Page 9 of Unruly
Farnsworth nods, but his blank expression makes it clear he’s clueless.
“I’ll play you some,” I say.
“Very well. As far as clothing is concerned, what do you suggest?”
I gesture to myself. “Jeans and t-shirts work. You’ll just blend in.”
His expression is full of horror as he looks me up and down. I’d swear he actually blanches. “Surely, there must an in between.”
“Yeah, sure. You can wear slacks and a nice shirt.”
Farnsworth snaps his fingers and a black figure appears. “Bring me some choices—slacks and a nice shirt from the current Above era.”
The figure nods then dissipates, returning just seconds later with an armful of clothes. Farnsworth takes the clothes, spreading the garments out on the table. There are numerous pairs of tailored slacks in different colors and a variety of shirts, from the traditional button-up to silky polo styles.
Farnsworth flips through his choices, pausing to consider before selecting a baby blue polo shirt and charcoal gray pants.
“How is this?”
“That works.”
I blink and suddenly Farnsworth is dressed in new clothes. I stumble back a step, grabbing the edge of a chair for balance. “How did you do that?”
He offers a hint of a smile. “I’m very fast. Everything is different down here.”
“Clearly.”
Farnsworth exhales, glancing around. “Well, I suppose we’d better make our way to the Above. We have work to do.
“Will it hurt?”
“No.”
Something about his delivery is less than convincing, but I guess this is my only option.
“I’m ready, I guess.”
Surprising me, Farnsworth takes my hand. Before I can react, the room blurs and I stumble closer to the man as the world spins around me. We’re dropped into pitch darkness as pressure squeezes around me for a moment, then it releases, and we’re standing in my living room.
“Whoa.”
Farnsworth releases me, glancing around my shabby apartment. He looks uncomfortable and I immediately feel defensive.
“It’s not much, but this is a great neighborhood and the rent is decent.”
Farnsworth turns to me, a placid expression on his face. “I have no judgment of you, I’m just orienting myself. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been Above.”
“Oh. Do you need water or anything?”
“My mortal needs won’t kick in for a bit, but thank you.”
“Huh? You don’t eat or drink?”
“Not in the Revival House, but my needs will change the longer I’m up here.”
“Can I eat?”
“Yes. You weren’t dead long enough to lose it.”
