Chapter 9: Reverse Osmosis

Ampere went back to work that afternoon.  Sodia was curious as to where he had gone but she didn’t ask.  She didn’t want to be on his bad side.  Never did she want to be on his bad side.  Ampere, feeling this fresh ambition into his life, worked hastily yet efficiently.  The day didn’t feel as mundane.  His arithmetic was being finely tuned.  When he found out that he had finished his work before his shift ended, he began to read A Tale of Two Ponies.  He finished the book later that evening before his shift was over.  To keep himself occupied, he started planning his finances.  Because of the new financial responsibilities he had, he began subtracting those values from his future paychecks.

Ampere cleaned up his desk and was preparing to clock out.  For once, each step - each move - each action was of meaning.  His cold and calculating ways at the apartment allowed him to reflect upon himself; deeply enough that he was able to sense his own soul.  Still frightened of the past and determined not to relive it, he believed that this was his calling.  This was for his mother.  The life he never had could be made to others.  The torch could be passed.

Ampere clocked out.

“5 o’clock P.M.,” Ampere said.

“5 o’clock... okay, you’re signed out!  Have a good night, Ampere.”

“Good night,” Ampere said.  It was a neutral tone but it was odd.  It felt lighthearted and sympathetic.

Sodia was dumbfounded initially but she began to blush again (as she always did).  It wasn’t a compliment, but it was a kind gesture.

She began to pack her things.  The official closing hour for the office was 5 P.M.  Ampere went for the door and was prepared to head to Volta’s apartment.  CL halted Ampere.

“Hey, what’s the rush?” CL was always the one way to engage in a conversation after work.  Ampere, treating one of his close friends nicely, engaged.

“Just something to take care of.”

“What?  Are you going to buy a new quill for work?  Or... is this something non-work related?  New girlfriend?”

“None of the above.”

“Now that’s the Ampere I know.  Take care.”

Ampere began his signature move:  he paused, looked down, looked up, and then back at CL.  “You too.”  As Ampere began galloping to Volta’s apartment, CL raised a brow.

“‘You too’?  Hmm.  That’s a first,” CL spoke under his breath.

Ampere arrived at the Volta’s apartment with the disposition of a champion.  Or rather, it was the beginning of his heroic journey.  He had not yet accomplished what he had set out to do yet he was very willing to do it.  He knocked on the door and Volta invited him in.  With him was a half a ream of paper to draw out plans.  Yet, no army of paper is complete without an army of ink and quills; he had brought them along as well.  Volta’s surprised expression at Ampere’s grace, furor, and expertise did not retard his progress.  He asked her about the rent rate, cost of food, cost of utilities, etc...  Efficiently yet intensively, he was transcribing these numbers and flexing his mental muscles as he calculated with said numbers.  Volta, still shocked, watched the stallion go.  She made tea again for him.  She placed it gently with her hooves this time - she meant it to be special and therefore dashed it with her tenderness.  He didn’t thank her until after a quick sip.  Mint again.  It reinvigorated him.  He thanked her afterwards and then went back to work.  The night was filled with foal’s laughter, sweat, food, and stifling air.  Plans were made for renovation as well.  Ampere was no engineer, but using math as a common language for civil engineering, he was able to estimate lengths and widths and calculate area.  Using area, he was able to estimate the cost of paint per square inch.  He tried to estimate the depth of the apartment’s wooden wall to prepare for his insertion of a window.  Perhaps he was becoming overzealous.  Perhaps all of his savings would never contribute to drastically transform the apartment to be hospitable but this was his drive.  It give his life meaning and relit his inner flame.

It was nearing nine and Volta became a tad worried.  Ampere was still working.  He didn’t look exhausted but she had a hunch as her dealings with foals gave her this ability.  She told him that it was getting late and that he should head home.  He reviewed his work and sat impressed.  He then looked at his watch.  It was time.  Volta thanked him but he insisted that she shouldn’t thank him yet.  His work wasn’t finished.  She assured him that the little foals wouldn’t touch his work - by penalty of no dessert.  He acknowledged this and told her that he’ll be back after work and on the weekends to help.  She foreshadowed that after all the planning had been finished she can teach him things such as how to cook.  He responded coolly with an “okay” and headed off.

Ampere arrived at his house mentally tired but still physically active.  The will was there but his mind needed sleep for the next morning.  He looked forward to it.  No more lifeless mornings - lifeless days.  He was recalled to life.