Semi-Random Reflections

Read time: 2 mins

One becomes two, two becomes three, and out of the third comes the one as the fourth.

The Bohemian-style absinthe didn’t help Judith to understand the phrase crocheted into the doily under her drink. Lorelai had identified it as an alchemical touchstone called the Axiom of Maria, one among other such sayings displayed around the Elysian Streamliner at various points. The inscription matched the bar’s overall aesthetic: bare brick walls, parquet floors, Victorian lighting, and overfilled bookcases everywhere possible. Maybe or maybe not what one would expect from a preserved steam railway’s Grand Central Station bar.

Judith abandoned her fruitless reflections and returned to the novel waiting patiently in her hands for her to pay a shred of the attention it deserved. The book only enjoyed that attention for a moment before the windchimes above the door announced a new arrival. Judith smiled and nodded a greeting while Lorelai started with the “Welcome backs” and the “What can I getchyas”.

The incoming guest made her way to the bar and ordered an espresso martini. Lorelai served her promptly, then retreated to the lounge to warm up with her band. Judith felt rather than saw Lorelai’s mischievous wink. Judith had tried not to make eye contact.

The guest looked up at the ceiling, soaking in the mural of the Dagda meeting the Mórrigán. Two sips into her drink she remarked into the air, “A place with this much gratuitous art should feel pretentious, but somehow it just feels comfortable, don’t ya think?” 

“Yeah, I’d say so.” Judith closed her book and turned her chair to face the new arrival. Her brain found a mute button that didn’t usually exist. Her eye hit the novel’s tagline. “Like a dream every patron co-creates.”

“So you’re saying this place feeds off our imaginations. That’s oddly comforting. Like I’m guaranteed to have the experience I want.” She extended her hand. “I’m Twila, by the way. Nice to meet you.”

Judith shook the offered hand and admitted her own name. She then rose and pulled out the seat next to hers. “Care to sit?”

“Please and thank you!”

Twila let Judith resettle before she asked, “So, what experience do you want from our shared dream?”