"Genesis Lies with Destiny: The Quiet Unfolding" About Hari Binger

"Genesis Lies with Destiny: The Quiet Unfolding" By Brian Lynn Bentley

Prologue

“You only notice things are there, when they aren’t” Parphrase of Hari Bingers thoughts.

Chapter 1: Dancing with Perceptions

The morning of October 15, 1952, began with the early sun casting a warm golden hue over the freshly washed streets. The air had a delightful snap to it, cool and crisp, yet not laden with heavy humidity. The city was unusually calm, with only the occasional birdsong punctuating the silence.

Genesis and Hari were walking side by side, their footsteps syncing effortlessly. Genesis was a picture of vibrant energy in her pink pencil skirt and light blue sweater, a wide belt cinching her outfit neatly. Her saddle shoes and bobby socks gave a nod to the stylish early 1950s, an era she seemed to channel effortlessly.

"Hey, have you seen the buzz about that new flick at the Majestic?" Genesis asked, her voice bright with curiosity. "Heard it's gonna be a real doozy."

"You mean 'Singin' in the Rain'? Gene Kelly's got everyone talking," Hari replied. He wore a simple, well-tailored suit that fit him comfortably, though it could not fully conceal his slight paunch. His brown hair, which was starting to thin on top, and his warm green eyes gave him an approachable, albeit slightly old-fashioned, appearance. Despite the easy banter, there was a shadow of distance in his demeanor.

"Yeah, that's the one! We should check it out sometime. Might be a kick," she said, her ponytail bouncing as she spoke.

Hari smiled slightly. "Yeah, could be. Heard the production was pretty special too."

"The production?" Genesis raised an eyebrow. "You and your details, Hari. Always with your nose in the finer points."

He chuckled softly. "Can't help it. There's something nifty about digging into the nitty-gritty."

A crow landed on Hari's shoulder. Hari pretended not to notice.

"Better than a night out with friends?" she teased, shaking her head playfully.

Hari tilted his head slightly, considering. "Different kind of magic, I guess."

Genesis noticed and said, "Um, Hari, there seems to be a bird on your shoulder."

Without missing a beat, Hari replied, "Yes, there is. Hello, Jacob."

"So how do you do that?" she asked, stopping and looking at him and the crow.

"I don't."

"You didn't feed him or train him to do that?"

"I'm not that much of an animal person."

Genesis stopped in her tracks, shocked and surprised by Hari's unexpected response. She placed her hands on her hips, assuming an incredulous pose as if to emphasize her disbelief. "You have a bird on your shoulder that no one asked to be there. Don't you think that's slightly—how shall I say—**unusual**?" she said to Hari, slowing down and pausing after each word. She raised her voice on each keyword, carefully enunciating each syllable.

"Why? We see birds all the time and everywhere. It's not up to me where one perches. How come you didn't blame me for that bird sitting on that sign over there?" he said, trying to deflect the conversation while crafting an explanation that she obviously wasn't buying into.

Genesis stopped the interrogation and exhaled slowly, blowing some hair off her face.

"See, that kind of talk makes me think you live in some other world sometimes," Genesis remarked, not unkindly. "Like you're here, but not really here."

They walked in companionable silence for a few moments, the sounds of their shoes tapping lightly against the pavement. Genesis watched a bird flutter from one telephone wire to another before she turned her attention back to her friend.

"Hey, I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat," Genesis suggested, her tone lightening.

Hari nodded. "Sure. I'm in the mood for something sweet. How about that little café down the street? I hear their pastries are a dream."

Genesis's eyes lit up at the thought. "Perfect! I could go for a good croissant. It's always bustling with people, though. Hope we find a spot."

The both start heading to the  cafe picking up the pace.

"With any luck, we'll snag one of those tables near the street," Hari replied, considering how the lively chatter of passersby might energize their conversation.

"Sounds like a plan," Genesis agreed, already imagining the smell of fresh coffee mingling with the aroma of warm pastries. "Alright, let's move before all the good ones are taken."

They redirected their path toward the small, bustling café, anticipation guiding their steps. Hari silently appreciated the simplicity of moments like this, where concerns faded in favor of shared indulgences.

As they neared the café, the rich aroma of coffee and baked treats greeted them, teasing their senses. The small city charm seemed to make moments like these feel personal and familiar.

Once seated at a small table near the street, they continued their lighthearted banter. Genesis's thoughts drifted back. "Hey, Hari," she began, her tone shifting to a more serious note, "how come no one ever seems to see you?"

