Page 41 of Dreaming

Particularly men.

He was exiting a room like Nia’s when Dennis was taking her for a walk. The man stumbled back and pressed the front of his body to the wall.

Nia let go of Dennis’ hand and went to him. “Colin, it’s alright. This is Dennis. He wouldn’t hurt you. I’d never bring anyone into the bunker who’d hurt you.” She spoke calmly. “Let’s sing your song. I love your song.”

Nia started singing the periodic table song and after the first few lines, he joined her. She extended her hand and he took it. She tugged him gently away from the wall.

He was lanky, taller than Nia, with reddish brown hair and bright blue eyes. There was a jagged scar along one side of his neck.

Dennis wondered what happened to him. Considering Nia’s story, he was also afraid to know what he’d endured.

They finished the song and the man didn’t make eye contact as he said, “I-I’m Colin. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you, Colin. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Dennis laughed. “Tildy screamed the first time she saw me.”

“T-Tildy? Really?” He rubbed his temple. “If Tildy was startled then, m-maybe it’s not so rude that I was.”

“Of course not, Colin,” Nia said gently. “Were you on your way to the café?” He nodded. “Would you mind if we walked with you?” He shook his head. “Where would you prefer we be to make you less nervous?”

“In front.” He rubbed his temple again. “I’ll stay back.”

“Perfect. We can sit at the same table, down from each other, so you can ask Dennis questions and get to know him.”

“I-I’d like that,” Colin answered shyly.

His woman lived a fascinating life.

* * *

Over his weeks spent in the Tank, Dennis explored every inch of it with Nia. The facility was functional but great care had been taken to make it beautiful as well.

The bunker was clearly equipped to protect the valuable members of the Think Tank indefinitely if needed.

There were twenty suites like Nia’s on the same level. Below them were equipment rooms and massive storage areas for supplies.

All the support staff and amenities were positioned between the people with the big brains and the surface. Dennis thought it was to guard them if the place was invaded.

It drove home the seriousness of the work done here and made him both frightened for and proud of Nia for doing it.

At the end of his third week, Dennis was accustomed to the routines she maintained when on site. There was an easy rhythm to her days that allowed her to recover.

He imagined it was excellent for concentration during assignments as well.

Leaning against the wall, he waited for Nia to finish the regular appointment with her therapist. When she was at the Tank, she had an appointment every three days if she wasn’t in the deepest part of her assignment.

The glass room positioned in the center of the wide hallway normally glowed with greenery and artificial sunlight. During appointments, the shades were drawn.

No matter how strong Dennis planned to be for the woman he loved - her ability to talk to a professional was critical for her overall mental health.

Every aspect of her wellbeing was important to him. He never wanted to doubt her again.

Hollow appeared beside him in his usual tactical gear. He was currently armed to the teeth. “I hear excellent things about you, Dennis.”

“Uh, thank you…”

“Apologies for the hardware. I’m heading out with my team.”

“Ah. Still not quite used to that.”

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