To Become More

During the nighttime, Nuuk was a completely different place. The darkness of the night sky seemed to swallow almost every sound and every movement. One could assume it was just another ghost town, but faint glow from small electric lamps dotting every other street corner and the soft hum of engines in the distance said otherwise. On rare nights, in the distance, one would be able to see ribbons of blue, green and purple light dance across the sky. Weaving through one another, they slowly created a trail of light that faded into the darkness. It was a beautiful phenomenon that was practically missed by all, all except Katrin.
Katrin had grown to appreciate the quiet. There were no children running about, no demands for a second helping. Instead, just the soft crunch of snow underfoot, her thoughts and exhales were all that surrounded her. She would catch sight of the lights on her way to the rocket site, but would not stay long enough to watch them fizzle out. It was highly advised against women to going outside this late and being caught outside, could easily cause for suspicions to rise. Especially since the research facility had been breached a couple of times. Due to that, it was “dangerous” and supervision for children were needed at all times by their mothers to “insure their safety”. Katrin knew better. It was a safety measure meant to keep woman inside more than keep people safe, but regardless, being careful wasn’t a problem. In her pocket, Katrin’s fingers traced the intricacies of Bjerg, her father’s knife. The cold metal against her fingertips gave her a sense of confidence, a sense of comfort. If anything were to happen, she knew that her father’s knife and her own skill were enough to keep her safe. As she walked, Katrin’s mind began to drift into her memories as the rocket site came into view. It was a site filled with hopes and dreams, and yet it these dreams seemed to be drenched in false hope.
“Mama, look what I built-“
“Katrin, I have asked you several times to wash your hands and set the table. You, a young girl, needs to focus on the important things. We have roles to fill, Katrin and building that is not one of yours.”
Her mother’s words, heavy with disapproval, echoed in Katrin’s head, and she felt her stomach twist in apprehension. This happened every time she reached the outskirts of the site. She would almost make it there and then, her conscience would tug at her thoughts. On one hand the rocket site was an amalgamation of parts, nothing resembling rocket. On the other hand maybe her mother was right. Katrin wasn’t a scientist, she was a cook, a wife and a mother. That was all she was.
“Unhand me-!”
Katrin was quickly yanked from her thoughts and immediately she pressed herself against the nearest wall. She had made to the last line of houses that sat beside the rocket site. Usually the area was loosely patrolled so sneaking in was an easy feat. This was the first time she had witnessed someone being caught. Her fingers slowly curled around Bjerg, as she inhaled softly. Shimming along the wall, she peeked around the corner and caught sight of an older woman being tossed out onto the pavement by a larger man. Their silhouettes were illuminated by the harsh lights lined against the outer perimeter of the rocket site. Without a moment’s hesitation, Katrin released the knife, and quickly strode forward to the older woman’s side.
“I’m so sorry, sir. She doesn’t know where she is—she’s old and confused. I was looking for her, please excuse us-!”
Hooking her arms underneath the older woman’s arms, Katrin hauled her off the ground without another word. The faster they were out of sight, the faster the situation would defuse. Putting an arm around the woman to support her as they hobbled away, Katrin almost instantly recognized the woman she was assisting.
Evelyn Nowon.
Evelyn, despite her frail form, had a reputation among the community for causing unrest. There was a rumor that she had been the one to break into the facilities and that’s why the new night policy was put in place. Once at a town meeting, she announced that the scientists were frauds! There was no rocket and no escape! Katrin remembered that meeting clearly because after that it quickly devolved into shouts of protest, argument, agreement and outrage. It was utter chaos, but the mention of a false hope had resonated with Katrin. Why was the rocket site always practically barren even when people brought in large pieces of metal? Sure, materials were dry, but breaking down a cell tower to supply the researchers was a whole week of nonstop work. The amount of metal that was able to be dragged in was incredible and yet…there has been practically no visible progress. Katrin didn’t want to believe Evelyn, but there were too many things adding up.
“….You know, you’re the last person who should be out right, now…” Katrin whispered, eyes darting from left to right, keeping an eye out for anymore guards.
“I should be saying that to you…” An indignant snort came from the elderly woman and Katrin just shook her head. Now safely tucked behind one of the nearby houses bordering the site, Katrin eased Evelyn into a sitting position on top of a discarded crate. Crouching in front of her, Katrin searched the woman’s face for answers.
“What were you doing out here..?”
There was a moment of silence between the two as Katrin watched Evelyn judge her with their eyes. Evelyn’s eyes were dark and untrusting, but seemed to hold secrets that Katrin wished she knew. Katrin wanted to know, for the first time in a while, she wanted to reach past the barriers laid out for her. Katrin’s eyebrows furrowed as she waited for an answer, her soft features growing tense as they waited. Another moment passed and Evelyn sighed deeply, the stress seeming to disappear as the breath left her lungs.
“Child, you would not believe me.”
“Oh, on the contrary, I think I would.”
Evelyn lifted her head a little, peering down at Katrin quizzically. A response like that was rare to come by. Turning her head to glance towards the rocket site, Evelyn shook her head, weighing her options.
“Please Evelyn, I heard what you said in the meeting weeks ago, there is something wrong…” Katrin began, taking one of Evelyn’s weathered and greyed hands onto one of her own. “..If you’d be willing to tell me, I’d be willing to listen.”
Evelyn slowly glanced back at Katrin, reading her face with care.
“If that’s the case, then we cannot talk here.” Evelyn grunted, struggling to her feet. Katrin took her place back at Evelyn’s side, supporting her as she had before. Katrin looked back at the rocket site, seeing as a guard began to emerge from around one of the corners.
“Then we’ll go and talk at my house. We still have three hours until the sun rises.” Katrin whispered, beginning to step towards home and towards a new dream. Obtaining the truth.