NOVEL — URBAN FANTASY

Bruce Finds Himself in an Alter-Universe

Bruce Langley, Psychotherapist For Hire — 13

“Welcome back to the planet, Bruce,” Amanda said with false levity. “I called your clients for the rest of the week to let them know that you won’t be available. The doctor said that you might be able to do some work next week.”

“How did you find out about my accident, Amanda?” Bruce asked. He felt the unfamiliar effects of medication. He knew it was due to pain medications. Maybe that was a good explanation for why he felt like he was in an alternate universe.

“They saw your business card. With no answer from your home phone, they called the office. They were lucky, as I was just about to leave for the day. You apparently lost consciousness before they could get information from you.”

“Thank you, Amanda. To be honest, I don’t feel a thing. Other than seeing a cast, I think I could be back at work tomorrow. Paul and Tom don’t have to miss their sessions.”

“No way that is going to happen, Bruce. The phone calls have been already made and I’m not going to undo it. Now, what are we going to do about you for the next while?”

“Why?” Bruce asked. “Why are you showing me this and how is it happening?”

“You are in a different reality, Bruce. Just think of it as being in a parallel universe where everything is the same, yet slightly different.”

“You mean, I am dreaming right now and the version of reality I just imagined I saw, is the real world?”

“No, Bruce. Both worlds are real.” Reaching out, her hand rested on his. “You feel the pressure of my hand. Dreams don’t have that quality of sense, you know that.”

“How? How did I get into this universe?”

“You’ve always been in this universe as well. That’s the nature of parallel universes.”

“Can I always see what is happening in the real universe?” Bruce asked, wincing as he noticed his use of the word real.

“No. That’s my role, Bruce. I’m going to leave you now and you will forget what I have just shown you. I will be back before too long. Right now, I must make the journey back to the other reality.”

“Before you go, how do you travel between realities? Tell me, Hannah. I need to know.”

“When you are ready, and that won’t be for some time, I will take your present consciousness to the other reality. The portal between realities is found in a moon gate.”

Bruce watched Hannah leave.

“Your leg is broken, Bruce. You have extensive bruising, and you will be on some serious pain meds for at least two weeks. You’ll need someone to take care of you at home,” Amanda stated.

“Um … I’ll think of something.”

“No, Bruce. You need to think of someone, not something. Who?”

Bruce had some difficulty focusing on Amanda’s question. He knew the pain medication was impacting his ability to think clearly. He couldn’t ask the professor. His ex-wife Nora was out of the question. Perhaps he could hire a temporary live-in to take care of things for a few days until he could safely manage on his own.”

“Bruce, what about Donna? Can I give her a call? Maybe she’ll be able to come up with someone for the next few days. Or maybe your contact for the book, Mr. Wilson?”

Bruce knew he couldn’t impose on Donna. Perhaps Ned Wilson however, would be able to arrange for temporary care, especially since Nightshade Publishing had an investment in Bruce.

“Call Ned Wilson. Maybe he can arrange for a temporary care aide.”

The call was made. Wilson was quick to agree to hiring a live-in care aide for as long as one was needed.

“Of course, we will cover the costs. Mr. Tengri told me I was to do what it takes to make sure Mr. Langley completes the book,” Wilson explained to Amanda.

Amanda gave Wilson the address and arranged to meet him and the aide early the next morning.

“There, that’s taken care of, Bruce.”

Bruce was sleeping and didn’t hear Amanda. The decision had been made to keep him overnight in the hospital for pain management.

It was almost noon when Amanda had a taxi deliver her and Bruce to his home. The door to Bruce’s house opened as the taxi came to a stop. An older woman stood waiting by the opened door. Amanda had been to the house earlier to meet Wilson and the woman.

The woman wore a long, sea-blue, woolen dress that was embroidered with a mixture of gold and rose intricate designs. She had a curious pattern of tattoos on her face.

Seeing Amanda beginning to help Bruce out of the taxi, the woman rushed over to lend an arm. Between the two women, Bruce was assisted into the house and deposited in his favourite chair in the living room. The taxi driver followed, carrying Bruce’s overnight bag and the crutches.

Only a few moments later, with the driver paid and the woman preparing a cup of team, Amanda announced, “I’ve got to go back to the office and make sure the place doesn’t fall apart. If you need me, Bruce, just call. But I think Mrs. Zuhre Katal will be more than able to meet all your needs.”

“Thanks, Amada. You’ve been a godsend. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me.”

“Just remember what I told you earlier, you need to have more people in your life, and not just clients. You’re not getting any younger.”

She leaded over so that Bruce could give her a hug, and then she left.

Previously

I want to thank Gael MacLean, Dennis Koluris • M.Sc., Brian Lageose, Author, D. Denise Dianaty, LVP, Ini-Iso Adiankpo, Adda Maria, gab1930s, Leah Prior, Ai WandeingNut News and Blog, Loicrees, and R.J. Quinn for reading and clapping for this new story.