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Kate’s stay in Aralabad had a very bittersweet ending to it – she couldn’t get away from the thought that she left something important and unresolved behind. One part of her was aware of what it could possibly be, the other was still oblivious and tried to find excuses.
They had to postpone their depart from the resort from the day they initially planned it on… First, it was Kate changing her course of life completely and abandoning her past. Secondly, there were mere formalities and things they wanted to do before leaving – such as introducing Oscar to James – Helena Romanski’s automaton – saying their final goodbyes, and resolving any possible matters that might’ve troubled them in the past. It was evident that once the three of them set on an adventure to the North, it would bring them into an entirely different point of their life and change it drastically – before that they had to sort out things that were lying a burden on their hearts so they could jump into this journey high-spirited and leave their past behind.
This mostly was about Kate and Hans than Oscar. He did nothing he would have to sort out. And while that, Kate was sure of ignoring all her issues and leaving them unresolved, while Hans… Well, Hans might’ve been the reason for what had happened. Or rather not the reason, but a final straw.
Helena was fading before their eyes after the talk she had with him, the one before Kate finally met Mr. Voralberg in person. She was tired and exhausted – the energy that kept her so spirited and sharp the entire time during her retirement seemed to have gone. “It was probably supported all this time by the hope of meeting Hans once again” – Kate thought, remembering their previous conversations. And it seemed about right. Hans broke these expectations, with them her heart.
The diva seemed to be ready to move on to her next life.
They decided to stay in Aralabad for an additional few days, although reluctantly, since Hans insisted on going. He didn’t see a reason for them to stay in Aralabad for any longer – and perhaps he was right. Yet, Kate couldn’t help but stay – she owed Madam Romanski an enormous debt. The inventor, on the other hand, was still carefree, no negative or controversial to his beliefs thought crossing his mind. The way everything turned out seemed to be right for him. And as much as Kate found it unfair to Helena, she couldn’t say anything…
Oscar and James, well, did not especially have something to talk about, but they still got along pretty well. It was quite joyful to look at them bonding, considering the overall circumstances – in breaks between Oscar taking care of Hans, Kate, and the train and James caring for Madam Romanski they would sometimes spend time strolling around the resort.
James insisted on showing him around. Once, they went on a walk that covered the entirety of Aralabad, talking:
– If you don’t mind me asking, how much time did you spend in Aralabad? – Oscar inquired once on that walk.
– As long as I remember myself, – Answered James. – I was constructed and brought to life here.
– Very interesting. – Replied the train conductor. – I was constructed on the Voralberg factory in Valadilene, although I was not finished… Kate Walker made my legs, the last missing part of my model.
– You must have seen a lot. Unfortunately, the way I am built does not allow me to travel for long distances. Which model are your legs?
– XZ_2005B.
– How wonderful. – Said James with no emotion just as they reached the doors that led to the pier. – I would deeply appreciate it if you could hold the door for me while we exit the building.
– Certainly. – Answered Ocar as he held it for his companion and exited after him. – How do you survive the extreme weather changes that prevail here? They are so harmful for our wheelwork.
– I do not, – Answered James, with a bit of pity in his voice. – When Madam gives me an order, I must follow it. She simply does not understand how fragile me, or you, or our mechanisms are.
– This is so unfortunate… – Oscar seemed visibly distressed.
– Does Kate Walker make you go out in extreme weather?
– No, she doesn’t really. Now that I think of it, she lets me take care of the train and its components while she’s on her quest. During our journey, we visited many places with an atmosphere harmful for myself. It made it impossible for me to be of assistance aside from taking care of our locomotive.
– If I remember correctly, the director of the factory in Komkolzgrad took your hands, didn’t he?
– I was devastated, and suddenly had nothing to do other than sit and wait for Kate Walker… She went to Aralabad just then to find Helena Romanski. Time was moving extremely slow. But I got my hands back in the end, and we got out safely from the factory. It and the air on it were horrendous, I must say.
– Was it? It is probably the reason Madam has been coughing so much after the trip. – The tone of James’s voice changed to a bit salty. He asked a sudden question, – Was Madam kind to you?
– She was an extremely delightful person, – Replied Oscar, – And it was a pleasure to speak with her. She was actually the one to screw my hands back in their place.
James got silent for a few seconds.
– Have I said something that upset you, James?
