Undead Boyfriend: Nemo Part Three (rough draft)

You’re used to the smell of antiseptic, the harsh thick wafts of the chemicals used to clean the clinic’s halls. It had become all you knew once you took on your position at the clinic with Nemo. It had become your home, your life, and you were so exceedingly grateful for it. Not so long ago you didn’t even have a roof over your head. The scent around you then were not pleasant ones either; It was of gasoline and garbage, your own body odor. It was a scent that haunted you at night, crushing upon you into believing that all around you isn’t yours.

You wake in a cold sweat, terrified that you will reach out into cold air, huddled in a corner of some abandoned building. Only when that soft perfume reaches your nose do you feel at peace, do you realize you’re home.

Asha lays beside you, soft hair spilled over a pillow, her long ears resting against the pillowed headboard. She stirs only slightly to reach out to you and place her hand upon you. You could cry from such a touch. 

Easing back down into bed, you try to memorize everything. The feeling of the sheets, the warmth of Asha’s hand, the delicate scent of her hair that lays on your pillow. You smile to yourself, wondering if she will ever understand how important this is to you.

“Can’t you sleep?” Her crackly, sleep addled voice takes your breath away.

“It was a bad dream,” you admit guiltily. “Don’t wake up because of me.”

Asha grunts softly as she moves closer, wrapping her arms around you so your head rests upon her chest. She strokes your hair, the back of your neck. “You need to sleep. You’ve been working so hard lately with everything happening.”

Tears prickle in your eyes, you can’t help it. Even after all this time, it still stuns your soul that you have this. “So have you.”

“I will survive some lack of sleep, you, my little mortal, need it more than ever.” Asha kisses the top of your head. “There’s so much sickness right now,” she murmurs with dread. “You and Nemo are working so hard, I’m trying to keep up.”

Ever since the virus began during the new year, Nemo had been preparing the clinic to take on as many patients as possible. The news seemed to be downplaying it, claiming that it would not effect the day to day life people took for granted. Yet Nemo seemed panicked, like he couldn’t do enough, open enough rooms, find enough beds. Asha had started helping in his efforts as well, working to expand the clinic so that it could be a fully operational hospital.

Then, it had a name. This looming cloud of dread had begun spreading across the world. It was not some flu, which was false information being spread. It was so much worse, it was so unknown and frightening. Once Covid19 was beginning to be taken seriously, it was too late.

You too had been working hard on getting everything prepared. You followed Nemo and Asha’s example, taking everything as seriously as possible. You were the administrator for the clinic, it was your job to make sure the computer system and it’s database are working smoothly. You’ve organized patient files and created a system that makes it easier for Nemo to do his job. Now, you were preparing the staff, and getting the clinic ready for this perfect storm.

Nemo had been renovating the clinic as it was, updating and fixing rooms, as well as adding on. He had been preparing the top floors, which had basically been abandoned and used for storage, to make a new apartment for you, Asha, and him to share soon. But progress on it had been halted in order to hasten the progress on the clinic floor. Nemo had been working tirelessly as the outbreak came to your door. He did not require rest, but you could tell he was going to work himself into a frenzy, but he refused to leave his patients.

Asha’s soft skin rubbing against your arm feels like the only anchor you have right now. “Tell me, what’s wrong?”

Your eyes blur as more tears fill them. You close our eyes and take a deep breath, filling your lungs with the romantic scent of Asha’s hair. “How do you talk to people who are so afraid?” You whisper. “I want to give comfort to the patients, to the people wanting to know about their loved ones, but I can’t-” Your voice catches painfully in your throat. “I can’t seem to find a way to get through my own fear.”

“This is new,” Asha murmurs. “And it is not uncommon for people to be afraid of the new. They don’t understand it, they can’t take this boogeyman and explain it.” Her fingers brush along the nape of your neck. “It’s okay that you’re afraid, you don’t have to force bravery.”

You sit up like a shot and place your forehead upon your knees. “But I want to help! I want to be able to talk to these people, to understand and bring them some explanation but I feel worthless! Behind the layers of masks, gloves, and glass, how are we supposed to reach and comfort people?”

Asha rises behind you and places her warm hands upon your shoulders. “There is no explanation right now, my love.”

