Pearl

I turn over in bed and lie down in every position imaginable. I still can't get to sleep. Angrily I bang my fist on the mattress and jump up.

This is ridiculous!

I put on my glasses and looked around.

Maybe... no Pearl! You're not!

But... No!

I'm dueling with myself. That irritating little voice that keeps saying "What if...".

Silently I get up and grab the folder. If it contains an address, I'll go. 

I flip it open and scan the lines with my eyes. And there, at the very bottom, in small print, is the address.

Astonished, I look up. It really is there. I read it again just to be sure. 174 Ferris Street. Yes, that's a street name.

I grab my bag and quickly stuff the folder into it. Then my mobile phone and then I change clothes.

The sun is just rising outside. I have my folder ready and look back at my house. Then I cross the street, walking at a good pace. A postman looks at me in confusion, but says nothing. Apart from a few lorries, the street was quiet.

Let's have a look. I am here now. I point with my finger and nod. And I have to go there. My finger glides over the road and stops at a large aeroplane. That should be possible. Another hour or so.

Yes, this is it. I'm there. Gamer technology. I can't believe my dad got me a game.

I grab the folder from my bag and walk to the door to punch in the first code. A buzzer sounds and I walk in. Someone is sitting at the bar and stands up as soon as I come into view. I look at my phone and see that it is ten past six in the morning.

"Can I help you?" 

Yes, can you give my dad back on? He's somewhere in heaven. I don't say this out loud, of course.

"I'm looking for..." I take the folder and open it.

"The Happiness Project?" I look at her questioningly. She shakes her head and rubs her hands together.

"It hasn't been active for years."

"I know that. But I'm looking for where the project is."

The woman is clearly in doubt. An unknown girl comes to ask about a project that has been dormant for years. Finally she shrugs and points to a large door in the corner.

"Through that door, second corridor on the left and this code." She points at my sheet and walks away. My legs run without me telling them to.

When I finally arrive, I stop. I put my hand on the door and leaned my forehead against the hard metal.

Here I am, father. I came for you and I will stay for you.

Then I enter the code and gain access to a world full of things never before designed.

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Voilà.

Pearl is at her father's lifework and I am at the beginning of her adventure. 

I'm sorry. BUUUUUUTTTT now you have a reason to come back!

Love you all

XXX