The Blue Mountain Review Issue 13

“Fantastic,” Bob said. “I see the world like no one else can. Except dogs. And we’re pretty close ‘cuz of it. I got five big ones and they gonna outlive me!”

The conversation never ventured to Kevin’s condition, and he knew why. He avoided Dr. Wylan’s eyes the whole time.

“Well, Sergeant,” the doctor finally said, “thank you for your time. You’ve lived an incredible life.”

Bob snorted. “You talk like I’m already gone. Help me up, will ya!”

Bob left and Dr. Wylan faced Kevin, said nothing, his red-pepper eyebrows smirking.

“I know why you did that,” Kevin said.

Dr. Wylan grinned like an old friend does when he tells an inside joke. He busied himself at the counter. “Did you know the praying mantis can see at least four times the colors we can? Colors we can’t dream of. Worlds we can’t comprehend. Except it’s all the same world. Our world. The praying mantis just sees it different than the rest of us.”

The doctor turned to Kevin. “I once found a praying mantis hanging by one limb off the edge of my balcony. Like a ninja. Amazing. I poked him and his body was totally stiff. He was dead. He couldn’t pull himself up, so he just hung on, and died like that.

“And I wonder, maybe, if he didn’t want to let go, because he didn’t want to give up living. Because the world, with all those extra colors, was that beautiful to him.”

Dr. Wylan handed Kevin a bag. “This is our last meeting. Of course, I’ll always be happy to help you with other ailments, problems, what have you. But I can’t help you anymore with your technivision.

But hopefully, what’s in the bag will take you further.”

Kevin offered his hand. “Thank you.”

The doctor shook it warmly. “Pleasure, Kevin.” And with that he sprang from the room and down the hall.

Kevin opened the bag and stared into it for a full minute. Then he left the office and called Jenna when he got to his car.

“It’s Jenna.”

A more formal greeting. He knew he deserved it.

“Hey. It’s me. What’re you doing right now?”

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. Jenna kept her voice light. “I have plans.”

“Well. You think maybe I could come over?”

“Now?” Issue 13 | Blue Mountain Review | 99