Sad Chaneque [Part 2]

Still on the train is Nevaeh, she waited until the next stop, getting off just before the doors closed. All to be sure that as little people as possible noticed her encounter with Josefine. Hanging onto the sense of failure, and an open evening. She had some free time so she soon made her way to one of the few places that makes her truly happy. Nuevo Eztli‘s Wildlife Rehabilitation Institution. Since most of the foundation of Nuevo Eztli was built over the once protected lands of El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. A majority of wildlife had to be relocated, and the Flora and Fauna was cleverly implemented into the City itself. The sudden shift caused a number of species to evolve and migrate in predictably unusual ways, which soon paved the way for several Wildlife conservation centers to be constructed.

“Hey, Margret.” Nevaeh announced to the worker at the front desk.

“Oh, hello, Nevaeh. Wasn’t expecting you today.” Margret mentioned with a delighted smile, feeding a small animal, what appears to be a baby coyote. An animal that Nevaeh can’t help but smile at.

“Yeah, I had some extra time today, so I’d figure I’d stop by and see if you needed some help.” Nevaeh explained.

“Well, you know what. I don’t think that will be needed today.” Margret mentioned.

“Really?” Nevaeh asked, somewhat surprised.

“Yeah, scheduling is all done, just got some food in yesterday, so portions are done, I don’t think anything needs to be delivered. So yeah, we’re all good here.” Margret smiled with delight.

“Oh, uh, great to hear… I guess.” Nevaeh slowly remarked, with a faint echo of sadness.

“Sure is, and it's honestly thanks to you Nevaeh.” Margret mentioned, with genuine appreciation. “I wish there were more people like you in this city. Not very many people want to look at what's actually real, ya know. You’ll always have a home here, remember that.” They then disclosed, almost disheartened by the fact.

“Well, thanks.” Nevaeh grew a small smile, seemingly dissatisfied with the statement, but still holding on to the kind words. “Um, see you later.” Nevaeh then spoke, and then left the building.

Leaving the establishment, clearly discontent with her overall situation. Nevaeh comes to the realization that she has much more free time than she ever wanted. Feeling lost in the afternoon of this dull day, unsure of where or what to do next. She then recalled what that tourist from earlier told her.

—A place with a little more color—

“I guess it has been a minute since I’ve been to Maguey Park.” Nevaeh mumbled under her breath.

⧮ ⧯ ⧮

Just over a 15 minute walk from the Wildlife Institution. Nevaeh was able to inhale the inspiring city during her walk to Maguey Park. Freely witnessing the everlasting technological majesty of Nuevo Eztli in such a short stroll. Breathtaking shimmers of turquoise, with heavenly undertones of cinnabar. Constructed into most all structures and built as an homage to the aesthetic idolization of the ancient cities it is inspired by. Still modernized to feed the needs of the modern individual with the innate desire to capture the ever fleeting calm of viridescent hues of jade and emerald. Having lived in this city her entire life, Nevaeh can’t deny the dreamlike beauty this sliver of desert steel creates everyday. It brings something to her that she hasn’t felt in a long time: A melancholic ambivalence of sorts. Not quite sad, but not quite joyous. But she does feel slightly better.

Nevaeh noticed one of the small food markets just at the edge of the park. Nevaeh felt the mundane opportunity to use up the free time, and some time to indulge in the sweet, fried food. To do nothing else special but exchange kind commonalities with the vendor to soon find a pleasant spot to sit while she ate. Nothing more. Just living beside others that are forced to live in this crowded world. Watching the Jacaranda trees’ petals gently fall on the Yucca Flower. Although, once she looks forward, a child is suddenly in front of Nevaeh, one untouched by technology, covered in bland clothing, with a look of longing. Aside from the lack of technology, this child and Nevaeh are no different, she thought.

Nevaeh then realized that the child was looking at the food she’s eating. Nevaeh slowly handed the food to the child, with little interactions or exchange of words. The child’s face lit up with a reserved excitement, which made Nevaeh smile a little. Soon the child's mother rushed over to Nevaeh, quickly apologizing. Nevaeh realized that they were likely Unhoused, as many of the citizens are in the great city. Moments later a few people walked to Nevaeh, she quickly saw that they were likely Unhoused people too, with a hope that she’ll be generous to them as well. A rare sight to encounter as most Unhoused are with work, but that side is much more desperate and is a typically risky thing to do as the local law enforcement will deter any so called disturbance of the peace. Often with the detached phrase—You can be poor. Just don't do it in the guise of the public view—

Nevaeh soon left to come up with a plan for the rest of her day. Within the city of a million shadows, Nevaeh simply takes the long walk home instead of taking one of the transit routes back. Hands in the front pockets of her hoodie, meandering down the constantly crowded streets. She can’t help but think of the complexities of every single person's lives, nearly 20 million citizens with secrets only they’ll know. She’s just one more trivial drop in the endless rainstorm of life.