot has changed. Why don't you show me around? Just for today."
"It's not like I ever go out. I'm here when I sleep, I work most of the day and in my free time I hang around their apartment."
"All the more reason why you should take a break! Come on, it'll be fun."
XJ-1920 knew that she couldn't resist her. One smile and she's like the nurse's puppet. She relented and excused herself to fix up. It didn't take her long before she was out of the shower. They headed out to get a bite to eat as soon as she was finished with everything.
As they took a leisurely stroll, she couldn't help but feel in awe at how the world looked. Ever since her encounter with the pale man, she felt lighter and more in tune with herself. It was the first time since then that she was able to slow down. Coming from the hospital, she was in a mad rush to get everything done. One goal piled up on another. It seemed like she took an endless stream of tasks she needed to do. VI-0818 had that power to help slow down everything.
The nurse's hand dangled, and she wanted so desperately to grab a hold of it and dictate how it swayed. She could only imagine how smooth VI-0818's skin felt like. How her lips tasted, and how her breath smelled. She had spent many a night dreaming awake about VI-0818.
They were in the same city center where she sat in a recliner some weeks ago. She still received harsh stares, but she didn't care. However, she did feel worried that people would judge her companion just for being with her. She couldn't explain that their relationship was platonic, even though she wanted for it not to be.
"Everything alright?" the nurse inquired.
"Yeah," she nodded. "It's just that … Remember when I was talking to you that one time when I first arrived here? Everybody just kept staring. I mean, I don't blame them, I am a social pariah. But—"
"Screw them! Who cares what they think?"
"I guess I do. Don't you?"
"Me? Not really."
"I'm just, y'know, worried that people will think of you differently even if you're just talking to me."
"Let them think what they want," the nurse scoffed. She grabbed XJ-1920's hand and held her close. "I couldn't care less."
"What are you doing!?" she exclaimed. She wanted to push the nurse away, but she felt magnetized to her.
"What?"
"You could get abducted and beaten up like they did me!"
"Why? It's not like we're making out or anything."
The nurse pulled herself closer, jokingly going for a kiss. At that moment, the pair came across DS-1962 and DX-3002.
<< Part Four
Finally, a ray of hope for our forlorn heroine! This reunion came from out of the blue and I'm all the more invested because of it.
Things may now not be as bad as they first seemed (I think) and it'll be so intriguing the way you fit all the pieces of the puzzle together when this story wraps up. I'm loving it, pal! Thanks for providing this platform with such literary excellence! :)
I learned a lot, thanks!
Wonderful job.
I'm impressed!
OHOHO! I see what you did there! ;)
I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, brother. I hope I stick the landing. Since I'm not a transcendent writer like you, I just try to play with it and experiment wherever I can. I appreciate all of the appreciation for this. Warms my hear to no end :D
This is sensational.
You've got a bright future ahead.
Fantastic!
This is incredible!
Well done!
This is gold!
You're so creative!
You've got serious potential.
You've hit the mark.
I'm impressed!
You've got a true talent.
You've outdone yourself.
This is gold standard material.
Keep sharing such content.
So cool!
That nurse, whatever her name is, is certainly a nice fresh breath in this tale-- it's hard not to like her. If your timer went off right here, I would consider this a happy ending, except that there is now a "plan", and now I see that part 6 is up! In this one, I looked for the blue reference, but must have missed it? So far I've seen the day's color show up in a few of these so far, but I suppose in improv we can't really expect to write particular things, especially with the timer ticking away.
Ach! I really don't know why my reply for this didn't send before! I couldn't remember it now, too. By now you already know that the color references aren't what it seems. For this one, the "blue skies" reference is metaphorical, seeing how VI provided some much needed reprieve to an otherwise dull day for XJ. It's great that you noted how VI was a breath of fresh air, because that's exactly her purpose. At least for this part of the tale ;) I really don't know why I'm winking. By this time you already know the ending haha!
Ok I see that clearly now, the blue sky, and yes the tale might have been dreary without the carefree nurse and her uplifting spirit.
Woohoo! I'm glad you see it that way! I was afraid it would just come out as an excuse that I thought of after haha!
So much deep feeling and emotions for such cold metallic names. A love a good juxtaposition. You've done a lot with this story given its inherent restrictions. To create something like this in a limited time, and have it developed enough that it is sustainable for a week, that's extremely good going.
Juxtaposition! That's the word that's gnawing at me! I knew it started with 'J' and ended with 'tion' I just couldn't quite piece together the 'uxta.' Haha! And I always used to use that word to stump people, too! I don't know why I couldn't remember it. I got stuck with contrast haha
Thank you for the kind praise, mate! It was truly a labor of love. As you put it, my shadow gripped at me, nudging me to not post it, but I bit the bullet and opened the shutters. I'm glad it's being received quite well. Thanks for sticking with this as we head to the home stretch! :)
It's one of those words. It's like conundrum. Not in its meaning, but its strangeness. I like the way they sound. As an author if I can juxtapose a conundrum with some other strangeness then that would be a good story :)
HAHA! Yeah, it definitely has a pseudo-onamotopoeiaic vibe, nay, ring to it ;) Those are the words I've picked up in my quest to improve in Boggle and Scrabble haha!
Nooooo, this can't be good.
Can I ask what made you choose to name them like that? Is it a way of giving the impression of a prison society?
:/
You're hitting all the marks today, aren't you? :/ "Prison society" were the exact words I used in the culmination post. As to why, I think you already know the answer to that haha! I wanted to emphasize that freedom is an illusion, and even their names aren't their own choices. I enjoyed writing it in contrast to the emotions they exude. Their names sound robotic, but they are far from it.
Astute observations, my friend! I guess this can't be helped when I'm in the company of more esteemed writers haha :D
Ah the nurse, I actually thought of this story as I woke up this morning and given the lack of other characters realised it would be the nurse. I am fascinated now by the introduction of these two DS-1962 and DX-3002. They sound like Audi's, I am willing to be proved wrong though ;0)
Aha! Then you guessed right, good sir! Sleep has done you good. It has awakened your mind's eye to the truth standing before you. Well done, Boom's brain. Well done!
Haha! LOL at the Audi's! DS-1962 and DX-3002 have actually been introduced before, they're the ex-husband and daughter of XJ, respectively. Sorry (not sorry) about the confusing names, dude! It was somewhat intentional haha! Though, I feel like I'm convinced that they're cars now :/
Ah so they were!! Darn it, it's the names, they aren't tripping off my tongue!!
My mind's eye had better get sharper!
Excelleeeent. My sharpness test is working. Now that these guinea pigs are aware, it's time to test the fittest among them. Get me my murderizer machine gun, Smithers!
murderizer machine gun, Smithers!
You have no idea how apt this comment is ;0)
Don't I? Don't I though? ;) Who knows, I might actually be the pre-eminent psychologist of this generation and I'm just hiding behind the guise of my young-ish Filipino intern. This run that I have here might just be an elaborate experiment meant to test the limits of society :O
When will we know the results!!!!!
Patieeeence, my dear puppet. Who knows? Maybe I have already posted the results and none of you noticed it. Perhaps all of you failed and I'm giving you all a second chance. Who knows!? Do I even know? It's not for me to say, but no, I don't know.
Another wonderful chapter dear friend @jedau, it is clear that the nurse profession make them good everywhere, no matter the country or continent are all very good.
Many thanks for another wonderful chapter.
Thank you for reading, my friend! Your support with this is highly appreciated :D
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Thanks, uh, me!