– No, – Answered the lackey. – The reason for my sudden silence was that, usually, Madam is more harsh on me.
Why was she like that to him, but acted differently towards Oscar and others?
– I see. – The automaton did not exactly know how to answer.
– I don’t need consolation, if that’s what you’ve been wondering, – James outran Oscar’s thoughts. – It was a mere observation.
– I am sure that you are of great importance and emotional value to your Madam. – Said Oscar. – Kate Walker and I have a different relationship from yours, indeed. Yet it does not appear to me that it should make your bond any less special.
– Maybe. I appreciate your concern, Oscar.
And so they continued to stroll.
Kate was preoccupied with calls from her boss and relatives, concerned for her. Marson was indescribably furious at Kate and what she did – the contract between them and the Universal Toy Company was a disaster and didn’t last for obvious reasons, which made Kate even more adamant on not coming back to New York – the will to cut off all people she knew and forget about the life she had was accompanied by the fear to face consequences of her action.
It was a very sudden impulsive thought, and while they stayed for a bit longer in Aralabad she had a chance to think it all over. And that decision was final. Apart from facing calls from Dan, Olivia and mom, she visited Madam Romanski: She needed less and less of James’s attention lately, as she preferred to stay alone in her room – spacious, yet curtained, not letting in the daylight; stopped going on daily walks and eating. The opera diva was pale and looked as fragile as a porcelain vase when Kate came into her room that day, with light in her eyes gradually fading. She looked at Kate and smiled lightly while saying:
– Why are you still here, child?
– I couldn’t leave you alone like this, Madam Romanski. – Kate sat on a chair next to the dying woman’s bed, turning to her.
– You should go, love, and help Hans accomplish his dream. He’s so eager. You shouldn’t stay here because of me. – Said she quietly.
– But I insist, – Kate replied softly. – I regret putting you through so much, Madam, it probably was such a blow on your health. If I knew what was going to happen, trust me, I would have found another way to get Oscar’s arms back.
Helena held her hand. Hers were visibly cold despite the warm blankets she was lying under.
– The winter is so charming this year. – She smiled with the corners of her mouth. – Don’t beat yourself over this, Miss Walker, it was the most wonderful experience I had in a while, and it was not the reason for my decaying health, believe me. It’s just… my time.
– Was it Hans Voralberg, Madam? – Kate looked troubled and Helena noticed that.
– Do not fret. I was high on my hopes, Ms. Walker. It doesn’t matter anymore.
– Please forgive me, Madam, but you grew more resentful towards James. He is disturbed. He doesn’t know the reason, but he genuinely cares about you. And since he was constructed by Hans I thought…
– …I see what you mean. – Romanski’s brows crossed, but not for long. She slowly exhaled and was back in her relaxed state again. – It wasn’t right of me, but I’m afraid we don’t have much time for me to apologize to him. Would you do that for me, Kate?
– Madam, do you mean…
– Thank you…
She smiled for the last time, her eyes closing. She drew her final breath. Her hand weighed much on Kate’s.
Helena Romanski died in peace, her still face resembling the same soft smile she looked at Kate with when she entered. Kate Walker sat in silence, tilting her head and closing her eyes, silently mourning the loss of someone who became a friend in such a short period of time. Someone who became special so fast. Someone who was inspiring, who was now gone.
And the special energy they enlightened everyone around them went with them.
…
They were now ready to leave.
Aralabad seemed grey, as if its life was taken together with Helena’s. She was what kept this place alive – it now looked like an ordinary grey lifeless building covered in snow that started to envelop the entire resort. They had to leave soon if they wanted to make it to the next station and see if there was any coal there before it got extremely cold.
– Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Smetana, we will never forget it. – Kate was saying goodbye to him before they departed. The concierge was still as sharp on his tongue and energetic as usual, with a thin, subtle layer of silent grief over his eyes. He was mourning just as everybody on the resort, but had to keep his composure.
– I hope to see you again sometime, Ms. Walker. – He smiled slightly. The poignant expression on his face changed with a look of hope. – I really do. Without Madam Romanski – God bless her soul – it won’t be the same here, and we need someone as bright as her to keep us going.
She smiled and nodded at him, and so they bid farewell.
She approached Oscar, who was standing on the station and seemed to be gazing into the snowy mountains in front of them. She came closer, stood next to him, wrapping her arms around herself from the frost that suddenly creeped over her skin, and initiated a conversation:
– Brr, winter really seems to be approaching. It’s becoming chilly here.
