020 || [text]
I lost three weeks and three days.
This is different than New Orleans. That was only one day I never could fully remember, and the incident had a sensible explanation for it. But this? Alien parasites with mind controlling abilities? It sounds like one of those ludicrous science fiction movies Booth made me watch sometimes. But the fact is that I can remember absolutely nothing about those three weeks and three days. All I have are unclear, fragmented images about digging, and cuts and scrapes on my hands. Thankfully those are healing and no loss of sensitivity upon recovery should be expected. From what I've read on the network, it seems that the other citizens that were infested with the parasite don't recall the events that happened during the possession, either, but remember everything prior and after. All except Angela.
Angela's loss of memory concerns me deeply. It has no discernible pattern to it; the things and the people she has forgotten seem entirely random, not limited to the time she was possessed by the slug. She couldn't remember some of her friends in the City. She remembered me, Booth, Zack and Dr. Goodman, but didn't have any recollection of Hodgins, Cam, or Sweets. She could remember her ex-husband and Daisy Wick, of all people, as well. But not the man she was - and still is, I suspect - in love with and engaged to be married. How could she remember the loudest, most annoyingly exuberant intern I've ever had but not Hodgins, the one person to whom she was the closest to? Granted, I am her best friend and have known her for a longer time period than Hodgins, but surely her bond with Hodgins as mates should surpass the one Angela and I share as friends? Perhaps this is another example of the ephemeral nature of romantic relationships. Despite the rationale behind this thought, I find I'm strangely... disappointed? by it. I don’t quite understand my own reaction.
This is affecting Angela more than she lets on. She hasn't been to work, nor even touched a computer. Currently, I think even I have better skills with information technology than she does, and that alone is disconcerting. As far as I know, she hasn't even attempted to paint or draw. Should she lose any of her talents permanently, she would be devastated. Losing her skills with the computers would be unfortunate, yes, but her art? Coup de grâce. Ever since I've known her, she's wanted to be an artist in Paris. I know Angela had an appointment at the hospital, but she didn’t say anything about it afterward. I don’t know if this is a bad or a good sign. I admit I’ve been hesitant to ask her.
There is also the matter of Sookie to consider. I don’t even know what to think about that. I probably need to talk to her about it soon. But not quite yet.
I hear it's possible to make deals with the powers that govern this place, these so-called Deities. Perhaps... I should consider this as an option unless Angela's mental state won't return to normal on its own soon. I'm not entirely certain about the terms of the procedure, however. I must research this before approaching the Deities.
* * *
I wonder if one is to become injured here, physically or mentally, does it have consequences for one's future in their respective homes. I've heard that if one should perish while in the City, they're bound to this place for good and may never leave. But what about slightly less drastic, yet permanent conditions? If one were to lose an appendage while here, for example, will the limb still be attached to the torso when one is sent back home? Or, would one be sent home at all if they were to be subjected to any such injury while City bound? What if a considerable physical ailment or mental deterioration... cancels out the return ticket, to put it in layman's terms?
I've probably just had too much free time, lately. This pointless speculation and foolish hyperbole is largely uncharacteristic of me.
Oh; I understand it's a possibility to barter with these... Deities. Does anyone have any personal experience with that? I would be interested to learn the practical details of the procedure and the outcome of your deal. If you wouldn't mind satisfying my curiosity, that is.
Additionally, if I was unpleasant towards anybody while possessed by one of those parasites last month, I apologize. Even though rationally none of it was my fault, I still feel an inexplicable wish to express my regret over it.
[ooc | ETA: taking a break to sleep. Backtags to follow a bit later!]