January 28th 2627

We had been in Black Elm for several weeks now. I had been enjoying our stay despite our hectic schedules with our group projects related to seahorses, dolphins, algae, the Kulambas, and the disability community on this planet. We finally had a day off and we just wanted to let loose. Hamza pitched the idea of exploring the shopping mall a short walk away from our bungalow, so I accompanied him along with Moira, Nardhia, and Rain.

We found an ice cream shop and Moira having sweet tooth meant she couldn't help but be curious about it. To our amazement, the shop also sold dairy-free gelato and fruity sorbet. This was perfect for Hamza, who didn't like anything made with milk. He got himself two big scoops of pistachio-flavored gelato, which he shared with me.

Everything seemed to be going well. When we all had to take the elevator to go beyond the ground floor, however, we realized Amethyst Mall wasn't the best place to be for people with impaired sight like Hamza.

Back at the Blue Orchid University, all elevators were equipped with the Braille-equivalent of floor numbers and whenever the elevators stop there would be an audio announcement of which floor the elevator has stopped at. There was no such arrangement anywhere in Amethyst Mall.

Hamza did not seem bothered by this jarring discrepancies, but when we finally sat down for lunch at a local bistro, which unfortunately did not have a Braille menu, he went on a tirade about how the general public in Amethyst archipelago didn't seem to perceive the importance of making public spaces accessible to blind people through universal design.

"We have ramps for people on wheelchairs and we have closed captioning devices in theaters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing. We even have sensory-friendly screening of movies for autistic children, so what is so difficult about being considerate of the blind community? Are we any less human? What the hell, it is 2627 and yet we live as if it is still fucking 2021 or something!"

"Is it rude if I want to know how you became blind?" Moira whispered uncertainly, not wanting to offend him anymore than he already was.

"Well, if we just met and that question about my vision impairment was the first thing that came out of your mouth, then yeah. Since you asked nicely, though, it's okay." The boy shrugged before taking a deep breath. "I got my retina detached in an accident. I was maybe six or seven, could be even younger."

"You were five and a half," Rain's computerized voice interrupted. "I was in the accident with you too, remember?"

"Oh yeah, you were, and yet you survived it unscathed. Biggest mystery of our lives."

"Have you ever... Been angry at Rain for surviving while you lost your eyesight?" Moira hesitated.

"Angry at my dearest cousin? Why, Moira, they were as traumatized by that accident as I was! It took both of us a long time to be okay again around cars."

"Of course. Stupid question." The girl muttered under her breath. "So you were just a small child when it happened. How did you adjust to life in the darkness?"

"Badly. Very badly." Hamza's short answer startled everyone who had expected a more eloquent explanation. "I knew if my parents were rich I could have gotten an artificial retina. I spent several months accusing my parents of not loving me enough."

"Ouch. That's an understandable response for a kid, though. I'm curious, however, didn't health insurance cover medically necessary equipment?" Moira wondered.

"Health insurance on my planet is a joke. Well, in this entire planetary system, to be fair. My family was too broke to pay for assistive devices out of pocket yet too middle class to qualify for any discount."

"We need a second interplanetary civil war," I jokingly commented. "The first civil war resulted in an academy for the disabled, right? Imagine what another one could do."

"Nardho, watch your mouth!" Nardhia frowned at me. "A war isn't a subject to be approached carelessly. You should have known better, especially since your own girlfriend lost her folks in the aftermath of that war." She turned to Moira. "I'm sorry on behalf of him. He can be too blunt but I'm sure he meant no harm."

Moira did not reply to my twin and was instead fiddling with her chopsticks.

"Shit..." I buried my face in my hands. "Shit, honey, I was being a jerk. Punch me or something, don't just stand there while I'm being a douchebag."

"I don't mind a civil war if it that's what it takes for people like Hamza to be taken seriously," she looked up with fire in her eyes. "It seems all of the most important social changes in our history started with a war, anyway."

