Homunculus - the last chapter

THE END OR THE BEGINNING

 

“Are we having an after lunch nap?” Asked a voice interestedly.

                “I did not have any lunch,” I answered without opening my eyes…. Mom could keep those sarcasms to herself. She knew very well I did not eat since morning…

                I opened my eyes and wildly looked around. I was back in my chair in front of the computer!

                “I guess I did fall asleep,” I said when a wave of relief hit me.

                “You were really bored,” Mom observed sadly. “Perhaps this place is too stuffy for you after all. Perhaps military would be better.”

                “No,” I assured her quickly. “It is not boring. I mean it is boring, but I like boring. In fact, being bored is what I like best. I don’t think any adventures are for me.”

                “What caused this change in your mind?” She asked and eyed me suspiciously.

                “Nothing,” I said. “I just had a funny dream. All this history stuff just got to me. I am pretty sure I will like biochemistry and anatomy better. They are predictable. I like that.”

                Mom was watching me thoughtfully. “I guess I will take it. I don’t know what got into you but if this is what you want, that’s fine with me.”

                “One more thing,” I said. She raised an eyebrow.

                “I have my last summer vacation coming up.”

                “You have,” she agreed. “So?”

                “I would like to backpack around Europe,” I said.

                “OK,” she said in surprise. “Provided you do it with a group of friends so it is safe and make some money over summer to help pay for it, you can. Where you want to go?”

                “Here and there,” I said. “I think I will stop in France: In Chartres.” I squeezed the Crusader’s cross in my pocket. “I heard they have some nice old chateaus there. And cemeteries.”