– You should go inside the train, Kate Walker, so you wouldn’t catch a cold. – Replied Oscar plainly.
– How’s James holding up, Oscar? – She turned to him, as the automaton continued looking right in front of himself.
– He seems to be malfunctioning, Kate Walker. – The automaton answered, unsure, and also turned to her. – After he found out about Madam Romanski passing away he went onto the pier, to the gazebo, and now refuses to answer me, or anyone. I’m afraid he’ll freeze to death and his wheelwork is going to rust if he doesn’t go back inside immediately, Kate Walker.
– How long has it been since he went there?
– Ten hours, thirty-three minutes and fifty-four seconds, Kate Walker.
– And the snow hasn't stopped for a minute since then, has it…
– …What could it be, Kate Walker?
Kate stood silent, zipping up her coat and trying to think of a reply.
– …I don’t think he was able to accept that Madam Romanski died, Oscar.
– How come?
– Each one of us has our own purpose, we realise it as we live. He was already built with a purpose to assist Madam Romanski and it was his main objective throughout his entire life. And now she’s gone, and James is alone. He either thinks that he failed in his task or feels a void inside of him that he will never be able to fill in again and thus he lost his purpose in life, deciding to… end it?..
– What you mean is that James has deliberately decided to end his existence because he lost the purpose of it?
– Yes, this is what I meant.
– But, Kate Walker, aren’t we supposed to die instantaneously if we have a void inside ourselves? And how do we have it? James seemed perfectly normal from the outside. If he had a void, it would’ve been visible, wouldn’t it? You seem to have explained it improperly.
– We don’t have a void in ourselves physically in such cases, Oscar. It’s the way you feel. You might still have your organs, or, let’s say, wheelwork inside of you, but you feel empty and purposeless. The feeling of emptiness, if it is not cured, deepens, and becomes a void.
– How do we cure a feeling of emptiness, Kate Walker?
– Through talk. And work with a therapist – they are professionals usually to help you in such situations. But you or I don't have any therapists on us or nearby, do we? So the main method is to talk with someone you trust.
– I didn’t know automatons can feel that much, Kate Walker.
– Are you troubled, Oscar?
– I am. I didn’t know James well, but I can’t help but feel sorry I couldn’t have done anything. What if I ever feel this way?
– Well, you can always talk to me, Ocar. I will always be there.
– My purpose is to serve Mr. Voralberg – what if I fail or my purpose will be served? Will I become worthless and unneeded? Will I do the same to myself?
She stood silent for a moment, processing his words.
– You are marvelous, Oscar, and very special. – Finally replied Kate, – And are capable of many things. Maybe you were made to serve Mr. Voralberg, but you are so much more than just that. And James, too. I just wish he had someone who could tell him that earlier.
Kate held a short pause.
– All of us are capable of making a choice. It’s harder for you because it was initially written into your program that your main purpose is something and it’s hard to override it. Yet, Oscar, we are all individuals. And whether you believe this or not, you are too. And you are special, just like each of us is.
– It’s very kind of you, Kate Walker…
He was certainly flattered.
– I’ve said my final goodbyes to everyone. Have you?
– Well, it’s not like I have anyone to say goodbye to… So yes, I have, Kate Walker.
– Good. We’re all set, right?
– We are.
– Great. You better get back to the train, Oscar, before this spiking cold gets to your wheelwork! I better go as well, Mr. Voralberg is annoyed with our delay already isn’t he?
– I will, Kate Walker! Please, take your seat.
Kate climbed up to the vagon and turned around to take a final look at Aralabad before finally setting off on their voyage, breathing in the fresh cold air. The train finally set off as she saw off the slowly disappearing behind a curtain of snow and mountains resort, leaving the entire life she had before behind along with it.
Her heart yet ached for the loss of such bright person as Madam Romanski, and her thoughts returned to the fact of James's death and the tragedy of it all – of how heartbreaking the death and devotion of an automaton can be. How really close they are to humans. And how his snow-covered body was still somewhere on the pier – perhaps James was dying slowly, or perhaps he had decided to switch off immediately, exposing his physical essence to the snow that would soon destroy his entire mechanism. In any way, it made Kate feel terrible for him and for the dreadfullness of this entire situation.
He couldn’t live without his Madam.