Serix followed Cassie to the food storage room and grabbed another can of strange Earth fruit. He sat down to eat while Cassie suggested that he continue to teach her telepathy. Her remark that she might be able to show him what the planet used to look like caught his attention. He was especially interested in seeing the humans’ society and inventions. The dilapidated buildings and roads only gave him small glimpses of what the Earth used to be.

“Sure,” he said. “And maybe I can show you what life was like on the ship, although it’s not nearly as interesting.”

[b]“And...”[/b] Cassie went on. [b]“Maybe a little after that... now that I have that door fixed... I was thinking I might go through those four boxes in the hidden storage... I at least want to see what else is in there. Maybe bring them to the bedroom to go through them so they aren't hidden away any more. Do you think you could help me with that?”[/b]

“Of course,” Serix replied, offering her a gentle smile. He could tell that she was still uneasy about going through her parents old things. He didn’t blame her. All of those memories and reminders would be difficult to face. He admired her for being strong enough to go back and confront them again.

After they finished eating, Serix got up and held out a hand to help Cassie stand, “Let’s go work on your telepathic skills.” He guided her back into the hallway and sat with her on the floor in the same position they had been in last time: directly in front of each other and close enough for their knees to brush. He held her hands again and met her gaze. It was strangely ironic how they had done the same routine merely two days ago, but now it felt so much more natural. He didn’t feel like he was fighting an internal battle over his emotions for Cassie, and his heart didn’t race with anxiety and discord. This was much more pleasant.

“Close your eyes and remember to signal if you feel faint,” Serix instructed her calmly. He followed suit, closing his own eyes and leaning forward to touch his forehead to hers. He tapped into her mind and continued to speak to her mentally. [i]Your brain needs to be exercised like your muscles. The more you work at it, the longer you’ll be able to maintain a link with me, okay? So, let’s just work on your endurance for now. Try to reach out to my mind like you did before, but don’t speak. Just try to hold on to the connection for as long as you can and let me know when you need to stop.[/i]