Before Hari could respond, a passerby accidentally bumped into his chair. "Sorry about that, ma'am," the stranger said without making eye contact, moving along quickly. Genesis raised an eyebrow, noting the stranger's odd mistake.

A server approached their table, smiling warmly. "Hey, Hari! Usual black coffee and a lemon tart?"

Hari nodded, grateful to be recognized correctly. "Yes, please. And for Genesis, a croissant."

The server jotted down the order and left, while Genesis watched the scene unfold. Her eyes scanned the café's other patrons, noticing varied expressions from confused to indifferent when looking at Hari. One table nearby cast furtive glances, whispering amongst themselves.

"Did you see that?" Genesis asked, leaning in closer. "That person thought you were a woman."

Hari sighed, his gaze drifting to the bustling street outside. "It happens."

"But why?" Genesis pressed, trying to make sense of the inconsistencies.

Hari met her eyes, his expression unreadable. "Perception is a tricky thing, Gen. People see what they expect to see—or what they need to see."

Genesis frowned, trying to wrap her mind around his words. "You mean, like some sort of illusion?"

"Sort of," Hari replied cryptically, just as their server returned with their order.

As they settled into eating, Genesis couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her friend than met the eye. The cozy café buzzed around them, yet it felt like they sat in a bubble of curiosity and mystery, isolated from the world.

Hari chuckled, clearly entertained. "Maybe I'm just more of a small town kind of mystery."

Genesis sighed, half-frustrated but mostly amused. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"That's one way to keep things interesting," Hari said with a grin before steering the conversation anew. "Anyway, what are your plans after the department store event? Heard there's going to be a classic movie night at the theater soon."

Genesis considered the events lined up. "Oh, that's right. I love the idea of the old cinema nights. It'll be nice to escape into an old film for a while."

They veered into a discussion about the upcoming films, sharing fond memories of favorite classics, as Genesis tucked away her curiosity for another day. Although Hari remained as elusive as ever, his company was undeniably engaging.

As their conversation ebbed and flowed, Genesis realized she might never completely unravel the enigma that was Hari. Yet, she found herself captivated by their exchanges, where the mundane intertwined with the captivating mystery of her friend.

"I've been meaning to ask," she ventured, "Am I seeing the real you, or just a projection?"

Hari glanced at her briefly before his gaze returned to the ground. Her question lingered in the air, silently seeking an answer.

"You see me as my family does, as my friends do," he finally replied. "I am, shall we say, reality."

“Well, that’s reassuring, kinda like finding a lucky penny. It’s good to know I’m catching the real vibe from you, mysteries and all. Even if your secret turns out to be that you can whip up the world’s best malt shake, I’m all in. Our friendship’s got a rhythm I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

People at the cafe keep addressing him as some one he isnt.

"How come no one sees you?" Genesis repeated, a hint of urgency creeping into her tone.

"They see me," Hari replied cryptically, a small smile playing on his lips, "just not in the way you think."

Genesis frowned, her curiosity piqued even further. "What do you mean by that? People walk right past you like you're not even there."

Hari glanced at a nearby wall, studying the torn edges of an old, faded poster. "Perception is a funny thing, Gen. Sometimes, what's right in front of you can be the hardest to see."

"You're not making any sense," Genesis said, her frustration showing. "Why can't you just tell me straight?"

Hari's gaze met hers, and she felt a shiver of curiosity and uncertainty. "Straight lines rarely lead to the truth," he replied enigmatically.

She groaned in mock frustration, throwing her hands up. "You sound like one of those fortune cookies! Just give me something concrete."

He smirked. "Alright, how about this: It's easier for people not to notice certain things."

Genesis stopped in her tracks, processing his words. "Like what things? What are you on about?" she asked, growing more concerned and intrigued.

Hari sighed, the sound heavy with untold stories. "Sometimes, seeing means accepting something... different. Unsettling. Easier for people to look away and keep things copacetic."

"Different how? C’mon, Hari, this is getting old," Genesis insisted, her curiosity now tinged with a hint of worry. "You can't just drop these vague answers and expect me to be okay with it."

He looked at her then, a soft, almost resigned look in his eyes. "People sense things without realizing it. Ignoring me is their way of staying comfortable."

Genesis felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew Hari was different, but this added a layer of complexity she wasn't prepared for. "Are you... saying you're some kind of signal or something?" she ventured cautiously.

Hari smirked, a brief flash of amusement crossing his face. "Signals, signs... they’re just words, Gen. Maybe it's not about what I am, but what I remind them of."

She shook her head, more puzzled than ever. "You remind them of what?"

