Chapter 3: A Place Like Home

When I first arrived in Echo City, it was pouring rain. Despite the weather, I unboarded the plane and was out the airport doors more quickly than any other city I had been to. I didn’t bring an umbrella, as most hadn’t, but there was no need. Free umbrellas were stuffed into containers for anybody to take. This wasn’t charity or purity of heart. If one wished, they could indeed steal an umbrella, though hardly anybody did. The process was simple: scan the umbrella when you take it, and when you drop it off after you’re done, you get paid a small amount. The umbrellas were made by Antler and the fee was covered by Antler and Echo City, and because the two were intertwined, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say Antler constructed the entire system. In the end, because the city profited, so did Antler.

I grabbed an umbrella and walked out onto the street, humming with the uninterrupted flow of traffic. Everything ran smoothly in Echo. There was talk that car insurance was unnecessary if only Echo didn’t cover the cost already. I waved down a cab and entered. Though the city was famous, and for all the right reasons, I had never visited before. I took in the sights behind the touch-screen window. Even as water poured down relentlessly, I could see the lights perfectly. Every alleyway was modern and sleek. From a distance, I could see the fifty-something floors of architectural genius: the headquarters of Antler Industries. The taxi pulled up to the curb and I got out, thanking the driver and opening my umbrella. No matter how transparent the window, it’s always different to look with the naked eye. Echo City was a wonder. A bright, overwhelming, utopian wonder.

That day, of course, I met Amahle. That night, I slept poorly.

A week later, I got up early in the morning. It was no longer raining, but there were still some clouds overhead. The weather was fickle here, but with advanced enough technology, a society can manage all hurdles. I dressed in my third-nicest suit and headed out to work. The sidewalk was crowded with people and I felt as though some of them looked at me more than a stranger ought to, but I suppose that always happened to me. Stealing attention was easy when you possessed confidence and the right clothes.

Still, I was not feeling my usual self. Amahle Imada told me to commit a crime against the company I just started working for. To make it worse, it was a company best known for its groundbreaking inventions. If there was any place for a thief to avoid, it was Antler Industries. It had the most expensive items to loot, but those same items were often used to make theft more impossible. I would have preferred Amahle ask me to rob a complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, bone by bone.

I stopped at a cafe on my way to work. I preferred to walk, and considering it was only a few blocks away, I often had extra time to think. The scent of the nearby Heliotropes danced into the building, blending with the aromas of a bustling morning. It was a kind establishment, such that it stood out among the myriad of well-run neighbors.

“Hey Nate!” A barista chirped as I walked in. I had only been here twice so far, but the customer service was as advanced as the coffee machine. I ordered my steaming, delicately brewed drink and tipped before leaving.

I had considered Amahle’s request many times since my first day. It didn’t make much sense for my interests as an employee, nor hers. I was drawn to agree with her, either because of her demeanor or because of some other reason. I took a sip of my coffee, sighing as I tasted what I had come to expect of this city.

I swiveled my head at the sound of a car honking. A crash was narrowly avoided, and I could see the angry faces of the drivers. It was the first time I heard that noise since I moved here. I went back to my drink and kept walking. I rounded the block and approached the entrance of Antler. Above me, I could see the sun peeking through.

“Everything okay, Mr. Hensley?” asked the ever-present, happy Will. He must have gotten here early to look as awake as he did. I didn’t even see a tea or coffee on his desk, so his energy was mystifying.

“Good morning, Will. Everything is okay. Still getting used to the city, I suppose.” The caffeine was finally taking effect, so I was able to behave as I normally would. Will looked at me for a moment.

“When I first moved here, I felt lost for months. Echo City is great, but it takes a while for a place to become home.”

“You’re right about that.” I started to walk by him, but I stopped. “Hey Will, do you remember meeting Amahle?”

“Ms. Imada? Of course!” Will exclaimed. “She arrived with quite a lot of controversy, so she was greeted by a lot of people outside. I imagine she expected it, since she was made second-in-command right away.” Will sat back in his chair and smiled. “She answered every question they asked her, even some that were insulting. She first got here at noon and didn’t leave until it was dark. I’ve never seen anything like it. I remember thinking she might get applauded for her performance, but alas…”

“That’s quite an entrance,” I replied. It was hard to believe the woman who was so open to the press had just asked of me something so secretive and hidden. Will picked up on my pensive expression.

“Yours wasn’t bad either, Mr. Hensley. Much more calm. Things don’t need to be exciting to be good.”

I laughed. He was appeasing me for no offense. The rest of the day went smoothly. Two weeks later, I met with Anders. That night, I didn’t sleep at all.

