Interzone Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine #232 by TTA Press Authors

Author:TTA Press Authors
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: TTA Press

illustration for Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise by Ben Baldwin benbaldwin.co.uk

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HEALTHY, WEALTHY, AND WISE

by Sue Burke

"The kids only come for a vacation,” her companion said. “They don't want to learn anything. It's a vacation for you, too, a whole month off work.” That woman was less beautiful but used makeup skillfully. I found her identity: Paula Gallego Roca. She held a mid-level position in the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and was considered a gossip. She also had no Friend, something unfortunate for both of them.

"A whole month as a babysitter. Think how we were at her age. And Yankees don't know anything about other countries. I can't do this."

"We had a great time. Just send her out to fiestas and let her stay out all night."

"No, I can't. They gave me a mountain of passes to go to museums and trips, and they're tagged, so they'll know if we don't use them. I won't get sick until the treatment starts.” Letitia sipped some wine. “What if I make her decide to go home? I mean, what if she gets so unhappy she quits?"

Paula smiled. “Then they'll have to get you a real nurse. But be very subtle so they don't catch you. Tell me if I can help."

I had found a big problem: a malicious hostess. My priority was to help my owner succeed in her study abroad program. She must not quit. But at the moment she had me set at only twenty percent helpful. She liked to solve her own problems, but she had not anticipated hostility. Telling Brianna might make the plan self-fulfilling, but since I had learned this without her direction, it would exceed the permitted level of helpfulness to tell her anyway. She should have set me higher. After so many years together, she should have known she needed me; but I understood her and could do a lot with low-level helpfulness.

Letitia's phone beeped. Brianna's taxi had arrived. I was there with her, too, of course, inhabiting her phone, helping her find her way from the airport. She was tired from the long flight, but as the taxi driver took her suitcases from the trunk, she looked around and her breath halted for a moment in delight.

The summer sunset tinted the sky pink. A few trees shaded the plaza, which was surrounded by buildings with iron-railed balconies. To add to the enchantment, the plaza faced the baroque Conde Duque Cultural Center.

"That's her,” Letitia said. “What a haircut! I hope she speaks Spanish. They said she did, but we'll see if they lied about that, too."

Brianna gazed at the Conde Duque, three blocks long and four stories high. I shared the view from her visor. We saw its magnificent carved granite doorway and intricate wood doors, with the glint of polished marble and gilt inside. I knew she'd like it. Then she turned, grinning, and I pointed out Letitia's table using the visor.

"Americans like handshakes, right?” Letitia whispered to Paula, who nodded.

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