All That She Can See(37)

‘We have software that detects feelings and places neutral images over them, blocking them from sight,’ Happy explained.

‘But surely it’s impossible to keep track of that many people? And how can you possibly know what someone should or shouldn’t see?’ Cherry pushed.

Happy’s face gave nothing away but she answered very quickly, without skipping a beat. Almost as if she’d said the words before. ‘We’ve done numerous tests and we have some of the best minds on the planet… overseeing the whole operation.’

‘How can I get a pair?’ Chase asked.

‘There’s a two-year waiting list but for special cases they make allowances. Each time a new pair is issued, it helps us. The lenses are linked to the Guild so we’re able to see what you see. Just in case there are any glitches in the system or there’s anything you’re seeing that you shouldn’t be seeing. I’ll give you an application to fill out before I leave.’

‘Oh, God. Thank you. So much,’ Chase said with a big smile. He leaned across the table to shake Happy’s hand. Cherry hoped the gesture was genuine and not a side effect from the cookie he’d licked earlier.

‘Isn’t that an invasion of privacy?’ Cherry asked. ‘Being able to see what we see through the lenses?’

‘That all depends on whether you’ve got something to hide,’ Happy said.

It really doesn’t, thought Cherry.

‘Sorry… I have to ask,’ Chase said, ‘Happy? Is that your birth name?’

‘No!’ She laughed without smiling. ‘I’m a Feeler – one of many. We are each assigned a specific feeling that we have to keep an eye on. Anytime a part of the world gets particularly ridden with our designated feeling, we have to take a visit to see what’s going on and put it right. As I said, damage control.’

‘I understand all of that,’ Chase said. ‘But is there a reason you don’t… look particularly happy?’

‘Chase!’ Cherry said through gritted teeth, jabbing him hard in the ribs with her elbow.

‘It’s okay. It’s a valid question and I get it a lot. Feelings are my business. If my actual feelings were to get in the way, my judgement may be compromised when having to make executive decisions on behalf of the Guild. What’s right needs to come before what feels right.’

‘Aren’t they the same thing?’ Cherry asked.

‘Not always, no. What we feel can get in the way of our work so once every six months I have to undergo a minor procedure.’

‘What kind of procedure?’ Cherry asked warily. She didn’t like the sound of this at all.

‘Just a little bit of jiggery pokery. It used to be a little zap-zap here and a zap-zap there but that had far too many… side effects. Now they have a much more efficient method of removing feelings. They burn them off like warts.’

Cherry frowned. ‘But how? We can’t… touch them, so surely that’s not possible?’

‘The Guild have their ways. I’ve been with them for eight years and have yet to feel a thing,’ Happy said matter-of-factly.

‘That’s because you literally. Can’t. Feel. Anything,’ Chase said very deliberately. ‘I mean… removing your feelings – that’s… that’s —’

‘Necessary,’ Happy stated.

‘I was going to say batshit crazy, but if you say so.’

Cherry jabbed Chase with her elbow again but this time a little softer as she couldn’t help but agree with him.

Happy ignored him. ‘Right. Down to business. Firstly, I need to speak to you about your little turf war.’ Cherry and Chase suddenly found the wood of the table exceedingly detailed and were deeply fascinated by its visually intricate patterns. ‘Hmm. Did things get a little competitive? Not the first time it’s happened and won’t be the last.’

‘It isn’t? It won’t be?’ Cherry said.

‘Did you think you were alone?’ Happy asked. Cherry and Chase nodded, wordlessly. ‘Tut tut. There aren’t many of us – a few hundred in the world at most – but we’re here for you when you need us.’

‘How have you only just found us?’ Cherry asked, blinking hard and stealing a glance at Loneliness outside.

‘How do you know whether someone is a serial killer until they’ve murdered six people? It’s hard to spot until you make it noticeable. You see, those with SF are split up into Haunters and Flaunters. Most people are born with it but in some cases it lies dormant for years until one day, all of a sudden, there are monsters everywhere! Those ones are the easiest to spot. They make a big song and dance. They’re Flaunters. The people who are born with the sight think it’s normal. They deal with it from birth and more often than not just keep it quiet. It haunts them or they haunt other people with it by how they choose to deal with it. Sometimes individuals find ways to use their powers but again the majority keep it subtle. Some get rather boisterous.’ Happy made her first facial expression since she’d arrived and raised her eyebrows at the pair, like a teacher berating her pupils. ‘Nothing is ever too serious when the town is overrun by Happiness but when it swings the other way… well… let’s not go into that. HERE!’ She picked up her briefcase and slammed it onto the table, causing the porcelain mugs and teapot to rattle and a couple of cookies being lost to the floor. Happy stood up, spun the briefcase around to face Chase and Cherry and popped it open. The inside was lined with an obnoxiously yellow foam and at its centre was a small indentation in which lay a small glass bottle filled with tiny blue pills. ‘It’s Normality,’ Happy said.