By Michael McCormack <whatsisname@unforgettable.com>
Date: 23 May 1997

Fixxer

I answered the door on the third knock. Something broken stood there in the 
Rain, soaking. A figure in a large, dark and shapeless overcoat, collar against
the icy needles pounding down. The face was hidden in shadow, like they always 
are. 

"I hear you can fix people." it said. Another one. They come to me searching 
for themselves. They think I can tell them who they are.

"No, I can't. But come in a minute, out of the Rain." It stepped in the door, 
sad to think I couldn't help, but glad of a chance to avoid the constant 
downpour outside.

"I heard you were a..." It had that disappointed, apologetic sound they get 
when I tell them I can't fix them.

"A Fixxer, yes. I am." The eyes brightened. Like they always do. "The name 
doesn't fit though. Like so many things. I don't Fix. I just give you what you 
need to fix yourself."

"But how can I do that? You're supposed to be the Fixxer, not me." I laughed. 
They don't realise they don't really need me. I guess I'm lucky that way. If 
they did, the world would be a lot happier. But people like me would be 
superfluous.

"That is true." I motioned it in, into the main hall. It's a large building. I 
think it was a cathedral at some stage. Massive, domed marble ceilings and the 
walls with their ornate pillars. The entire floor is lined with shelves. All 
filled with boxes. They're in some kind of order I think. Or perhaps I've 
subconsciously memorised the entire random layout. I can always find the part 
that works when I need it. "Come into the shop. Here I have everything you 
can't get anywhere else. Tell me, what do you need?"

"I'm missing a part of me."

"I see." The figure and I strolled through the shelves. It stayed hunched over.
Guarding itself against the Rain that wasn't there. I already knew where I was 
going, but it helped to hear it said. "Exactly what part?"

"Love." Always so many of them searching for love.

"Ahh... " Nobody ever realises I can't fix that. "I see. I'm afraid I don't 
keep that in stock. Always tricky, love. No use-by date. It can last forever or
it can be gone in a second. No guarantees. With love, you take your chances. 
And it's different for everyone. I couldn't keep all the different loves in a 
room this small." 

It looked up to the roof, easily fifty meters high and cursed softly.

"Did you really think it would be that easy?" I asked. Of course it did. They 
all do. That's why they come here.

"Well, I guess not." Liar.

"But I can give you what you need to find it for yourself." Confidence, clarity,
honesty, patience. Four boxes. My hands knew what shelves to go to.

The figure stared.

"Four boxes?" it asked. But it took them from my hands eagerly anyway.

"Before you open them, you need two other things. One is this;" I touched the 
figure's head with the tips of my fingers. A shiver passed between us for a 
moment. 

"An open mind. Now open the boxes." As it opened the boxes I watched the 
beautiful things fly out of them and seep into it. And as I watched I saw it 
become Someone.

"What else do I need?"

"The blue box, the one tied with string,"

"Yes?"

"That was patience. That's going to help you the most. You see, time is the 
other thing you need, for the others to work properly."

"Time... how long?"

I laughed again. Always the same questions. "Now that, I can't tell you. 
Perhaps a week. Probably not, but perhaps. Perhaps months, years. How does it 
feel?"

"Numb."

"Good. It might be like that for awhile. Don't try to use them too soon or you 
can hurt yourself, and other people."

"How will I know...?"

"You will. Now, go."

As I watched, Someone walked out the door, turned and waved goodbye. Someone 
walked away in the rain, but didn't seem to be as wet or cold as before. I sat 
down, alone, in a chair, to read.