"I don't want more wars," Hamza shook his head. "I simply want to find a way to address social inequity. Speaking of, we need to rehearse our group speech in front of our professors before our upcoming meeting with the chiefs of Crystal Lilacs tribe. Vannie, Alex, and Izumi already double-checked the validity, reliability, and relevance of our most recent statistics. I'm sure that given our extensive preparation we can make a convincing case of why the local disabled community has to be given an outlet to voice their opinions regarding the construction of the new Kulambas sanctuary. We might even get the chance to suggest how a thoroughly disabled-friendly citizen science pilot program about the Kulambas should be carried out on all levels from elementary schools to colleges."

"I'm all for rehearsal!" Moira exclaimed before high-fiving everyone. "I'm sure our professors would have plenty of feedback to help us run the meeting smoothly. We are in this stage where we just need to finalize our talking points, right?"

"Yeah, we just need to strategize!" I replied. "For now, though, let's enjoy the rest of our day off before the real work begin."

----

Once my friends and I came back to the bungalow after our exploration of Amethyst Mall, I grabbed Moira and the two of us stole some time alone by the lagoon behind it. That was the plan but we were soon joined by Akira.

"Hey guys, it's nice to see you out enjoying yourselves," she greeted us. "Am I intruding?"

"Not at all, we weren't doing anything and are just about to chill!" Moira replied. "Do you come to the lagoon often?"

"Often enough, yes. I usually visit the lagoon to collect samples of the aquatic life but today I'm just here to lose myself in thought. I welcome the company, though."

"This is a good place to think," I nodded. "Say, Akira, do you believe in the power of meditation? I've tried to meditate but I just can't keep my mind empty."

"I'm not sure if that really is the goal, emptying your mind," she stroked her chin. "Maybe the goal is just to be introspective of whatever it is you're meditating about. Anyway, there's something I wanna show you guys!" she pointed to the seaside cave several feet from where we were standing.

Once inside the cave, the roof of which was partially open and allowed the sunlight to filter through, I was mesmerized by how it had tidal pools. Moira squatted down to get a closer look.

"Hey honey, this pool has some mussels!" she exclaimed as she tried to pick one up. "Wonder if it is okay to take some back with us. Tony would probably love to have grilled mussels."

"Eh, I'm not sure if it's safe to eat wild mussels," I turned to Akira and she laughed. "See? Akira thinks you're funny."

"No, I'm laughing because I think Moira is cute! But Nardho is right, girlie. Wild-harvested seafood can be toxic if not prepared properly before cooking."

"Aww," my girlfriend pouted. "Then what are we here for? What is the point of bringing us to see mussels if we can't even cook them?"

"This is not what we're here for," Akira said. "Walk with me a bit longer and all shall be revealed."

We walked past many stalactites and stalagmites before Akira stopped at what looked like a makeshift altar. There were some statues of what appeared to be... fairies? Pixies? Something mythical.

"Oh, this looks like a scene straight out of a fantasy book!" Moira squealed. "Where is my camera when I need one? I wanna show Neesa."

"Oh right, you left your phone back at the bungalow," I said. "You can borrow mine."

"You're the best!" she pecked my cheek and then looked up to Akira. "Are those fairy statues related to the culture of this archipelago?"

"Yep," Akira gave her a thumb up. "I assume your professors Gibran and Risma already briefed you on the beliefs of the Crystal Lilacs tribe?"

"They did," I responded. "I didn't know that they would build an altar for the fairies, though. This is marvelous. So, these fairies, are they in any way similar to Shinto deities?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if there are some similarities between them!" Akira chuckled. "Perhaps these ones here are guardians of the ocean. Speaking of guardians, I believe everyone has one."

"Oh yeah, Kenta mentioned once that our late ancestors watch over us," Moira said. "Do you think Lee-sensei is?"

"I suppose," the older woman sighed. "It's a comforting thought to believe that my father never truly left me and is here in spirit," she closed her eyes as if in prayer and when she opened them again she stared at me. "Sometimes keeping faith is the only way not to lose heart. Then again, there is no one right way to grieve."

