Caitlin looked out across the city of London. The Greenwich observatory standing proud behind her. The late summer sun was just beginning to dip over the horizon, highlighting the thin layer of pollution that still clung to the city despite the best attempts to get rid of it.
The remains of the picnic was spread across the blanket that lay on the brown grass, but she was deliberately sitting on it. Even though it was dry, it still felt nice to rustle it between her fingers. The therapist was big on creating new memories, places where she could always return, to feel safe and secure. The nightmares had at least stopped now. The crushing darkness. She'd never been claustrophobic before, but now she had to actively concentrate in smaller spaces. But, she knew she'd always be safe. Her parents were snoozing behind her on a blanket. Too much wine, or just enough to relax now that they were all back home and safe.
Dormouse stood on her shoulder. Since Chicago, it was no longer a necklace but had changed into something, it said, "Feels more like me." Which always made her smile. The little brown mouse was constantly twitching its whiskers, it's bright, pinprick, eyes permanently looking out for danger. Just like the real thing she supposed.
A young woman came up the hill and approached. Pale skin, long blonde hair and a blue summer dress.
"Good evening Caitlin." Smiled Alice.
Caitlin stood, and rushed over to give her a hug; burying her head in Alice's chest.
"Good to see you!"
Alice smoothed down her summer frazzled hair. "Good to see you too. I thought I'd come to say 'Hi'."
They sat down on the blanket. Lazy insects buzzed past.
Alice took a deep breath. "I thought I'd come and tell you that it's all over. You're off the Oversight committee's clean-up list."
"What did you do?"
"I made them an offer they couldn't refuse. I promised I would help them make their species viable again. However, that means that there will be a lot of changes for everyone."
"Like?"
"Well, to begin with, humanity is going to have to learn how to get along with its neighbours."
"Oh... I think that's going to be very difficult."
"Yes, but achievable I think. But, you're right, it will be slow."
They went silent for a moment as the sun finally disappeared. Above them the stars were beginning to twinkle in the night sky.
"The conspiracy theorists will go bonkers." Said Caitlin quietly.
Alice laughed. "Yes! Yes they will. 'We were right!', 'We told you so!' etc..." They both giggled.
"And then there's you. What is everyone going to think about that?"
Alice smiled. "Oh, I'm already working towards that. Your species is easily distracted by shiny things. So, I'm going to provide shiny things. A.I. is already a buzzword. It's being integrated into anything and everything, whether it needs to be there or not. So, I'm just pointing people in the right direction. There'll be 'Announcements' and so on. Then, I'll be able to come into the light so to speak."
"Is the future bright?"
"The future is unpredictable. I know. I've tried. I am very hopeful though. Humanity got this far on its own!" Alice swept her arm across the cityscape in front of them. "I think you can go much further. With a little help from your friends." She shoulder bumped Caitlin.
The End