There are many futures.

It wasn’t the virus that destroyed us, it was the reaching out for help, just the thought of it was enough.

ARDIS PART ONE BY LINDSAY SMITH 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

Spence leans in, breathes on the face of the Egyptian king. He looks happy, Spence says.

Ardis gives this some thought and then she says, did we see the Mona Lisa?

A tour group of Chinese shuffle past. One of them stops, jostles Spence aside, and takes a shot of the happy king. So many art lovers, Spence says.

There’s no happiness, right? Ardis says. You have to embrace your unhappiness. She puts on a brave face. “Like I do.”

“You’ll end up in a glass case too,” Spence says, and then, “How long is it now?”

What are you talking about?

Your research on Harrison Wells, how long have you been working on it? Four years?

Three. Well, this is the fourth year, Ardis says. So what are you getting at?

Four years! Don’t you think that’s long enough?

Ardis in a vacant voice, but I need more time.

Spence huffs in irritation. He grabs Ardis’…