You lift your head to look at her. Her eyes are sad and brimming with tears as well. “All you can do is stand and fight right now. Your work matters in keeping people safe.” She gives you a gentle smile. “That’s why I moved here to help, to be able to use my resources to make sure this place, these people, get what they need.”

“Aren’t you worried about your home?” You sniffle.

Asha nods. “Of course I am. But as far as we know, my people can only carry the virus, but we can’t get sick from it.” She wraps her arms around you from behind. “So what we can do is help and get resources and supplies for those who can’t.” She places the most comforting kiss upon your shoulder. 

“I feel like the world is turning on a different axis,” you whisper. “This virus has taken over and changed everything, and yet, everything is still the name. People with broken bones still walk through the door, injuries, illness, and worry still happen. It’s like time has stopped and yet not at the same time. It’s a surreal feeling.”

Asha smiles as she rests her chin on your shoulder. “Your world has changed so much already. You’ve not been here long, you’ve only just started this job. I’m sorry if we’ve thrust you into something uncomfortable.”

You shake your head. “I’m grateful,” you whisper. “I’m happy I’m here, I just forget how to move sometimes.”

Asha hugs you tightly. “You put one foot in front of the other.” She then turns to the window. “Why don’t I make us some of that lovely tea you gifted me? Maybe some fresh fruit too?” She slips her long legs off the side of the bed. “We’ll enjoy the dawn together.”

“I have to organize schedules today,” you murmur, watching Asha rise. She takes your breath away, both her and Nemo do. You feel like some lost soul taken in by Hades and Persephone. 

“I have an early meeting with my clan as well.” She strides across the room to the makeshift kitchen you’ve been using during renovations. She turns on the kettle and reaches for a canister on the shelf above. “If you’d like, once you’re done with scheduling, I can introduce you to my sisters.”

Your eyes widen and your heart skips a beat. You had heard her speak of her twin baby sisters before, but you’d never seen them or met them. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes I do. It’s about time.” She smiles at you from across the room. “I wanted to do it sooner but-” she sighs heavily and her ears droop. “The universe had other plans.”

You swallow down the anxious lump growing in your throat. “What are their names?”

“Tam and Ilse,” she says brightly. Her eyes shine as she looks at you. “It’s only fair I share my family with my family, right?” 

“Family?” You’re knocked breathless.

“Yes! You and Nemo are my family, my loves.” She clutches her hands over her heart. “Of course you’re my family.”

“I have work to do today and you’re going to make my eyes so red!” You whimper, trying to play off your tears with laughs.

Asha comes back to you, hugging you tightly and chuckling softly. 

After your shared, early breakfast, both you and Asha get to work. Asha takes a call with her people in the woods, you can hear her speaking evenly, even commandingly. You’re working on schedules for the staff, but you can overhear her conversation. There’s talk of aquaculture and farming, of shipping supplies and transporting plants. You try to focus on your computer, but you can’t help but be a little curious. Asha’s life and her people are so fascinating, there’s something otherworldly yet so earthy about them. 

Working on your own computer is strange to you. You’ve never had one. You’ve only used the outdated models at the library, and the most you ever had was a phone, and an older model at that. It’s easy for you to believe that you’re living someone else’s life, someone else’s fantasy. It can take your breath away and make you feel out of place. You have to take moments to yourself to step back and realize you have a future.

Asha steps back into the room with a smile on her face. “Can you take a moment?”

“I’m almost done,” you reply. “What is it?”

Her bright and joyful expression broadens. “Just come in when you’re done.” 

You want to hurry through the rest of your work, but you have to be careful with it. Once you send off the schedule, you follow Asha to her computer, where on screen you see two smaller, younger versions of her.

“Tam, Ilse,” Asha drapes her arm lovingly around you. “This is my girlfriend.” She introduces you like it’s the most natural thing in the world, but you melt into a blushing mess with incomprehensible thoughts.

Girlfriend, you think, she called me her girlfriend!

“Hi!” The two lovely rabbit girls on the screen both wave and greet you emphatically. 

“I’m Tam!” She has her hair in a braid wrapped in a crown around her head. She has a great big smile plastered on her face and a coating of dark freckles all over her cheeks. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Asha has been promising this for a long time!”

Ilse looks smaller than Tam, quieter too. She waves and smiles, often fiddling with her short hair as she watches the screen from her side. “I’m Ilse, hello.”

“Hi,” your voice cracked with nerves. “It’s very nice to meet you both.”

