CHAPTER NINENanites
I’m suddenly walking, my consciousness aware of my surroundings, but not in control of anything. I realize I’m in another alternate-reality dream.
We’re walking down a well-lit corridor, paintings adorning the walls. I realize that the other-Garrett is humming a nameless tune, and his main emotion is contentedness. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt that from him.
I listen in on his thoughts, trying to determine the reason for this unexpected state of being. It’s not long before he thinks about how nice it was to take a ten-minute shower. Even after three weeks, the indulgence of nearly unlimited water is still a luxury he revels in.
We pass an open doorway. Inside, a collection of children, ranging in age from five to fifteen, sit on various styles of chairs. They’
