“Oh, I know, but Caro said that you were okay with any edits or suggestions she made.”
“Yeah I guess I did say that,” I replied.
“Besides, I think you’ll find this interpretation to be more true as you get older,” Lona said, “If you look closely, you can see the shadowy hands in the broken pieces.”
“Yeah, I see that. I really like that, like it’s trying to escape.”
“Yes, but also like it’s helping in holding the broken pieces together,” she said. “You see, only people that have been broken can find strength that others cannot. They are trained to overcome adversity, to keep going. Some people let trauma break them. They are defined by and victims to their trauma. Sometimes it can be the thing that inspires people to be better, to make a change in themselves as well as the world.
I pick up the Polaroid, which had now fully developed, to see everything clearly. From top to bottom, it read: Broken, but Not Beyond Repair. I glanced over at Caro, as she continued with her tattoo. She looked up at me and winked.
Chapter Eight
No Mistakes
The following day I was summoned to Franklin’s home for a chat. This could only mean he had another job for me. I had enjoyed my day off thoroughly. I wish I had more days like that. Once my Mortal Night passed, my tattoo solidified in the skin. I peeled the plastic wrap, paper towel, and tape that had covered it. The paper towel was stained with hints of light pink. I glanced over my shoulder to try to get a better look in the mirror. I half resented Caro for completely changing the meaning behind my tattoo, but I also admired it and was grateful for her optimism for me.
I took a shower and dressed myself for the day. As I gazed around my apartment, I was satisfied with its cleanliness. It looked like a place a decent human being might live. I heard a text from Caro and made my way down the stairs from my apartment to meet her.
As Caro drove us to Franklin’s place, she was unusually quiet.
“Are you all right?” I asked.
“Yeah, Dani. I just have a lot on my mind,” she replied.
“You want to talk about it?”
“Nah, it’s just personal stuff.”
“You can talk to me about that.”
“Really, I’m good. Don’t worry.”
“Okay. . . Hey you want to go eat after our meeting with Franklin? We can go to that Columbian restaurant you like,” I said. Caro glanced at me, then back at the road.
“I can’t make it today, Dani.”
“Oh okay,” I said. I attempted to hide my disappointment but felt the sadness linger.
“Another time, for sure,” she said with a forced smile.
“Yeah, for sure,” I said, peering out the window.
There was a long pause, then Caro asked, “Dani, do you remember what you and Franklin did the other night?”
“I mean no, not every detail, but I remembered it was fun.”
“Fun. . .” she said under her breath.
I glanced over at her, but for the remainder of the ride she refused to look at me.
We arrived at Franklin’s house and met in his office, as usual, awaiting his presence. Caro remained quiet. Franklin only had us waiting a short amount of time before he made his appearance with two of his security guards. He wore a black suit, a color I rarely saw him wear. He was more of a blue suit guy.
“Carolina, Danielle, good to see you guys,” he said.
“Hey, Franklin,” I said. Caro remained silent.
Franklin glanced over at Caro in dismay, then back to me. “Well, let’s get down to business, shall we? Danielle, I think you’re going to enjoy what we have lined up for you.”
“Sounds good. First, I wanted to talk to you about something,” I said.
“Okay. . .” Franklin sat down, the corner of his mouth quivered into a smirk, “What is it?”
“Well, I was just wondering if maybe it would be okay if I took some time off?” I asked.
“Time off?” Franklin replied with a sigh and nervous laugh.
“Yeah,” I said, looking from Franklin to Caro, “I was thinking maybe sometime next week. After this job, of course, and any other jobs you might have in the next few days.”
“What is it you are looking to go do?”
“I’m not sure, really. I just want to take a vacation, go somewhere I’ve never been, maybe visit some family. You know, some soul searching. I want to try to learn more about my gifts —”
“You mean your flaw,” Franklin interrupted, pointedly.
“Yes, I’m sorry. My flaw,” I responded.
“Well, you’re in luck, Dani. I was actually just thinking it was time for you to take some time off. You’ve been working tirelessly and I don’t want you to get burnt out. You’re no good to me if you’re drained. Yes, I think time off is a great idea.”
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes, next week should be fine for your schedule. After tomorrow, I don’t think I will have anything lined up for a while. At least, nothing Caro can’t handle.”
“Tomorrow?” I asked.
“Yes,” he replied.
“The job is for tomorrow?”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Franklin replied.
“Is there any way that it could be the day after tomorrow?” I asked.
“Ha ha,” Franklin laughed, “You’re not going to ask for healthcare next, are you?”
“No, tomorrow is just a really bad day,” I said.
“Why is that?” he asked, agitated.
I did not want to divulge my Mortal Nights to Franklin. That would only decrease my value in his eyes. Considering how much he had been paying me as of late, that was the last thing I wanted to do.
“It’s just a bad day,” I replied.
“Well, I’d love to be accommodating but it has to be tomorrow. This is one of the most important jobs I’ve ever requested and I need it done exactly right,” Franklin replied.
“Okay. What are we doing?” I asked.
“Not ‘we’, just you,” he replied,