He stopped talking, the silence almost deafening around them. "Paths. Choices. Changes. Things that people don't want to think about," he said slowly, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Genesis took a deep breath, trying to piece together his clues. "So, you're saying you're like... a reminder of what could be? Or what should be changed?"

Hari didn't answer directly, merely resuming their walk and leaving her with those thoughts hanging heavily in the air. The cityscape around them seemed to shift subtly, as if echoing the mysteries he hinted at.

"You know," Hari said, breaking the silence, "people have a way of making things complicated even when they don't have to."

As they continued their walk, the faint hum of an approaching car grew louder, temporarily filling the quiet street. A sleek sedan rolled past, its headlights briefly illuminating their faces before it disappeared into the distance. The momentary disruption seemed to underscore the complexity they were discussing, as if even the city itself couldn't escape its own inevitable patterns.

Genesis chuckled. "You think? Look at us, walking around like we're in some detective novel. You know i have a rule about that lets call it the law of Genesis, People have a need to overcomplicate something very simple. Right Mr Complicated?"

"Maybe I am, Maybe we are," Hari replied, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Just missing the typewriters and whisky bottles."

"Speak for yourself," Genesis shot back, nudging him playfully. "You've got the detective look down pat."

He laughed, and for a moment, the tension melted away. "Guess I'm missing a cigarette holder and a couple of corpses, then."

As they turned the corner, Genesis's attention was caught by a young man walking past. His dark hair was slicked back, and his leather jacket exuded cool confidence. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and bit her lip—a clear sign of her interest.

Hari noticed and chuckled. "See someone you fancy?"

Genesis rolled her eyes playfully. "What? I'm just admiring the scenery. It's a free country, you know."

"Sure, sure," Hari said with a smirk. "Just try not to trip over anything while you're ogling."

"Very funny," Genesis replied, nudging him again. "I still don't get how you stay so cool around all this."

"If you say so," Hari responded, his voice tinged with mild amusement.

They continued walking, engaging in more playful banter and casual observations. Genesis's eyes occasionally darted to other attractive men they passed, her interest evident in the way she adjusted her posture or played with her hair. Hari, on the other hand, remained his usual enigmatic self, making light comments on her flirtations.

"You know, if you keep this up, you'll have every guy in town thinking you're sweet on them," Hari remarked as they waited to cross the street.

"Well, what can I say? A girl's gotta keep her options open," Genesis said with a wink. "Besides, it's all in good fun."

"So next time, you want me to help by holding your bosoms up and pushing them together?"

Genesis pretended to be offended. "No, that's unnecessary. I can do that myself. See?" She demonstrated, laughing.

Hari rolled his eyes and laughed. "You're not exactly what people would call shy, are you?" He said and looked back forward, towards the destination.

"Perish the thought," she said, smiling as they continued their stroll.

"Just a word of advice: don't get too distracted by the scenery. There's more to see if you look past the obvious," Hari said, his tone gently reminding her of their ongoing conversation.

She met his gaze, seeing the underlying seriousness in his eyes. "Alright, Mr. Mysterious. I get it. But a little fun never hurt anyone."

"True," Hari conceded with a nod. "Just remember to keep your eyes open for the bigger picture."

Feeling a mixture of curiosity and determination, Genesis knew this walk was just the beginning of unraveling the enigma that was Hari. She glanced at him, her mind racing with questions, ready to face whatever truths lay ahead.

Under the morning sun, they continued side by side, the quiet streets promising more secrets and revelations. Friends bound by curiosity and shared paths, they walked on, the world around them brimming with unspoken possibilities.

Genesis wanted to press him further. "What thing, Hari? I've known you a while now. What is the thing they know that I don't know?"

But before she could delve further into her question, Hari deftly switched gears. "So, have you read the morning paper yet? Did you catch that report about the new medical breakthrough in polio treatment?"

"Medical news? Seriously?" Genesis asked, unable to hide her frustration mingled with curiosity. "Hari, you're a pro at avoiding the point."

Hari's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, don't tell me you're not at least a little bit curious. Advancements in science... It's all the rage."

"I guess it's interesting," Genesis conceded with a sigh. "But you're dodging my question. You always do that."

Hari grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Maybe I'm just trying to keep things interesting. Life's more intriguing with a little mystery, don't you think?"

Genesis laughed despite herself. "You’re impossible.. What did the paper say?"

As Hari began to recount the bizarre details of the news article about Polio, Genesis found herself reluctantly drawn into the story. Despite her lingering questions about him, she couldn't help but enjoy the easy camaraderie between them.