Tam instantly launches into a long series of questions. She seems excited to know about your work, mainly what you do with the computers. She seems to want an entire run down of your education and history. You’re happy to answer her questions, but you’re more curious about them and their lives. You’re used to yours.

“What is it you two do?” You manage to finally squeak out a question. “Are you working with your sister? Or do you both have your own roles in your clan?”

“I do a lot of research about the forest and the growth it’s taking right now,” Tam announces proudly. She pats her palms against her chest. “I do work with Asha, but only for right now to make sure we can get enough food to people who need it. My main job though is to track and record the growth of our forest. That way, I can advise our farmers and foragers, as well as builders.” She inches closer to the computer screen. “Here’s something really fascinating. In about two years, our forest and your clinic’s grounds will become one and the same!”

You’re a bit shocked by this news. “That’s seems so rapid. Is it going to pose any sort of danger?”

Tam shakes her head. “Not really, unless you consider trees a threat. It’s just our forest has never grown so fast before. We’re still trying to understand it. But don’t tell anyone, family secret.” She gives you a wink.

Ilse has been very quiet this entire time. You’ve noticed her watching you more than anything. Her eyes are steely and focused, her expression unflinching. She does look away when she notices you watching more closely.

“What about you Ilse?” You ask.

Ilse shrugs. “Woodworking,” she chirps. “It’s easier to show than tell.” She looks up from her hands. “We’ve actually been busy, our mother and me. With so many people staying home, our furniture is doing quite well.” She smiles bashfully. “I’ve been able to work on a lot of carvings.”

“Ilse is very talented,” Asha whispers.

“Asha!” Ilse pouts. She smiles softly. “I have been working on this leaf design though. It’s one of the most favorite pieces I’ve done, and it’s only something I’m not even sure will sell yet. But the leaf has hidden words inside it, and small animals hiding around it.” She looks up and chuckles. “I’d love to show it to you.”

Asha gets a glint in her eye. “Why not?” She turns and smiles down at you. “Would you like to go and see it?”

The breath is completely knocked out of your lungs. “I would love that.”

Asha bids her sister’s farewell, and that she will see them soon. She then takes you outside, standing you before the wall that is the forest. She keeps hold of your hand as she smiles to the trees. A breeze blows from within, carrying on it whispers and chimes.

You’re so used to the scent of the clinic that this sudden burst of deep, moist earth is forgein to you. The dark, rich aroma creeps gently out from the trees and moss, transports you to another world, and yet you’ve not even left this one.

Asha takes the first step, and since you’re holding onto her hand, you follow close behind. You step into the woods, and with that simple step, you’ve left everything else behind. The forest floor is overgrown with ferns and fungus, moss and creeping vines. You take a deep breath, and it feels so easy. The sounds of the world, of the clinic fade behind you, they almost become nonexistent. 

“Watch your step,” Asha coaxes you gently. “Not many come through here, so there are no trails.” She keeps you close beside her, helping you over moss covered stones.

The color of small flowers attracts your eyes, focusing your attention on the small patches of purple, red, and yellow that seem to float along the surface of the first floor. The more you breathe, the more you seem to take in. The sweet and dusty scent of the flowers, mingling with the rich fragrance of the moist earth, tells the story of life moving slowly, growing tall, and breathing itself into a world that pays it no mind.

Asha puts her arm around your waist to stop you. “Stand here a moment.”

You look around in the silence, seeing more color amongst the lush green and healthy browns of the forest. A flash of bright blue catches your eye, at first glance you think it’s a flower, but it moves. You see long, fluffy legs clinging to the fleshy red masses on a tree trunk. It crawls around before vanishing into a hole. The spider did not look like it belonged here, then again, neither did you.

Asha takes a deep breath, and pursing her lips together and releases a loud, high pitched whistle that echoes endlessly through the trees. The world is silent again, limbs creak, leaves rustle, and then the wind picks up. It blusters around your, whipping your clothes and tossling your hair. Asha keeps you firmly by her side. You see a hazy white glow through the trees in the distance. It moves and bobs, weaving around them until it comes closer. It strides towards you, as large as an elk, but as delicately proportioned as a doe. The white creature stands before you and Aasha, bowing her head to greet you.

