Rabbit Hole on Mars - Day 19 (Nov 19) 669 words

Chapter 19

Don's friend, Adam, stopped by his house. Don met him at the porch.

“What's up, man?” Adam said, “I got my driver's license.”

“Very cool. Your folks got you a mini van?”

“Yeah, it was my uncle's. Thing drives like a go-kart.”

“I wouldn't want to find out.”

“I hear you're dating Samantha, is that true?”

“I haven't asked her to be my girlfriend or anything.”

“Why not?”

“I don't know how.”

“You just ask her.”

“How?”

“You say, 'Are you gonna be my girl'?”

“Just like that?”

“Man, this way you're not begging here. You're telling her to say 'yes.'”

“That's weird.”

“Dating is weird, bro.”

“How would you know, you don't have a girlfriend.”

“I watch reality TV all the time. It's like I've lived so many other people's lives from the comfort of home. I seriously feel like I've already broken up with dozens of women.”

“Dozens?”

“Heartbreak is where the ratings are at.”

“These are all the lists of school visits to the facility, Brian,” Patty said.

“Any luck with all the group photos?”

“Tim is putting together a pile of the photos for me. I'll have them later today.”

“How is Tim?”

“We aren't seeing each other anymore. My husband caught on.”

“He didn't like the transparency?”

“My computer is broke at the house,” Adam said, “I'm having with drawls from gaming. Can we go up to your room and play something?”

“No man, my room is a mess.”

“Your room is always a mess. Come on.”

Don stepped in his way to block him from coming up the porch steps.

“You've been acting really weird lately man. Snap out of it.”

“I will. Somethings are good right now. Others are really bad.”

“You need anything man, you let me know. I got wheels now.”

Don went up stairs and hooked into Frankie.

“Good Sol, everyone,” Don said to Opportunity. Sol is the term for one solar day on Mars.

“Just another day, Don,” Brian said.

“Come on, Mr. Grumpy.”

“Not in the mood for your bullshit today. We're behind on all our planned experiments.”

“This is a groundbreaking experience. Human interaction on Mars. Try to always look on the bright side. We're going to have to brighten up your day, Brian. You think I'd make a good DJ?

“I hate your music.”

“Well what would you like to hear?”

“Nothing.”

“I can't play something lighter. Maybe a little more 'white' for Just Joe there.”

Just Joe sat still. Smirked to himself and shook his head.

Don began to play the song, 'I came running' by Ancient Astronauts.

“Remember the purpose of a labyrinth before you enter it in several days. Scott, can you hear me?”

“Yes,” Scott said.

Brian gave Scott and dirty look for replying to Don.

“A labyrinth is not a maze. It is not designed to confuse you or force you to exit somewhere else. The entrance and exit is the same path. Your goal while on the path is to widen your mind, your awareness. Each of you will think of a question in your mind before you enter. Think about that question during your entire journey through the labyrinth. Don't share it with me or each other. The question is your own. For you to think about and work out in your own mind. By the end, if you don't have an answer, you should at least be closer to that answer.”

“You can shut up now,” Brian said, “I actually like this song you picked.”

“You'll go in and come out. Then your visit to this planet will be complete. Complete awareness. And then suddenly each of you will be free from that office and your jobs.”