For now, she decided to let the mystery rest. There would be other moments, other conversations where she could probe deeper. Today, amidst the banter about movies, medical breakthroughs, and other things, she cherished the simple pleasure of friendship—no matter how enigmatic.

And so, they walked on. Underneath the veneer of their mundane conversation, the quiet streets held the promise of secrets yet to be revealed, and Genesis couldn’t shake the feeling that her journey with Hari was only beginning.

Chapter Two: a coincidence of serendipity

Hari and Genesis were almost home; they lived on the same block. She lived on Eerie Street in a gambrel-styled house painted tan, with real white shutters. Most of the houses now have fake shutters; she likes them, especially when the streetlights come on—they are better than curtains or shades. Hari lives around the corner from her, on Garmine Road. His house came from a Sears kit in the 1920s—imagine that, Sears used to sell houses between the underwear ads. The two-story house has been decorated and modified over the years, but you can still see its original charm.

They are walking together; the sun is lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the tree-trimmed streets. Genesis and, in the distance, they hear laughing and a car's engine. And without notice, two teenagers try to pretend to hit Genesis and Hari. It swerved, missing them by a few feet. Genesis and Hari turned around and expected to see an accident that would occur, and it did as expected. The car was about to turn a corner, and a heavy tree branch fell on it, stopping it in its tracks and flattening the front of the car and the motor. A few of the neighbors came running outside to see the commotion. The teenage drivers were all right but a little shaky. The neighbor, a woman in her mid-50s, came over.

“I saw that! Those two troublemakers have been trouble for a long time. They almost killed you two. I don't know whether to call the cops or their parents,” she said.

“Are you two okay? You had quite an experience there. Can I get you guys a cup of tea or something, maybe a bite to eat? I made some fresh bread, still hot—slap a little butter on it, wash it down with some tea; it should calm your nerves.”

Genesis and Hari look at each other and agree with their eyes to accept the woman's offer. “Sure thing, Mrs. Castile, we would appreciate that very much.”

“Okay, you two wait right here. I will be back in a moment.” Mrs. Castile leaves to retrieve the items she mentioned.

Meanwhile, Hari, with his seeming obliviousness, says, “That is very kind of her, isn't it?”

“Yes, but you do know we almost got hit by a car—that big metal thing with those two delinquents behind the wheel, you know, VROOM VROOM—we could have been pancakes?” Genesis's heart pounding, her chest heaving; she's not sure if it's from the near miss or Hari’s blasé attitude.

Hari, smiling and purposely trying to get Genesis's goat so to speak, says, “Okay, we will do pancakes tomorrow.”

“You know that is not what I meant.”

Hari smiles at Genesis again. “I know.”

Genesis stomps his foot as hard as she can. He replies with an intense “Ow,” then Genesis says, “I did mean that, though.”

Hari smiles again through the pain. “I know.”

Mrs. Castile returns with the fresh hot bread with a good dose of butter and tea on a portable serving tray with handles. Genesis and Hari retrieve the items and begin to eat and drink.

“Wow, this is better than the bread at Sam's Bakery,” Hari shouts.

Genesis begins to agree with Hari when Mrs. Castile screams.

Genesis looks at Mrs. Castile running to the side of the street and heading towards something shiny in her lawn.

“Mrs. Castile, is there anything wrong?”

“No, no, I found my wedding ring! I lost it five years after my husband died, and I haven't seen it for ten years. I thought it was gone, and there it is in my lawn!”

Genesis looks at Hari. “This is because of you, isn’t it? Isn’t it? Do not make me stomp your foot again,” she says.

“Would me saying it's possible stop you from stomping my foot?” Hari replies.

“No, but I won't do it hard.” She stomps his sore foot with less force this time.

---

Chapter 3: Among the stacks.

Genesis stood at the back of the quaint library where she worked, disposing of boxes filled with damaged books from a recent leaky pipe incident. Despite their best efforts, some books were beyond saving. Today, she dressed with a touch more elegance, choosing an almost full-length skirt. Although the skirt didn’t come with a belt, her love for wide belts led her to add one as a statement piece. Her hair, usually styled in a loosely bouncing ponytail, was pulled back tightly for a more professional look. As she stood there, the distinct aroma of aging wood wafted through the air, even outdoors, overpowering the musty scent of mildewed books.

