Dear readers, tonight with us is an individual unlike any I’ve interviewed before. She tells me her name is Minutia, but she reminds me that this isn’t her birth name as she wasn’t technically born. A name, a birth date, or even an address, are all novel concepts to her. Though she’s a full grown adult, she only has memories and experiences that stretch no further than from a few weeks ago. Everything before then she either forgot or simply never happened. Tonight perhaps, she can shed a bit of light about her origin and how she’s been faring so far adapting to our modern society.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

Well, I didn’t exactly ‘grow up’ –– not in the traditional sense. I believe a better way of framing it is that I awoke. This awakening occurred about 3 weeks ago. I have virtually no memory of anything before I opened my eyes on Apophis. Since then, I attribute my life’s experience to the things that have happened to me on a place called Earth. 

That being said, of all the peculiar things I’ve come to associate with human beings, as I’ve come to learn they are called, there is none more strange to me than these memories that flow into my head that inform me of things instantly. Things that I’m told should ordinarily take time to learn for someone with no idea of what they are. Yet, for me, I become fully knowledgeable of them the moment I see them.

Just a month ago, I went from not knowing what a car was to being able to drive one in a second.

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

Toys. You mean the object shaped like a man that Calvin threw at me when I was in his bedroom? If so, then that’s all I know of them. He seemed very concerned about the care of these objects, so I guess they have some sort of deep value to their owners. Which I presume he is. 

What do you do now?

If you’re asking what my vocation is, such a concept does not apply to me. But, I assume one would conclude that I am a seeker. I am currently looking for someone. A man who shares a likeness to me. Perhaps, with Calvin’s help I’ll be able to find him. This wasn’t something I planned to do but I’ve recently learned that he is looking for an artifact that can destroy this world I’ve somehow landed on. 

I need to stop him. Right?

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

It seems I was successful in convincing Calvin to join me to find Jumopikwaris. I’m not sure how, but Calvin found me and it’s almost like he knew we were supposed to meet. I’ve only met four people since I awoke, but he is by far the most interesting of them.

Glenn, uh, I mean, Chadwick, lied about his true intentions and assaulted me when I least expected it. I told him he’s going to be sorry for that and I wanted to show him right then and there exactly why. But, I had to be careful around Calvin’s bodyguards. I’m not even sure where that feeling came from.

Now that me and Calvin have escaped, I’m growing more and more worried about finding Jumopikwaris. We’ve been shot at and almost died and I just met this kid. He seems to be enjoying it, however. I can only hope I can keep us safe in the meantime.

What did you first think when you arrived in Chicago ? 

Now that I’m much more comfortable with the concept of memories, I can safely recall the feeling I had when I first arrived there. And that feeling was comfort. I’ve never seen a city before, so when the car broke down, my attention was drawn more to the tall structures which, when I think back, must’ve distracted me from our peril.

I did have some regret about getting us lost. But, for some reason, Calvin made me feel safe. Even though he was upset. It was only then when he left me that I panicked more than I ever had in my short life as an Earthling.

Thinking about what happened on that highway still haunts me despite the turn out. I’m told I should thank my lucky stars. I still do not understand what that means. The individuals of this world speak in such interesting ways. 

Since then, I’ve grown quite confident with avoiding danger and can slowly tell that I’m losing something called fear.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

My kidnapping, which Calvin is positive did not happen, should be the scariest. But, at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what was even happening. But, by far, the scariest thing was… sorry, it’s still difficult for me to recall that moment. In the tunnel. 

Give me a second…

Yeah. It was in that tunnel. In Iowa. With the cars. And the men trying to run us over. I’m sure I am now what people call ‘traumatized’ by the experience. All that blood and chaos. That I caused. And that Calvin was delighted over. Something is wrong with him. How could he cheer so jubilantly while so much death was occurring?

Is this the natural reaction one is supposed to have during such an event? Maybe, I’m the one that has something wrong inside. But my inside felt… I guess wrong is the right term so it makes sense. I am wrong. It wasn’t scary. Death is natural. And welcomed. 

What is the worst thing about Earth, so far? 

The planet itself is fine. The individuals, however, are a different story. This is the only place I’ve ever known. If I knew of another, I have no memory of it. It is a bit disconcerting that everyone around me seems to know what to do without being told. It’s a strange thing to witness. Like, how in that EXPRESS DINER – RIGHT THIS WAY, everyone assumed that the liquid in their cups went into their mouths. I was so shocked seeing everyone do the same thing without telling each other.

But, the worst thing about Earth is its occupants. They are extremely unpredictable and are capable of performing acts that aren’t congruent with their character. I see now, it’s a ruse. Their characters are characters themselves. It would be fine if the truth learning process did not make me feel weird inside.

What does the future hold for you?

Whatever Calvin sees determines the future held. I was able to figure out that he is capable of perceiving a sort of future that he first imagines. Outside of his visions, I cannot say with any certainty what the future holds. I assume you’re not using hold literally. I’m still getting used to the language you all use to communicate.

My goal is to find my artifact using Calvin’s visions as a guide. There is no reason why we shouldn’t succeed. Then again, Calvin cannot see the future of any individual. And there is one individual who is looking for my artifact as well. And he is killing everyone who gets in his way…

Born in the heart of New York City – Harlem – Durell Arrington has spent the second half of his life exploring the arts through a multitude of mediums. It was not until fifteen years after he first conceptualized Tactile Therapy that he realized the expansive story would be best told through a series of novels.

You can find Minutia on the pages of Tactile Therapy: Requisite.

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