The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) by Brian Terenna (motivational books for women TXT) 📕

reason to think anything will be on the other side, but I can’t shake the feeling that there is. It’s probably because of the time my fourth foster demon made me dispose of a dead rat from his bedroom.

I summon my courage and look behind the bed.

A humanoid support robot lies on the ground, half disassembled. Dirty tools and parts are strewn about on the carpet.

My eyes widen, and my heart sinks. She thought this was me? That she was saving me? I drop to my knees, and the world falls apart, bile creeping up my throat. The medication isn’t working. It’s happening again.

☼☼☼

I pace around in the cold white hospital room.

Barbra sits along the wall, now stabilized after more medication. “Fae, come sit.”

I pause, then sit next to her in one of the plastic chairs. She takes my hand in hers. It’s warm and smooth, and I barely flinch.

A tall female doctor enters the room, a clipboard in her hand. “Hello, Fae, Barbra. I’m Dr. Volker. “I’m so sorry to hear about your relapse. It’s rare on Trioxidine, especially since you have no family history of mental illness. We’re increasing your dose and putting you on the booster Statrenadol.”

“What are the chances of any other problems,” asks Barbra.

“Bioplex makes some excellent schizophrenia drugs. This combination is almost a hundred percent effective at eliminating hallucinations, paranoia, and other symptoms associated with schizophrenia.”

Sounds promising.

“Navin help me, I hope you’re right,” says Barbra. “Are there any new side effects?”

“Minimal. You may experience headaches or dry mouth, but those are rare.”

“No hand tremors or anything, right?”

“No. With the older medications that was possible but not with these,” says the doctor.

“Oh, good. I’m so close to finishing my best painting ever.” After a pause, Barbra adds, “Why do you think I relapsed?”

“It occasionally happens on the introductory dose,” says Dr. Volker, “but you shouldn’t have to worry about that again.”

I rub my arm. I want to say something but rarely talk to people I don’t know. I force myself to say, “She had a bad flu before it first happened. Do you think it could be related?”

The tall woman shakes her head, then presses her knuckles into her lips. “Hmm. Encephalitis can cause hallucinations, but she’d either be better or dead by this point. There wouldn’t be lasting effects. So, no, I don’t think it’s related.”

I nod, my mop of curls bouncing.

We leave the hospital and call for a ride back. When the autonomous car arrives, we sit in the back seat.

“Fae, I want to talk to you about something,” says Barbra. First, I’m so sorry for all I’ve put you through.”

“It’s fine. I was just concerned about you.” And myself, but there’s no need to say that. When I saw the dismantled robot that she thought was me, chills ran through my body. Somehow, it made it even worse that the parts were dirtying the carpet she always keeps clean.

It took everything I had not to unravel as I failed to remember how to help someone with schizophrenia. At least I managed to get her to the hospital.

“It’s terrifying to feel like you’re losing your mind,” says Barbra. “But there’s nothing worse than seeing him and that symbol.”

“Who?”

“Oh…no one.” She gazes at passing cars for a moment and then back to me. “After this most recent scare, I realized what’s most important in life. It’s family. In light of this, I…I wanted to propose something to you.”

My stomach sinks at the unease in her voice.

“I know that you’ve been through a lot. Six foster homes in ten years will do a number on anyone.”

Oh hell. Is she getting rid of me because of her health? I pull at my shirt. Although I’ve had doubts about her since the schizophrenia, I don’t want to lose her. I couldn’t bear to be thrown into another hell. Maybe I can say something to convince her. But what? I squeeze my wrist. Think.

“I’ve decided that—”

“I…” I have no idea what to say. I sit there dumbly for a second, then mumble, “Never mind.” That’s it then. Cast down into the next level. I slouch in my seat as I wait for the inevitable hammer to crush me.

“Fae,” she says. “I think you’re special, and you need someone worthy to take care of you.”

I swallow and look down.

“I’ve had some problems, but I know they’ll get worked out, and I think I can be that person for you.”

“What?”

“I want to adopt you as my daughter.” She holds up her hands. “Before you say anything, I understand you’re seventeen and almost an adult, but I want you to still have me as family when you move out.”

My eyes widen, and my mind begins to race with the possibility. No one has wanted me since my mother died. We’ve only known each other for six months, but I feel a secure connection. Finally, I can have a mother again.

 “I know that you’re cautious and that my recent episodes probably make this more difficult, but please think about it.”

My elation falls back to earth. She’s right. The schizophrenia does concern me, but the doctor seemed sure she’d be fine this time. I know I shouldn’t trust people, but I want to be normal and have someone love me.

But what if she breaks? I picture a knife slashing my throat while I’m in bed. “I…”

“Think about it. We don’t have to talk now.” She hugs me.

It’s the least uncomfortable hug yet.

We drive in silence while I think about what the doctor said. Even though she said it couldn’t be encephalitis, I decide to look it up.

A related news article catches my eye. ‘Hallucinating Woman climbs a flagpole to get treasures in the sky.’

I shiver as