I’m starting to understand what the whole nook part of this place is, and I have to admit there’s a rather relaxing and peaceful vibe to the space.
“This is wild,” Gemma says, staring around in open-mouthed wonder.
My tentacles jerk around me awkwardly. Fuck. Okay, I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about this reunion, especially since I haven’t seen my parents for over a year. Our last in-person meeting was a volatile one, after all, but with Gemma at my side, I find I’m a lot more chill than I might have been otherwise.
With renewed resolve, I study the illuminated placards flashing above each nook and guide us in the direction of nook 12-C, which my parents apparently reserved for us all. I’m kind of touched that they’re taking this so seriously and wanted us to have a private and soothing setting for our reunion.
As we arrive in front of our designated nook, the unusual curtains over the entrance part and flutter open without being touched or prompted. Spooky but also super cool. The space inside the nook is quaint and cozy. Not fully knowing what to expect, we join my parents who are seated on one side of the booth-like setup. Each bench, pressed up against the angled stone wall, is adorned with an array of plush, colorful pillows.
Soft, soothing music floats through the air, coming from some indiscernible source, as Gemma and I scoot into the opposite side of the booth, reconfiguring the pillows for our greatest comfort. Leaning back against the wall, I’m surprised to find it’s warm to the touch.
“Wicked,” Gemma says, touching the wall appreciatively.
I tilt my head back and stare up at the ceiling, which has been digitally altered to reflect a stunning scenescape of a nebula swirling with soft pink, blue, and violet gases and dotted with twinkling stars. It’s no nebula I’ve ever seen, and perhaps only a fictional embellishment, but it is beautiful.
I reach a tentacle out to gently cup Gemma’s chin and tilt her head back so she can see it too. When she gasps with delight and clutches my arm with more sweet boobage action pressing into me—thank you, universe!—my free tentacles flail with joyful abandon.
Inhaling the fresh scent in the air, I notice an incense dispenser on the wall at the far end of the booth that’s letting out a faint wisp of smoke. It smells of fragrant spices, citrus, and a tang of salty ocean breeze. Clean and comforting. This place really goes all out to set the atmosphere, that’s for sure.
We’re startled when our curtain parts again and in floats a glowing jellyfish-like creature that treads the air as if it was water.
Gemma points a shaking finger at it. “What the everloving fuck is that?”
Like a doofus, all I can do is shrug.
My mother holds up her hand to stave off her alarm. “It’s all right. This is a harmony jelly concierge, and it’s provided as part of the service here.” Her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “It’s an unofficial mediator to get the conversation going and keep us moving in a positive direction. I hope you don’t mind. I promise it’s perfectly safe.”
Gemma holds a relieved hand over her chest. “Phew! There are quite a few jellyfish on Earth that are poisonous, and some that are fatal to anyone who’s injected with their venom.” She shudders. “My brother could give you a whole dissertation on the different types, I’m sure.”
“He’s the veterinarian?” my mom asks.
“Yep. The more exotic the creature the bigger his excitement is and the more he wants to learn everything about it.”
I scrutinize the floating jelly creature. Its body is about twice the size of my head and has trailing translucent tendril appendages—a different kind of tentacle than mine, but still pretty nifty.
I see you, my friend. Kinship among the many appendaged!
As I watch, said tentacles on our concierge start to pulse with internal light that shifts from one color to the next.
Okay, now you’re being a total showoff. And dammit, but I wish my tentacles could glow too.
Our harmony jelly concierge remains oblivious to my thoughts and drifts through the air with an air of total ease.
“Not gonna lie,” Gemma whispers, “that’s pretty trippy, but also super fucking cool.”
Yep, totally envious about the whole glowing ability.
My father clears his throat. “Ahem. I apologize for the late introduction. It’s wonderful to meet you in person, Dr. Taylor?—”
“As I said last time, please call me Gemma,” she interjects with a warm, friendly smile.
He nods. “Gemma, I am Olaris.”
My mom chimes in. “And I am Kaelith, but feel free to call me Kae.”
Gemma reaches out and shakes their hands with that honest directness that’s just her way—and I fucking love it.
All three of my hearts warm at the sight.
