I try to make sense of how that would work in this new world of Death-Cast. If Orion—someone who isn’t dying today—doesn’t accompany me up to the Empire State Building, does that increase the risk of something catastrophic like the attack on the World Trade Center? Or if he did go up with me, does that thwart death? I’m sure the world will get its answer one day, but I’ll die without it. It doesn’t feel like a true loss in the grand scheme of things, and the same goes for not visiting the Empire State Building.
“No worries. It would’ve been cool to feel like a king of the world and swear at the sky again, but I’ll save that for another life.”
He’s quiet, and I feel bad. I don’t want him down on himself, because he’s not holding me back. He’s been pushing me forward.
“I’m sorry. I was only kidding.”
“No shit,” Orion says with a smirk. “Come on, I’m not that soft.”
It’s funny how well I feel I know him and how much more there is to learn. The one bright side to Scarlett not being here yet means I get to spend more time with Orion. Hopefully I’m able to introduce them to each other. Not only because Orion will be carrying my heart but in the hopes he can look after Scarlett in New York when I’m gone.
“What are you thinking about, then?” I ask.
“The next two stops in your End Day adventure. The first is somewhere most New Yorkers haven’t visited, and the second is iconic. Do you want to know or be surprised?”
I choose surprise. That’s a welcome gift.
Wherever Orion is taking me, it’s also downtown and only a few minutes away from the street corner where Scarlett called with the best news. The best news given my situation, that is. It’s dawning on me that even if I reach out to my parents this second, it would be pretty impossible for them to see me in person one last time. Should I feel guilty? Do they deserve that chance? What do I owe them as the son they raised? Then before I can voice any of these feelings, I remember Orion’s wisdom from last night. I’ll speak to my parents if I have something to gain. But I owe myself peace more than I owe them anything.
Today is beginning to feel like I’m doing years of growing up within hours.
“Earth to Valentino,” Orion shouts. “I love your little lost-in-thought moment but I kind of have to blindfold you quickly.”
“Why?”
“So you can’t out my organ harvesters, duh.”
“Cool. Just wanted to know.”
Orion removes his hoodie—technically, my hoodie—and wraps it around my head. His smile is the last thing I see before the sleeves are tied around my eyes. The hoodie is snug around my face, and the darkness is more peaceful than I’d imagine. A shiver runs up my spine when Orion holds both of my hands. This alone could be the surprise, and I’d love it. He starts leading me to our destination, and I’m walking awkwardly like that time I put on my mother’s high heels as a kid, nervous I’m going to fall and snap an ankle.
“Trust me,” Orion says.
“I do.”
“We’re about to enter a train station, but the sign spoils everything.”
“Hence the blindfold.”
“We have to be really careful going down the stairs. We’ll take our time, okay?”
“Okay.”
At the top of the staircase, Orion places one of my hands on the railing and keeps holding the other. He guides me, step by step, though the first few are the most nerve-racking. My calves are tingling, and it takes a bit before my feet find the rhythm, like we’re dancing. The overall experience feels like a roller coaster where you begin with regret and doubt and then you release all that and enjoy yourself. I let out a deep sigh when we reach the landing, but it turns out that’s not the only set of stairs. Orion doesn’t let my hand go as he reaches into my pocket for my MetroCard and swipes me in, then doing the same with his own.