Thank god for the trolley system, they thought as they hopped off at the corner of Leucadia Blvd and Orpheus. For the last decade since the oil ran out and gasoline fueled cars became obsolete, local and state government agencies had finally been forced to work together to deliver a workable transportation system...

Heading south on Orpheus, they spotted the first flag, waving wildly in the ocean breeze and silently announcing an open house. Sally waved her right wrist over the scanner near the front gate and Paul did the same- allowing them to enter the property together. It was so nice to be able to look at the place without a pesky real estate agent hovering on every word.

The pathway through the vegetable garden looked like gravel but was soft and spongy- obviously some sort of recycled material. Every window on the front of the house was a different shape and size, but the placement of each opening had been carefully planned to give it a balanced aura in the late morning sun.

The front door was at least 18 ft tall and was actually 2 doors that were painted a pale green that almost disappeared behind the moss and vines that helped to insulate the structure. The doors opened automatically as they approached and a motorized awning descended and expanded to shelter the entrance from the sun helping to keep the cool air inside the house. It was marvelously quiet in the entryway- the walls gave off a hushed calming glow and the textured flooring seemed to flow into the horizon like the ocean.

Passing under the first archway, the house seemed to transform into an entirely different shape.

I’m trying to decide if I like that transition or if it’s a little creepy. Sally murmured quietly to Paul. I think I like it but it’s a little unsettling. I’m used to walls that are rooted to the foundation but in this home they seem to move in a very intuitive way that feels womblike. He looked at her thoughtfully from a distance of about 20 feet and wondered if she was seeing the same thing he was.

She paused for a moment and then took a seat on a red upholstered bench hanging in the corner. He strode purposefully across the remaining distance and sat down next to her. What do you see he said?

She softened her gaze and let her mind drift slowly from side to side trying to focus on the shapes that seemed to move along with her glances. She didn’t seem to be able to visualize herself on the bench she knew she was sitting on- but she decided to try to describe what she was feeling and not to get distracted by that thought.

I feel you in the air inside the house. I sense where the kitchen is, where the lights are and how to activate the doors and windows. It’s strange but it all feels very intuitive and comforting. Its home. We belong here.

She felt him turn his body slightly towards her and heard him say quietly. I see you too, in the air, in the garden, and in the structure itself. I can visualize coming home and knowing without seeing or hearing a sound that you are there waiting for me, that you’ll always be there. He took her hand and they moved further into the room towards a circle of light that shifted as the trees outside swayed in the breeze.

The walls seemed to part in front of them.