3 min read
Lab 305
August 24, 2016
Lab 305. The name had lingered in Reuben’s mind ever since his meeting with Oliver. He couldn’t stop looking at the pamphlet he’d received, reading and rereading it throughout the day as if the answers he sought might magically appear between the lines. It had been a week since the magical convention, but Vesna — the raevan with the captivating beauty and unique ribbon — had been impossible to forget. Her presence was like a puzzle piece that had unlocked a curiosity within him, drawing him to learn more about this place called Lab 305, where she had been created.
After some digging, Reuben discovered that the lab wasn’t just an organization — it was a tight-knit community, dedicated to the creation and nurturing of these magical beings fashioned of both a magical essence and a soul. Articles and even a few archived newspaper clippings painted a picture of a place steeped in mystery and wonder. Knowing that Oliver was a part of this community reassured him and solidified his interest. From what he read, the application process was fairly straightforward: request information, fill out an application, send it in, and wait to see if you were chosen.
Reuben began to consider what this decision might mean for him. If he was selected and ended up with a raevan of his own, how would he care for it? He realized that, given his flexible schedule and home-based business, he had the time to devote to another being. And space wasn’t an issue — one of the spare bedrooms would be perfect for their needs. The more he thought about it, the more his concerns felt manageable. Even the question of sustenance, sparked by Vesna’s inability to eat ice cream, seemed like a challenge he could face when the time came.
By now, Reuben’s mind was made up. The worst-case scenario was that he wouldn’t be chosen, and life would continue as it always had. With nothing to lose, he decided to take a leap of faith. He requested the application by mail, and within a few days, a thick packet arrived. The size of it was unexpected, but not discouraging.
Over the next few days, Reuben diligently filled out the forms whenever he had a spare moment from tending to The Mystic Herb. As he worked through the questions, a sense of purpose began to build within him. This wasn’t just an application — it was the potential start of something life-changing. The thought of caring for one of these magical ribbon children brought a smile to his face every time he considered it.
When he finally completed the application, Reuben carefully packed it up, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He called a courier, handed over the packet, and sent it off with high hopes. Now, all he could do was wait and wonder if this new chapter in his life might soon begin.
After some digging, Reuben discovered that the lab wasn’t just an organization — it was a tight-knit community, dedicated to the creation and nurturing of these magical beings fashioned of both a magical essence and a soul. Articles and even a few archived newspaper clippings painted a picture of a place steeped in mystery and wonder. Knowing that Oliver was a part of this community reassured him and solidified his interest. From what he read, the application process was fairly straightforward: request information, fill out an application, send it in, and wait to see if you were chosen.
Reuben began to consider what this decision might mean for him. If he was selected and ended up with a raevan of his own, how would he care for it? He realized that, given his flexible schedule and home-based business, he had the time to devote to another being. And space wasn’t an issue — one of the spare bedrooms would be perfect for their needs. The more he thought about it, the more his concerns felt manageable. Even the question of sustenance, sparked by Vesna’s inability to eat ice cream, seemed like a challenge he could face when the time came.
By now, Reuben’s mind was made up. The worst-case scenario was that he wouldn’t be chosen, and life would continue as it always had. With nothing to lose, he decided to take a leap of faith. He requested the application by mail, and within a few days, a thick packet arrived. The size of it was unexpected, but not discouraging.
Over the next few days, Reuben diligently filled out the forms whenever he had a spare moment from tending to The Mystic Herb. As he worked through the questions, a sense of purpose began to build within him. This wasn’t just an application — it was the potential start of something life-changing. The thought of caring for one of these magical ribbon children brought a smile to his face every time he considered it.
When he finally completed the application, Reuben carefully packed it up, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He called a courier, handed over the packet, and sent it off with high hopes. Now, all he could do was wait and wonder if this new chapter in his life might soon begin.