Episode 06 | The Commander
Saturday. Like most people, Zoe loves a Saturday, but for different reasons. For her, Saturday means the world is busy, people have plans, and she can slip into her own solitude. She’s never been one for parties or crowds. Today, she heads to the diner for breakfast and to pick up her notebook, which she left behind on Thursday. *Before I had to play hero for Toni,* she thinks with a wry smile. But how could she not?
Alexander played it cool that day—maybe a little *too* cool. She’s decided to do the same, but she’s keeping her guard up. Part of her wants to trust him; part of her wonders if it’s herself she can’t trust.
Mia waltzes over to her table, grinning and waving Zoe’s notebook like a trophy.
Zoe narrows her eyes. “You read it!”
Mia gives a playful shrug. “YEAH, but don’t be mad. I’m a sucker for secrets. I *need* to know them—but don’t worry, yours are safe with me.”
Zoe mutters, “You should go out with Alexander, then.”
Mia raises an eyebrow. “What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“ALEXANDER? Cute nerds aren’t my type.” Mia leans in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’d rather hear more about your *Commander*.” With a dramatic flourish, she takes a seat next to Zoe, fixing her with a curious look.
Zoe’s thoughts drift to the Commander. He’s always been there, as long as she can remember. The strange part is, he appears only in those moments when she’s close to death—yet never in fear, only with an overwhelming sense of love and guidance. It’s the reason she took this job, though “reason” feels like the wrong word. What she feels with him defies any explanation psychology or philosophy could offer.
In her younger years, the mystery of him drove her crazy. She questioned her sanity, thought she was broken somehow. But with time, she accepted that not everything needs a label. Emotions, even strange ones, aren’t wrong—they just *are*. She’s come to understand his appearances as messages, ways of communicating that don’t fit the usual mold of good, bad, or logical.
She remembers being thirteen, when her uncle… she can barely think of it, even now. The Commander appeared then, carrying her on a vivid journey through galaxies and stars, so real it felt more tangible than anything on Earth. Therapists told her it was dissociation, a way to escape. But she knows better. It wasn’t an escape; it was an experience that felt more real than life itself.
Beyond all the questions he stirs in her, Zoe knows he holds answers. And when she’s alone, focused, with a cup of coffee, she can sometimes connect with him. The feeling is beautiful and indescribable, a comfort she can’t explain to anyone.
“It’s just a little comic I’m working on,” she says, brushing it off as she looks at Mia. She can tell Mia doesn’t buy it, but she’s too smart to push Zoe for more.
Pan joins them, placing a fresh double-shot latte with a straw on the table.
Pan grins. “Did my nosy sister confess? Great story, Zoe…”
Zoe’s eyes widen. “So… YOU read it too?”
Pan raises his hands in mock innocence. “Oh no, not me. We’re twins. I see what she sees. DNA, you know.” He smirks, sharing a conspiratorial look with Mia.
Zoe laughs, relaxing a little. *So what?* They might think she’s just a hopeless romantic with a crush on an older, imaginary man. Let them think that. No harm done. In fact, maybe it’s easier this way—let the Commander remain her secret, for now.
Dear Zoelixir Community,
As the year comes to a close, we’d like to thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our journey. To recharge and prepare for an exciting year ahead, the Zoelixir team will be taking a brief break.
Our operations will pause from now until January 26, 2025, after which we’ll return with fresh ideas, inspiring stories, and thrilling new content to share with you.
We wish you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year. Thank you for being part of the Zoelixir family—we can’t wait to see you again in 2025!
Warm regards,
The Zoelixir Team
Due to illness, the next episode will be delayed indefinitely!
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