Page 68 of Collin: Episodes 7-9
“What?”
Mr. Reevesworth stepped out of the shower and started toweling off. “You can tell what kind of environment people are used to by how they move. People who live in small, cramped spaces are used to making small, careful movements, keeping their arms and legs tucked in. People who expect space around them take longer strides and make wider sweeps with their arms and legs. Since you moved out of your cupboard and this house, you’ve gotten used to having enough space to move freely. You’ve gotten faster because you’re not navigating.”
“Oh.” Collin turned off the water and unfolded his towel.
“It’s a sign of wealth and freedom or poverty and restriction that people don’t realize they are communicating to those around them. Some people purposely make their movements bigger to intimidate, but when it’s an act, it shows.”
“How did you learn this?”
“My all-but-dissertation was in psychology. Physical movement and nonverbal communication were a large part of my research.”
“Is this part of me becoming fundamentally unsuited to what I was before?”
“Yes. And no. Eventually, if you want to, you could learn to switch between body movement here and body movement in The Residency. Much like Émeric and I have learned to switch between body movement in various places.”
Dr. Ryker was running late. Collin had time to fully dry his hair and fold a load of towels after his shower before her car rattled up outside. Alice ran down the stairs wearing a little black dress and a pair of combat boots with anime swords hanging from her ears. She’d done her makeup to match with blue lips and blue eyeshadow.
“You look great.” Collin waved at her outfit. “I know someone who would adore that look.”
“Oh? Is it that vampire person Mom met?”
“Ellisandre, yes.” Collin hurried to the door at the sound of footsteps and opened it. Dr. Ryker was on the other side.
“Hello, son.”
“Hi, Mom.”
She stepped inside, looked around the living room, over to Mr. Reevesworth, and then to Alice. “That dress is too short.”
Alice pulled up the hem, showing a pair of biker shorts in dark green. “I’m covered.”
“Everyone is going to think you’re a hooker.”
Alice pressed her lips together.
Collin swallowed and stepped forward. “Hey, Mom. Let me take your bag.”
Dr. Ryker pulled her shoulder back. “I’ve got it. And since I see you all decided to dress up, I guess I need to change. How much time do I have?”
Embarrassment, the bad kind, crept up Collin’s cheeks. “Reservations are for seven. We should leave in about fifteen minutes.”
Dr. Ryker shook her head. “Collin, how many times do I have to tell you ask before you make commitments for other people? Excuse me, Reevesworth, I know I should say hello, but I don’t want to make us late.”
She pushed past everyone and clomped down the hall to her room.
Collin’s eyes fell to the floor.
“Well, that went well,” Alice hissed. She stomped past Collin and out the front door.
“Let’s get some air,” Mr. Reevesworth whispered. He nudged Collin around and out the door after Alice.
It did smell better outside. If only he never had to go back in, then he would be able to breathe.
“You can always safe word, Collin. And I will always get you out.”
Collin wrapped his arms around himself. “I don’t think my mother will listen.”
“She doesn’t have to. But neither do we have to stay.”