"I miss him," Moira chimed in. "Your father was a great professor, really passionate about teaching. I hope I can emulate his passion."

"Me too," I said as I squeezed her hand. "I miss hearing his lectures and how he always found a connection between biochemistry and social sciences."

"I'm happy you guys are honoring him by keeping him in your memory," Akira said as her eyes glistened. "All of this grief, it is love that has nowhere to go."

"I have no idea what it's like to lose a parent," I looked down at the cave's floor so that Akira wouldn't see that I was about to cry. "But Moira here knows. She probably would be a better person to talk with about grief."

"It is okay, Nardho, all kinds of grief are valid," Akira gave me a side hug. "I understand you've been grieving too. Even if you're not the one losing your father, there's no denying that you also lost someone you admire."

"Do you have any regrets, Akira? You don't have to answer if my question is too intrusive, but I'm curious if you wish you had more time to do more stuff with Lee-sensei?"

"I do, Nardho, I certainly do," she took off her necklace and pried open the pendant to show Moira and me a photo of newborn infants. "I wished I could have brought my children to him. He didn't know that he had become a grandfather."

"Oh, those babies are adorable!" Moira cooed. "What are their names?"

"Naoko and LJ."

Wait, what? Those were what Kenta and Johan called their adopted son and daughter. Could it be what it seemed?

"You... you gave them up for adoption?" I blurted out. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that my brother's and his partner's kids are yours. I should have guessed, though. It would make sense for Kenta to help out his cousin."

"I was young and it was unplanned," Akira gazed at the photograph longingly. "I wanted to abort them at first but my husband pleaded with me not to. It just so happened that Kenta and Johan were looking to adopt right around when my due date was."

"I see," Moira nodded. "Will LJ and Naoko grow up knowing that their mother is still alive? You're not going to cut ties with your babies, are you?"

"I don't know! I want to lose contact with my babies, so that they don't grow up thinking they're unloved or unwanted by their own mother. I do love them, but I'm incapable of raising them because of some reasons I'm not ready to explain."

"You don't owe us any explanation, Akira," I assured her. "Thank you for opening up. Your concern is valid. I understand motherhood is not for everyone and I can see why you're worried LJ and Naoko would resent you for your decision."

"You're so open-minded, Nardho. You, my cousin, and his husband are. I just hope that my babies will grow up to be like the three of you."

"I'm sure they will!" Moira exclaimed. "By the way, if you feel comfortable sharing, what would you do if one day LJ and Naoko find out about their biological mother?"

"Then I would come clean," Akira answered. "Until that day arrives, I would keep it a secret. I've told Kenta and Johan not to bring up anything about me unless the kids initiate conversation about their birth mother themselves."

"Kenta and Johan are men of their words," I said. "I have no doubt they will keep their promise. I see no reason for them to break it. Knowing their parenting style, I believe they're raising the kids to see that family comes in many forms and there's nothing wrong with having two dads and no mom."

"That means a lot, hearing it from you," Akira replied tearfully. "By the way, Nardho, enough about me and my secret. How have you been? Have you been managing your coursework just fine?"

"Yes, nothing to worry about," I said. "Biochemistry is difficult but I've learned to ask for help when I need it. Besides, I've also noticed my mood disorder isn't as severe, now that I'm in Black Elm. I guess the change of scenery contributes to my more stable mood."

"I'm glad. Stay healthy, okay? Not just physically, but also mentally. I'd try to do the same," she gave me a fist bump. "Moira, keep an eye on him for me."

"I always do!" my girlfriend giggled. "He's getting better. He used to be so withdrawn but now he lets me know when he's feeling blue. I'd say he's slowly getting back to being the cheerful boy I met my freshman year."

"Cheerful is too strong a word, honey," I corrected her. "But I'd try to hold on to happy thoughts whenever one of my episodes return. Promise to keep riding the waves with me?"

"Promise," she smiled. "Now, let's get back to the bungalow! I'm getting hungry."