Stepping forward, Asha greets the doe in her own language, hushed and low, her voice almost sounds husky as she pets the doe’s face. She then lifts herself onto the doe’s back and extends her hand down to you. 

“Come up, my love.” 

You stare at the doe, gazing into her wide, dark eyes, afraid that riding her will mean you’re hurting her. 

“Take my hand, it’s alright.” Asha reassures.

You take her hand, and as you climb up, touching the doe, and sitting behind Asha, you feel otherworldly yourself. You wrap your arms around Asha who dips down to whisper to the doe. The doe turns back from where in came, and then, you’re flying. At first you’re afraid, burying your face into Asha’s back. But she does not tense, she does not even hold on. In fact, it’s almost as if she and the doe are one creature.

You lift your head, looking around you as the vibrant colors of the forest fly by. You hold your breath, feeling as though this must be what heaven is like, if it is real. The doe soon slows, coming to a stop just outside a gate. As you and Asha jump down, the doe nudges your cheek then nuzzles into Asha’s hand. 

“Thank you, Starfall,” Asha whispers. As she lifts her hand, the doe begins to vanish in a haze, turning white and scattering. 

To your amazement, it is not mist or dust she turns into, rather, she disintegrates into a mass of tiny creatures. They’re white with a hazy glow, looking almost like starfish with four little limbs. They scatter and burrow into the ground, vanishing away as soon as you look.

“They’ve watched us for longer than we have ever known about them,” Asha says as she takes your hand. She chuckles as your gaped expression. “They’re like the soul of the forest, or at least how we’ve come to comprehend them.” She leads you to the gate where already small children have gathered and are watching you.

They run off as you and Asha walk into the town. By the time you come to a large home, Ilse and Tam have run out to greet you. You’re embraced and held by them, happily greeted warmly. 

You then see a woman standing in the doorway of the house. She’s tall and strongly built, very pale and with black tipped ears. 

“This is my mother,” Asha says softly. “Frost.” She presents you to this woman who sends chills down your spine.

Frost looks you over then gently takes your hand. “It is an honor to finally meet you, dear one.” 

“You too,” you say breathlessly.

Asha kisses you on the cheek, and you duck aside out of surprise. Tam and Ilse take you inside their home, and Ilse shows you her workshop and the specific piece she had been describing during the video call. It’s a beautiful desk made of near black wood. The carvings are fresh and have a copper like hue to them. As you admire the fine craftsmanship you can hear Asha whispering behind you. 

You enjoy the afternoon with Asha and her family. You learn that Asha has a different father than her sisters and how Frost met them while selling her wares to humans. Tam continues talking about her research, including the fact of how the forest will soon envelope the clinic and some surrounding areas.

When you go to leave, Frost gently embraces you, followed by affection from Tam and Ilse. Ilse gives you a small wooden charm which she hangs around your neck. It’s so strange to you, so unreal, to be accepting this much love, but you’re so ready to accept it.

As you leave hand in hand with Asha you can’t help but ask what’s weighing heavy on your heart. “The forest, is it really growing so fast?”

“I think Tam might be a little over excited at the notion,” she says gently. “But it is true that it is growing rapidly.” She smiles down at you. “But do not fear that. The forest taking over the grounds of the clinic is not something to fear.”

“This place feels different than other forests and woods I’ve seen.” you murmur softly. “It really is another world.”

“It is another world,” Asha confirms. “That is why I choose to stand between them, to be a bridge anda guide.The life and brilliance here is growing. There’s more places like this around the world. Almost like the earth is showing herself to us.”

“Like Starfall?” You ask.

“I’m glad you came today and got to meet her.” Asha says brightly. “So you can understand that this growth here is not a means to choke out the life outside, but to make it better.” She breathes in deeply. “To heal.”

You so awed by her that you’re startled by your phone ringing. “It’s Nemo.” You ay confused. “How is there service-” You cut off your own thought to answer it. “Hello?”

“There’s a desk being delivered here. What is it for?”

You furrow your brow. “A desk?”

Asha asks for your phone to answer. “It’s a gift for our new apartment. Our girl loved it so much, so I bought it from my sister for her. So it goes in her room.”

“Asha!” You try to fuss but she won’t let you. 

“He wants to speak to you again.” Asha giggles excitedly.

“The apartment will be done this weekend, so when you come home, we can start moving in.” Nemo deep voice sends chills down your spine as he delivers the wonderful news.