The Cypher’s Kiss: A Choice Based Short Story

KILL THE FREELANCER

The decision took time but, once it was made, it felt right, even merciful. Plus, love has eluded you for so long. If it wasn’t for Ammien, you might be the one that dies.

The injured Freelancer lay in her flat, having been moved there once she was out of the danger of imminent death. She would be more comfortable here, better able to sleep, interrupted only by silent caretakers who come by to check on her, to bathe and try to feed her.

You and Ammien stand at the foot of the Freelancer's cot. The coma already makes her look quite dead. Her eyes are not only closed, but swollen and indistinct from the rest of the puffed-up wound that is her face. Her crushed skull means that she will never fly again.

"She'll probably die anyway," you whisper. Ammien agrees.

She’s better off at peace," Ammien says. "It's what she would want."

You aren’t as steady as your love, but you murmur your agreement. What if the Freelancer regains consciousness and reveals your secret only to die from her injuries anyway? A slow, lingering, painful death. That seems very probable, and what good would come of that? This is for the best. For all three of you.

Ammien squeezes your hand — and then, while you keep watch at the door, they take a pillow and hold it tightly over the injured Freelancer's face. The Freelancer moans but barely struggles.

Over the next few months, you and Ammien are very happy, quietly happy. Having learned your lesson, you make sure that you never work together again by pretending in public that you hate one another. You push down the fact that it’s still incredibly irresponsible and dangerous, because the life that you share makes it all worthwhile.

No two people have ever been more perfect for one another or have ever been more in love.

THE END
Return to the “Prelude" to choose a different path..

Special thanks to Jay Watamaniuk, Ryan Cormier, Jeffrey Campbell, Mary Kirby, Amanda Kelsko, and Karin Weekes.