Page 63 of Malliko
“What is a taboo?” Lios asked.
Nerix must have explained it to him telepathically because Lios nodded and made a “Hmm” sound.
“It’s fascinating how their strong emotions have shaped their society. Most predominant among them is the fear of rejection,which explains why they’re scared to risk being vulnerable,” I said.
“No wonder humans are a protected species. They sound much more complicated than I could have imagined.” Lios stared at me with an intense gaze. “Show me the part of your memory from after she peaked and until she left your apartment.”
“All of it?” I moved in my seat a little.
Lios nodded. “Yes. If you tamper with it, I’ll know.”
Mixing memories with wishful thinking wasn’t uncommon and some used their imagination to alter memories or expand on what happened. An Ugon like Lios wouldn’t fall for any of that.
Closing my eyes to focus, I replayed how Clara had orgasmed with me between her legs. How we cuddled up and talked afterward.
“Do you miss Lichtenstein?” she asked and caressed my arm.
“No, not really. I haven’t been here long enough to feel homesick.”
“Are things very different from here?”
“People look almost the same, but the fashion is different and the culture too.”
“How is your culture different?”
“For one, the food is different, and we love to travel. Most men in my generation leave home to work… ehh… abroad. That’s why the political system is run mainly by women and older men.”
Clara stopped stroking my arm. “Interesting. Are people very religious?”
“No. Why?”
“Oh, I thought maybe it was a part of your religion that young men had to travel. You know, like a pilgrimage.”
“No, it’s more of a tradition and a cultural praxis. Women travel too but often for different reasons.”
“What do you mean?”
“Women travel to see and experience, while men go on missions to better themselves. They might study abroad or work to help some other… ehm… country.”
“But if everybody goes away then who repopulates your country?”
I smiled. “We come back after we’ve traveled. Somehow it works itself out.”
Her skin was warm and soft as Clara lay in my arms. “Are you and Tania having children soon?”
“No.”
“You don’t want children?” she asked.
“Maybe one day. Do you have children?”
“Yes, two twin boys, but they’re almost sixteen and I hardly ever see them. They live with their father and are way too busy to come visit their mom.”
I picked up on the sadness behind the words and kissed the top of her head. “Boys are like that in my culture too. We also leave home early, but it doesn’t change that we carry the bond to our mothers in our hearts.”
She was quiet for a moment and then she looked into my eyes. “Are you very close to your mom?”
“I would say that we have a healthy relationship. We enjoy spending time together when we have the opportunity, but she has her busy life and I have mine.”
