Part Three – Cribbage Melapis
Chapter 1 – A Sad Day
No sooner had we "launched" Dad as an Immortal, than Uncle Risk began to feel faint.
I didn't realize what was going on at first. I had intended to do some flirting with Marlene before going off to work. It wasn't until I saw her sobbing that I figured out Uncle Risk had done more than just faint.
And then Grim came and made it official.
Here's the portrait Dad painted of Uncle Risk in happier times.
And I suppose this is a good place to show the portrait that Dad painted of Chess.
She was mostly concentrating on the computer during all of this. I think what happens there is more real to her than what's going on in our world.
Before leaving, Grim took a moment to remind Grandma that she had better keep up with her ambrosia or he'd be coming for her next. She just laughed at him.
We've all been sad, but Marlene has been really sad. "I was just getting to know him and now he's gone," she sniffed. Dad and Grandma tried to console her, but there wasn't much they could say.
Even when she was sad, Marlene was still beautiful.
I tried to tell her that, but she told me she wasn't ready to hear any compliments.
So I concentrated on work for a while. I really love my job. Every day, there's some new piece of equipment I get to work on. First of all, there's the analyzer, which enables me to get elements (a necessity since the post office is on strike and will only deliver bills). Then there's the chemistry lab, where I can make serums.
I think the invention constructor is going to become my favorite. I can even become friends with it.
And finally, there's the rocket ship. I opened one wooden crate, about the size of a microwave and boom! A whole rocket appeared. It's like those self-inflating airbeds, only it's made out of metal. I'd love to figure out how they packed it all in that box.
And finally, when I've done all my tasks for the day, I can go fishing. How cool is that?
One evening when I got home, I managed to persuade Marlene to go on a date with me.
We went to the park, where I put my arm around her. Not very original, I know.
When we got home, I suggested that we soak in the hot tub for a few minutes, just to wind down. I told her that even though she's beautiful with her new hair style, I really like the old way, too, with her cathode and anode knobs.
The next thing I knew, she had submerged and was beckoning to me with her finger.
I thought she was just going to tickle me, but...well...all I can say is that we made that hot tub boil.
The next morning she slipped into the bathroom while I was eating breakfast.
She had some surprising news for me – wonderful news, of course, but surprising. I don't know if I'm ready to become a dad yet, but I guess I've got a little time to prepare.
