stands slightly ajar, just enough for the strong breeze to escape. Sheets of white paper with blue and black ink stick, tightly wedged, between the door and frame. This is bad.
How long did it take you and your dad to fix his memories?
“A—a month.”
And his fit in a box?
Taylor nods.
How big?
Taylor spaces her hands about 18 inches wide and then 12 inches high. Great.
“I’m sorry.”
It’s not your fault. If anything, I should thank you.
“Thank me?”
If it weren’t for your traps, I never would have realized someone had—had played 52 card pickup with my memories.
“Oh. I’m sure you would have, eventually.”
Sure. But it probably would have been too late.
“So, those other people’s memories, you’re trying to figure out how to stop this?”
And how did you know that?
“Sorry. I peeked at some of your files. Don’t be mad.”
I’m not mad. Yes, I am trying to—
Find the Cause.
Find the Source.
Find the Beginning.
“Do you need help? Cleaning the mess?”
Thank you, but if it took you and your dad a month to fix only a small box worth, this could take years. I can’t keep you from your mom, from your body that long.
“We could travel with you, help you collect memories, fix yours.” Taylor says.
The idea is appealing. Help would be appreciated. But looking deep into her mind, I know I can’t accept.
“I’ve been able to keep it at bay.”
I know. But helping me would only wear down your defenses. This is going to be a taxing job. You’ve already used too much power today. You need to rest, not use it for weeks. Maybe a month.
“But you could save the world.”
Not at your expense.
“But…”
I’ll be fine. I can do this. I’ll figure it out, how to save the world, and you.
Taylor nods and wipes the few tears dripping from her eyes.
Now go back to your mom, find a car, and keep away from the cities. And stop using your powers for a while.
Taylor hugs me tight. As she holds me, I can sense copies of her and Mary’s memories enter my files. She’s pushing herself too much, giving way for the virus to grow and spread.
Time to go, Taylor.
I begin to expel her from my mind.
“Wait.”
Sorry.
“Look for the hero—look for Alex Wonder!
Before she’s gone, I let her know I heard—that I understand. Alex Wonder: The Hero—Got it. I hope she listens and takes a break from using her psychic abilities. Someone that young doesn’t need to suffer like those jumpers. But to be sure, I’ll try and keep tabs on her and her mother from time to time.
Find the Cause.
Find the Source.
Find the Beginning.
I know. I know. At least now I have a step in the right direction. That is one giant box, though. Real big box. Wonder who could have done this to me?
Find the Cause.
Find the Source.
Find the Beginning.
Right, priorities first. Everything else will follow in time.
Reseal the door so nothing can spill out. Have to keep it contained. No windows. Where—where—where. Hmm. Only option is the roof, wherever that starts. I’ll just drop in from the top, hope I don’t get buried, and organize. All right then, let’s see what we can find on Alex Wonder.
To be continued in The Spiral Effect: Alex Wonder
Excerpt from The Spiral Effect: Alex Wonder—Available Now.
Inkblots melt into flesh while scribbled thoughts radiate sound.
The Spiral Effect Page 6
