The Peacock 1483

"How about you, Jason", says Francois, and it seems that he is taking quite an interest in both our friends right now. "About the same as Sable. I was already doing a lot of stage acting, though I was also waitering in a tea room in Victoria. It was very twee. Kitty corner from the Empress hotel." "The thing is", says Lazarus to Carl, "Jason and I have both been thinking and talking about this, and, we greatly greatly apprecite how generous you are and have been towards us, but..." "..But you want your independence", says Carl, who appears to be struggling not to let his lower lip tremble. "But we still want to be associated with you guys", says Jason. "You have become for both of us our real family." "We also want to give back", says Lazarus. "This is going to be more than a little complicated...for both of you", says Francois. "You are both in your forties and haven't worked at a job in twenty years, and you Jason, look extremely young for your age, so you might have a bit of a struggle convincing an employer of how old you really are, but that could even work to your advantange." "How about college or vocational training", says Carl. "We couldn't afford it," says Lazarus. "But I can..."

The Peacock 1482

"I'd really like to start working again", says Jason. "How long have you been out of the work force?" say I. "Too long." "Me too", says Lazarus. "Have both of you worked since coming to live in community?" says Francois. "My last job was waitering in a café at Library Square downtown", says Lazarus. "Blenz", say I. "The Green Room." "That place has been closed for years." "Just as well", he says. The owner was one nasty bitch." "When was the last year that you worked", says Carl. "2001." "twenty years ago", says Francois....

The Peacock 1481

I don't really feel like talking further abot Erik. He is entitled to his privacy, and the others will have plenty of opportunity to get to know him in person. "So this neighbour of yours is coming over to give haircuts", says Jason. "That's the idea, anyway", say I. "How much does she charge?" I exchange a glance with Carl. "I suppose she does expect to be paid." "Don't worry about it", says Carl. "Daddy Carl to the rescue", says Francois, before taking a prolonged sip of his latte. "And don't you forget it it young man", says Carl, chuckling...

The Peacock 1480

Carl and Francois and I have opted to go walking with Jason and Lazarus. Naomi and Cynthia have already left with Amanda. Jesús, Jeffery and George have volunteered to stay behind to do cleanup, and I trust that Sarah and Carol will be both pitching in. Not sure about Carol, who definitely seems to prefer being served over serving others. We shouldn't be gone long, not because I don't trust them without my presence in my father's house, but so that no one feels abandoned. We have walked towards the village and now Lazarus wants to stop in the café for a few minutes. We haven't really been talking a lot, but perhaps while sitting together, everyone will put their phones away long enough for a decent chat. As if... There are two baristas on board right now, a girl who could be Chinese, Korean or Japanese, and a young Latino man with a thick Spanish accent. "how long can we stay", says Jason, just after his first sip of his americano." "Forever, as far as I'm concerned", say I. "Totally agreed", concurs Carl. "Francois?" "Ditto." "I have just bought a vintage Victorian era mansion in New Westminster, if that would be preferable." Jason and Lazarus look at each other, then Lazarus says, "My daughter lives just on the boundary between New West in Burnaby. That would be perfect for us." "I expect that Carl and Francois will be staying here at my father's house with me. Along with my brother in law Erik." "You have a brother-in-law?" says Jason. "He's in quarantne right now in a Richmond hotel, but will be moving here as soon as he's out..."

The Peacock 1479

Everyone seems a bit dozy now. The superabundance of food and the profound and weird places our conversations have taken us in have rendered everyone in a collective coma. Carol is chattering listlessly with Sarah, but everyone else seems distracted either by their smartphones or a sudden need to doze quietly in place. Carl, who was exchanging a word or too with George, looks up at me. "I don't think we'll be eating dinner tonight." "There seems to be a lot of food left", say I. Melissa looks up from her phone. You're all welcome to finish the leftovers", she says, getting up. "You're not leaving already are you", says Carl. "It's a two hour drive", she says flatly. "if I go now I should get back by seven thirty. Sheila was wanting help in the kitchen. Says no one else seems available, except Jenn, but she already takes on way too much. As usual, the women end up doing everything, and if the men could get away with it, we'd be wiping their asses for them." She leaves without saying goodbye. Francois, now awake from his mini nap, is looking at his phone. "Text from Chelsea", he says. "Wants to know if she can come in an hour." "That should be okay", say I. "What about us?" says Lazarus, puttiing his phone on his knee. "You're both staying here tonight, and longer if you want. There are beds made up in the basement, and it's pretty decently appointed so you should be comfortable here." "I would love to go for a walk", says Jason. "Anyone else.."

The Peacock 1478

They've been pretty strict here but at least we are allowed to go outside. Our public health officer for the province is super popular and she has been able to balance common sense with compassion, fairness and caution." "Fouteen days trapped inside a fucking hotel room is not my idea of compassion." "This is your fourth day? "Fifth." "Hang in there, you'll be out in a week and a half." "Chris, is there any way you could get me out of here" "No. Sorry." "Maybe your friend Carl could use his wealth and influence..." "Don't even think it. We hae enough going on right now without running afoul of the law." "But I don't even have it. I tested negative." "Don't matter. Our hospitals and long term care and icu units are already past breaking point. No one is taking any chances." "Meanie." "Well, sorry." "No worries. Well, Jesus is here with me, even if you can see him and I can't, but I feel him with me. Thank you so much Chris." There is a knock on the door. "Yes." "Did you fall asleep?" says Carl. "We need you right now." "Your wish is my command." I have just stopped at saying "yes master." "You are being summoned", says Erik. "Fraid so. Hey, Erik, would you like me to read to you a bit later?" "Sure , what time?" "Around seven? "I should be finished dinner by then." "How's the food?". "Not too bad... for Canadian..."

The Peacock 1477

"He had a total psychotice break, then collapsed completely. He was in a near catatonic state for several weeks." "I am not surprised to hear that", muses Erik. "You mentioned that lLindstrom is some kind of supernatual being." "Nephalim. A human and angel hybrid." "How old would he be?" "Apparently he hasn't aged noticeably in decades. How long have you and Greta known him?" "At least twenty years. You know, he has also been hospitalized in Sweden, twice that I know of in Stockholm, once in Malmo. Chris, do you think that Lindstrom is just simply crazy? I mean, bat shit." "I would imageine he is that too. But there is also all that weird supernatural shit. I told you about my dream a couple of nights ago, when he tried to break into my house." "That is truly strange." "Any word about him now that he's back in Sweden." "He is all over the news. He is being hailed as an anti covid hero, flouting the pandemic rules in order to make his trip to Canada. And he is in forensic custody, because there are also a lot of Swedes with common sense who don't buy that bullshit. Especially after the covid infection rate skyrocketed last year because they wouldn't impose a lockdown....