The Enigma Beyond

Following their workout, Juan Jr. looked forlorn as he watched Gracie pack. He and his twin sister had grown up together. They’d never spent much time apart. Gracie sensed her brother’s distress. She gently touched his cheek then smile as she promised, “Hey, it’s just a job, it’s no big deal, JJ. I’ll still be home on vacation and days off so lighten up a little bit.

“If the roles were reversed, you’d be bouncing off the walls with getting your first real job. If you’re worried that I can’t take care of myself…”

Juan Jr. winced a little and rubbed at his left shoulder as he said, “After that last time you threw me in our martial arts training class? Doubtful. I just hope you get a picture of the dumb schmuck after you’ve dealt with him for any inappropriate actions. No, it’s just that…well, I feel a little lost. I can’t really explain it, so let’s drop it. I’ll help you pack.”

Gracie laughed and in a scolding tone exclaimed, “Hey, get out of my underwear drawer! If you think I’m going to let you play dress-up again…”

Juan Jr. and Gracie were the 20-year-old twins of Julie and Juan. Both resembled one another in basic facial features of brown eyes and beautiful smiles with longish brown hair. But Gracie was a graceful as Juan Jr. was athletic and powerful, though both routinely practiced judo with their parents. Each spoke three languages fluently and had traveled to many places around the globe learning cultures and meeting people. As their parents traveled to work, they took one or both of the twins at times to expand their knowledge.

A familiar maternal voice at the door to Gracie’s room admonished, “Alright, you two! Stop being so cute, you know I can’t take it!”

Julie was still a striking woman even with some graying highlights beginning to sparkle in her long hair. Her eyes danced with joy at the antics of her twins. Still trim and fit, she was wearing a rose-colored workout suit, having recently completed her morning ritual in the downstairs gym. Juan, her loving husband and father to the twins, insisted they try to work out every morning.

The twins laughed and hugged their mother. Gracie reminded, “After we finish here, we will run by the lab, and I will check out with Uncle Quip.”

Julie hugged them both, smiled and replied, “Good. Supper later, don’t be late please. Last family meal before you take off.”