Episode 6: Apprehension Plus

Today's episode is over 400 words, a bit longer than usual. It needed to be as it gets into the nitty gritty of the plot.

Synchro

She was patient with him.
“You know things Synchro Reed and refuse to acknowledge what you know. As a result you’re unable to find your life partner. She’s waiting in the wings though she doesn’t know it. As soon as you accept your ability and begin using it she’ll find you and you’ll have great happiness.” She spooned tea-leaves into the teapot and poured in boiling water. Sync didn’t understand why she always covered the teapot with that washed-up tea-stained cosy while the tea brewed. It was thirty degrees in the shade. The tea wasn’t likely to cool before she got to pour it. Must be habit.
“And this ‘ability’ of mine is?”
“You have one of the greatest gifts of all. You can look at a person, anyone and know everything about them, right from the day they were born to the day they’ll die.” She poured their tea into her favourite tea cups with matching saucers. She carefully placed one drink in front of Sync. He spooned sugar from the old crystal sugar bowl into his tea, stirred and sipped. He was oddly comforted with Edith’s old fashioned tea ritual.
“The thought of doing that scares the crap out of me.” His skin prickled with goosebumps.
“You get used to being different. Most people will never know you’re doing it,” Edith added trying to put his mind at ease.
“What about my parents? They already think I’m strange because I have no interest in cars or motors. And my brother and sister, what if they find out. Hey aren’t twins supposed to know what each other is thinking?”
“When was the last time you talked to Mesh about her intuition?” said the old lady.
“Never.”
Edith raised her eyebrows.
“You mean she can already do this stuff?”
Edith flashed a knowing half smile.
“And your brother?”
“Conrod keeps to himself a lot.”
“Ever wondered why?” The old lady gently placed her cup on its saucer.
Sync’s jaw dropped.
“Of all your family you’re the slowest off the mark in your evolutionary development. Your siblings are way ahead of you.”
“Oh,” was all he could manage.
Edith saw confusion, fear, surprise and apprehension cross his face. It was decision making time. She thought she knew which road he’d choose.
She’d have to wait and see if she was right.

Continued…

By Diane L Wood
Writer