Internet 24

Through Kate's Eyes

The backroom acts as a large supply closet for snacks, to-go cups, and other items the café needs. There is an old beat-up chair and a small table that has a notebook and a used paper plate. There was also a cot with a pillow and blanket with a phone charger plugged in. This must be where Adam would go to take breaks.

Manny foolishly believes that holding the door open will be the olive branch we need at this moment. I don't look in his direction when I walk in.

KATE

What's so important?

MANNY

I think... you might be taking things too far.

He steps into the room, but he doesn't close the door fully. Why, though? He's with me? Fear paints his eyes.

I get it. I have always been the one in charge, but I made an effort to make him feel like the gap of power we minuscule, a puddle on the sidewalk. Now that he sees me for all I am, it might be an ocean.

MANNY

Why don't you give back the doll?

KATE

Here we go.

KATE

You know I don't like repeating myself.

MANNY

It isn't right that you have that.

With a deep breath, I feel the magical energy fill my lungs, course through my blood, and form in my hand. It takes shape as a dark gray and purple light.

By the table, a chair rattles. I gently raise my finger and point at him. His eyes shut as I brace for the impact. The air shifts as the chair flies from the table and lands behind him.

KATE

Why are you closing your eyes?

Why did I close my eyes? He must be exhausted as he collapsed into the chair. I need to be gentle and more mindful.

KATE

You don't get how things are with Marcy and me. She's okay with me having this, and if she isn't now, then that means she doesn't realize what's best for her.

The chair rattles once more as I force it to zip back to the table with him on it. His screams overpower the thunder. I shush him, as people can get the wrong idea of what's happening in here if he gets too loud. Why did he scream, though? He knows I wouldn't hurt him. I need to be gentler and more mindful.

The air fills with my warmth as I step behind him. My smile is soft, and my hands glide on his chin. I raise his gaze to meet mine. His eyes are... terrified? Why is he like this? My fingers feel the sweat rolling down his cheek. What could cause all this distrust?

My eyes! They are not the same green he is used to. Now, they should be a bright gray with a soft purple bleeding on the edges.

KATE

Don't worry. My eyes change color when I use magic. The Source does this to them.

MANNY

How long were you planning this?

Manny's voice trembled. He must be worried that I can fail. No, I need to reassure him that I have everything under control.