Page 24 of Out of Sight

Yes. Lucia, what do you mean, ‘do I remember you’?

When did you see me last?

Ted paused, and she thought back. Nanna Anya’s birthday party. You wore a blue dress that Olyna criticized. You and I grabbed some BBQ and hid behind the buffet.

Thirteen years ago.

Ted froze. I was cursed six years ago.

I was cursed ten years ago. There isn’t much of me left, but I am really happy that you are whole again.

Where are you? I know people who can help you.

I don’t think that is likely.

You may be older than me, Lucia, but you are not the boss of me.

I can go anywhere you want to find me. My body faded to nothing, and now, I am just irritation, stubbornness, electricity, and digital signal.

Ted froze. And no one remembers you?

No, but I watch over the babies and the little ones. I can make people notice things even if I can’t be seen.

Ted swallowed. I am going to call some people, and then I am going to text you again. Will you be there?

How creepy can I be right now?

Shoot.

I am sitting on your couch and using your computer for this conversation.

Ted turned and watched her computer bloom into a happy face. “Holy shit. Lucia, we are going to get you.”

Nice.

Ted began a round of talking to everyone she had met that day, and everyone caught her urgency.

“Lucia, can you hold on until tomorrow? They have to come up with a plan of action.”

I can hold on. I am complicated. Always was.

“Can I talk to you all night?”

The dots formed and said, I would like that. If your fingers tingle, I am holding your hand.

“Like when we had sleepovers at Nanna’s.”

A happy face was on the computer.

Ted talked to the others, and to her surprise, a red djinn that wasn’t Nemia showed up in her apartment.

The red woman waved. “I am Nyla. I will be acting as the part of a power source tomorrow. Where is she?”

“Touching my computer.”

Hi! Appeared on the screen.

“Oh. Okay, miss. I am going to put my hand in the spot where your energy field should be so we can gauge your levels.”