When the sun arose the next morning I still had too much on my mind. Since parting with the boss, I spent all my time agonizing over what to do. Which might be normal for some, but I had the law to consider. There wasn’t much reason to go along with Amahle Imada, who was impossible to reach. On the other hand, there was Anders Askeland, a figure so imposing that going against him took either courage or insanity. I wondered which Amahle had. The suit I chose was the best of my selection, resembling a dark red in certain lighting.

I exited my apartment to the bright light of an unimpeded sun. I shielded my eyes, beginning to feel the lingering effects of adrenaline wearing off. Coffee was a necessity. Those I walked by stared at me. Usually just a dull rumbling in the background, the traffic was louder today. Even the conversations of those around me were magnified, timing with perfect imperfection with the overcrowded screeches and honks around me. I dashed into the cafe, seeing the same barista I saw the day prior.

“Nate! A bit late today, huh?” He asked with a suspicious grin. I grabbed my coffee, hot enough to burn. Usually just the smell of caffeine would release dopamine in my brain, but it felt as though nothing would relieve me of my stress.

What ought I do? Such a question is easy for those who are asked of them only the most basic of human actions. They are the majority, living easily and needing not think deeply. For me, and sparingly few others, this question deserves attention. I am faced with agreeing with only one of two of the most important people in the world. To the best of my ability, I cannot think of how to satiate both of their hungers. I must choose.

The sidewalks were not only littered with people, but with the recently parted petals of the Heliotropes. I walked directly toward my workplace, though I did stop once to look around. I felt something near, different than the many eyes of the citizens. This was not the first time I checked my surroundings, but paranoia was a reselient monster. Other than strange looks, I did not see anything out of place. Echo City was different today. I entered through the front door.

I spotted Will before he saw me. He was writing, his brows furrowed. I watched him for a moment before I spoke.

“Hello, Will.” Although I assumed control of the conversation, I knew I couldn’t trick him. I was tired. Will’s head popped up, and his focus turned into a smile.

“Mr. Hensley!” His face then dropped. “Mr. Hensley, you don’t look well.”

“Yes, I’m sorry I’m late. Rough night last night.”

“That can’t be all. You’re wearing the finest suit I’ve seen you wear yet, but your face is full of anxiety. I’ve heard your work has been so good you’re ahead of schedule. But even if that weren’t the case, you’re allowed a bad day.”

His eyes conveyed only empathy, desperately asking me to reveal what my problems were so he could help. I was tempted, but this was not a subject I could talk about with just anyone. I wasn’t even sure I should talk about it with Amahle. Still, I did want to talk.

“I’m sure you heard that I met with the boss.” Will only nodded. “I watched interviews of him before, but it was a different experience in person.”

“The last thing anything wants, Mr. Hensley, is for you to not be in the right state of mind. Lots of the developers tell me they enjoy working with you. Compared to the previous people who held your position, these are outrageous compliments.” It was a nice sentiment, though I wouldn’t have guessed otherwise. I sipped the last of my coffee as I continued to wait for the chemicals to take hold.

“How did Dorothy know which road to take?” I asked, languidly.

“What do you mean?” Responded Will with a justified confusion.

“In the book, why was she convinced that she should take the yellow brick road?”

“Oh!” Will laughed. “If I remember correctly, the Good Witch told her to take it.”

“That’s why she chose it, but why was she convinced? After all, I’m not convinced she was such a good witch. She was happy that someone died—a fellow witch, at that.” I realized that I was not behaving as I normally would, but a consequence of exhaustion is a shift in personality. Whether or not it was more close to the truth was a consideration for a more well-rested brain.

“I suppose she didn’t have proof. You’re right about that. The Good Witch did have quite a few supporters, which could be considered proof of a sort. What made you think of that?”

“I’m wondering how to choose. That’s all. How did you choose to come work here?”

“Oh, that’s easy. I received an offer and flew over the same day,” Will said. He was a much more spontaneous person than I would have imagined. He waited for me to ask yet another question, but I had none. “One thing I know is that any good decision is a decision you would hope someone else would make.”

“That’s good to know.” I let out a small laugh, and Will’s face lit up. He had spent all that time connected to what was going through my mind.

“Ah, there’s some news I’m supposed to give you. In a few days, there will be a press conference with Mr. Askeland. All I’ve been told is that it’s quite important and that it has to do with the new product.”

This was surprising. I was aware that Anders was eager to get his invention out into the world, but I was unaware he was this close to production. He didn’t mention this to me yesterday, which meant he either didn’t want me too informed, or he scheduled this suddenly.

“Thanks Will—for the news and for the advice.”

He chuckled softly. “I don’t know if I helped at all, but you’re welcome! I’m sure whatever decision you make will work out.”

I smiled at him, threw away my coffee, and went to work. That night, I slept.