Page 38 of What Makes an Alien a Dad?

“HI WALTER,

Thank you so much for your letters. Somehow, you always manage to say all the right things that I need to hear, making me feel better.

I don’t know where all of this will lead at the end. But I love hearing from you. It makes me feel less alone. Mom writes too, of course, whenever she can. But it’s not very often. She’s very busy with my baby nieces. My brother is working a lot, and his wife is taking night classes. Mom is helping them with the twins. She’s there every single day, even on the weekends.

Things got more exciting here in Voran. I make regular trips outside the hospital and not just to go shopping. Though, Voranian fashion is the cutest. You’d never let me wear anything so tacky back home. But here, bright colors are all the rage.

I wonder if the reason for their love of colors is because Voranians are a kind of monochromatic people themselves. They’re gray from head to toe...I mean, to hoof. Everything is gray—their fur, horns, faces. So, they make their homes and clothes as bright as possible to bring color into their lives. I love it about them.

The hospital is rather subdued in terms of color, though. For hygienic reasons, it has no flowers in most rooms. Only in some hallways, the atrium, and the roof terrace.

But once you step out, the world looks like a Pixar movie.

I’ve been to two different shopping malls and several outdoor parks. The weather is great—warm and sunny. The flowers started blooming almost as soon as the snow melted. And now, the summer is in full swing.

Maybe that’s why my mood has improved, too. Winter is often depressing everywhere.

It helps that I now have company more often, too. Professor Thormus, the head of this study, is the one who takes me out. He’s such a nice person. Smart and kind. Everyone loves him. People literally come to him on the streets all the time to thank him for his work, and he generously offers help. He’s a brilliant doctor. With him, I’m in good hands.

How are you, Walter? How is the store doing? I assume it’s okay since you never write to me about the store anymore. It must be a good thing because most of what you wrote before was about your fighting with the staff. I hope you guys found common ground and learned to work together.

What are you doing in your free time? I’m sorry I’m not there, and I hope you aren’t too bored going places alone.

Write to me about everything and keep writing as often as you can. I love getting letters from you.”

Chapter 13

Maya

“Dear Maya,

I’m so glad you’re feeling better. It makes me truly happy that you’re enjoying your time in Voran.

You have to take care of yourself. It hurts me that I’m not there to help you more, but please let your professor know if you need anything at all.

I doubt he’s as nice a person as you write he is. I’ve noticed you tend to see the best in people. But it is his job to look after you and provide you with whatever you need while you’re in his care. Sadly, he doesn’t always seem to know what’s best for you. I suspect he doesn’t spend much time socializing with people. So please, don’t hesitate to tell him what you need.

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