"May I treat you guys to dinner? My apartment isn't far from this cave," Akira offered. "Consider it my way of thanking you for listening to my secret. I'm going to cook my father's favorite meal."

"Lee-sensei's favorite meal?" I couldn't contain my curiosity. "I'd be honored to eat your cooking. What is it?"

"Yakisoba with shrimps," Akira beamed. "And for desserts I'm going to serve dorayaki. It's like pancakes but has the texture of a sponge cake."

----

Nardhia was in the middle of a conversation with Vannie and Rain in the bungalow's living room when Moira and I returned from our evening out.

"Where have you been?" my sister greeted us. "You smell like sea salt."

"We explored a tidal pool!" Moira replied excitedly. "You guys should see it for yourselves sometime. I saw plenty of mussels but I'm positive there must be even more creatures lurking in the pool."

"Oh, that's totally awesome!" Nardhia said with apparent envy in her voice. "You should tell me when you plan to go exploring again. I wonder if we will find anemones, barnacles, and maybe some weird species of turf grasses. Hey, ever heard of this thing called sea cucumber?"

"It's nothing like the cucumber we have on land," Vannie chimed in. "But speaking of strange and unusual creatures, have you ever seen a nudibranch? Nudibranchs are basically sea slugs but very colorful."

"I want to see what would happen if we somehow hybridize all of the ocean bottom dwellers into one giant creature," I wondered aloud. "Do you think the result would be scary?"

It's bound to be monstrous if we combine all the bottom feeders, Rain responded in sign language. But it'd also be a breath-taking sight to behold.

"I'd kill to see such monstrosity," Vannie laughed at her partner's commentary. "What do you suppose it's going to look like? The head of a giant lobster with the body of a flounder?"

"I believe it'd be scarier if it were the other way around!" Nardhia chuckled. "Don't you agree, Nardho? Like, you'd assume it's a harmless fish and then when you pick it up you realize it has giant lobster claws."

"Ha, that'd be nightmarish," I snorted. "But enough talk on a species that never existed. What were you three talking about before Moira and I walked in?"

"I was asking them how they handle their relationship because they seem to be super happy together," my twin answered. "And then they said what I see on the surface is just the tip of an iceberg."

"Yeah, Rain and I fight behind a closed door too just like any other couples," Vannie added. "Fighting is okay as long as it's infrequent and that we come away from it with an even better idea of what our partners like and dislike."

You and your fiancé are going to be okay, Rain signed before smiling at Nardhia, just keep on being honest with each other. Tony might not be the type of romantic you want him to be but I believe he's trying hard to gauge your preferences, as he keeps on romancing you, and you should learn about his as well.

"That's fair," Nardhia gave them a fist bump. "I guess he and I should have a talk on what each of us prefer when it comes to courting."

"I'm curious," I turned to Vannie to ask her a question. "What is your fighting style like? I mean, do you yell a lot at Rain or is it more like you give each other the cold shoulder treatment for days?"

"Neither," she pulled her partner closer. "When Rain is mad at me, unlike when they get mad at no one in particular, their signing gets slower. It might not make sense to an outsider but, think about it. When you're angry with your significant other, you want your other half to get every single word of your argument, right? Rain slowing down with their signing is the equivalent of us enunciating our words."

"Interesting. So, what would be your response? What would you do to prevent them from getting angrier?"

"I'd hug them and let them vent before calmly reiterating what I perceive to be their main message. It's a technique known to validate someone and it's supposed to make the other person feels you understand the source of their complaints."

"That's wise!" Moira stared at her wide-eyed. "From whom did you learn such wisdom?"

"From the abundance of self-help books I read over the years," Vannie giggled. "You'd think those books are bogus but a few of them are hidden gems."

"Maybe you could recommend some of the best titles so that I could entertain myself with badly-written advice," I said half-jokingly. "It's getting late, though. I'm going to bed soon and you guys should too."

"Yeah," Vannie yawned. "Good night, then."