Two of a Mind Read Free Page A

laughed.
    â€œExactly! That’s why the brain automatically closes off the connection during the intensely passionate times of your life,” Ms Thorogood added. She was the only tutor who openly discussed stuff like sex with us. I suppose she was close enough to our age so she didn’t come across as if she’d no idea how we felt. “PTs can sense their partner’s extreme feelings but not the specifics. It’s rather complicated. You’ll probably be able to recognise when your PT is deliriously happy; desperately sad; madly in love or completely distraught, although you’re unlikely to be able to eavesdrop on the action. There are some aspects of telepathy that can’t be taught, you have to adjust over time once the connection’s made, but I’ll do my best to prepare you for the changes you can expect when you reach sixteen.
    â€œIn the meantime, I’ll be coaching you regarding the responsibilities and restrictions that you must follow once you become a full PT. Some of you will be quick to adapt, some will find it a strange and difficult process. These sessions will include joint projects and workshops to encourage trust and mutual support. And I’ll be having several individual counselling sessions with each of you to discuss anything you’re uncomfortable about.”
    There were several giggles and exaggerated coughs as we considered what might be uncomfortable when a stranger started to share our thoughts.
    â€œOkay, I’ll let you out a little early as you’ve been
so
well behaved.” She winked at the class and waved her hand towards the door. “Go on. Have a good weekend everyone.”
    â€œThanks, Miss!” we chorused and ran for the freedom of a sun-drenched Friday evening.
    I wonder if anyone asked her about what to do if the PT connection didn’t happen. I certainly never thought to ask during our private sessions and it probably didn’t occur to anyone else either. How naïve of us to believe that not one of our classmates might end up being an ‘Empty’ – MPT: Missing-Psyche-Twin.
    So, what happens now?

CHAPTER 3

    London: July 2039

    â€œRecent reports suggest that Homo Sapiens have taken a significant evolutionary step forward. Scientists working at the Trevalyn Laboratories in Oxford now believe that many of the mental health issues previously thought to be connected to the 2015 War and the concurrent flu pandemic of that year might have been indicative of changes within the brain, leading to the potential to connect telepathically with another individual…”
    â€œYes, but why the sudden advancement?” muttered Baroness Julia Simpson.
    â€œPardon, Grandma?” Matthew paused, his toast halfway to his mouth.
    â€œOh. Nothing Matt. I was simply thinking out loud. I’m allowed to at my age.” She smiled at her grandson. She didn’t want the teenager worrying about Grandma’s mental health when he already had enough to cope with. “How’s your mother this morning?”
    â€œMuch the same. The medication seems to help keep her calm but she doesn’t sleep much.”
    â€œIt’s so hard for her, poor love. I’ll pop up to see her after breakfast.”
    â€œIt’s hard for us too Grandma. You lost Granddad to the flu and then Dad …” Matt choked.
    Julia moved to sit by her grandson. She gathered him in her arms and held him close as his tears wet her blouse.
    â€œYes, we’ve had our bad times but we’ve still got each other. Your mother lost her entire family during the flu pandemic. She loves you dearly but your father was her lifeline for a long time before you came along. We can only hope that she remembers we’re here for her now. It may take her some time. She was fragile before he … left us.” Even the ever-pragmatic Julia couldn’t say the words – that her son had taken his own life – it was