The City of Devinerie’s Public Library, established in 1788, was a gem of this small city, offering a cozy respite with its well-loved shelves and rich history. Its modest, vaulted ceilings carried an intimate echo, while the detailed woodwork adorned the single-floor layout with character. Sunlight filtered through the few stained-glass windows, casting gentle colors across the warm, wooden floors, creating an inviting atmosphere. Although smaller, the library was filled with the comforting scent of aged paper and leather bindings, a haven where history and knowledge intertwined seamlessly. As an assistant librarian, Genesis often found solace here, appreciating the simple charm and community feel of the library she cherished deeply.

Genesis's coworker and friend, Allison, came outside with another cart of damaged books. “Anna is going through the rest, but I think we have at least two or three more trips.”

Genesis grabbed some more books as Allison helped her toss them in the trash. Genesis said to Allison, “Well, this will sure give me some exercise, and maybe get rid of these thunder thighs,” she joked.

Allison looked at her in disbelief. “You do not. If anything, you need some fattening up.”

Genesis responded to her friend, “I’m built where it counts,” pointing to her hips and her chest.

Allison looked at her, bit her lip, and threw a handful of books into the dumpster. “You’re something. What that is, I don’t know. But it has to be something.”

Genesis threw an armful of books into the dumpster, turned around toward Allison, and tried to make the cutest, wide-eyed, smiling adorable face, faking dimples with her fingers. “Something as adorable as this.”

“You are horrible,” Allison laughed.

“At least it rhymes with adorable,” Genesis said as they both headed back into the library to finish cleaning up.

Meanwhile, Hari was walking up the front steps of the library. He took his hat off, opened the large wooden door, and walked up to the front desk. “Is Genesis here?” At that moment, Genesis and Allison walked out of the back room.

Genesis saw him. “I can’t do lunch today. I’ve got some extra work to do.” As she said that, she tripped over a plumber’s toolbox and almost the plumber, who had fixed everything but was checking to see if he could prevent any future problems. So he hadn’t left yet, and the cleaners hadn’t arrived. “As you can see, I have plumbing problems.”

“Is tripping over the plumber one of them?” Hari asked.

“As a matter of fact, Mr. Mystery, it is.”

Allison said hello to Hari. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been the same since birth.”

Allison rolled her eyes. “Hari, Hari, Hari.” She looked at Genesis, “You two, you two.”

“Hey, at least I didn’t use two double negatives,” Genesis said.

Hari said in her defense, “She only used one; she said Hari three times.”

Genesis was shoving more damaged books into the cart. “Allison, you know if you say Hari three times, he appears in the mirror.”

Hari looked at Allison. “Well, that’s true. Every time I look in the mirror and say my name three times, there I am.”

This time, Allison could not hold it in. In the middle of the library, she let out a huge guffaw followed by a snort, and both Hari and Genesis at the same time said, “Shh. This is a library. Quiet, please.”

Hari starts to walk towards the door with hat in hand getting ready to put it on when he leaves, Hari turns his head around towards Genesis says “Rain Check?”

Genesis Responds to Hari “Rain check.”

Genesis says to Hari as he is opening the door and putting on his hat, “If you want to walk me home, I should be out at 4 or 4:30”

“Got it.” Hari leaves.

Allison returning to her duties along with Genesis stacking up the damaged books on the cart, She waits for Hari to leave, then looks up at Genesis and cocks her head.

Genesis returns the look and asks “What?”

“Knowing you two when you cash that check you may actually get Rain.”

“It is Plausible.” Genesis says, then her eyes widened, “Oh my God i sound like Hari.”

“Well I will let you kn....” Allison stops in the middle of a sentence. Pausing blinking her eyes shaking her head.

Genesis notices and asks “What, What?”

“I could of sworn i seen your Black hair turn blond and curly. I swear.” Allison says still rubbing her eyes in disbeleife even though she sees Genesis as she actually is.

“That is strange. “ Genesis says, Genesis thinking it has something to do with Hari, but it ussualy weird things like that only happen when hes present.

“I have a question?” Allisons says returning to duties looking through the last stack of books to see which ones may be able to be saved, and to throw out the rest.

“WHat is the question?” Genesis asks?

“Can you hallucinate from Mildewed books?” Allison verlizes her thoughts outloud.

“I don’t think so.” Genesis replys.

“Okay then i have been working way too hard. OH by the way You in curls would be a kick.”

“It would wouldnt it?” Genesis responds.

Hari leaves the library and crosses the street, mindful that he has about 20 minutes before he needs to return to the CPA office. In the small city, the pace is more relaxed. A few pedestrians amble past—a couple of businesspeople strolling to lunch, students with backpacks engaged in laid-back conversations, and a mother gently guiding her child across the road. Although Hari isn't a CPA, he plays a crucial role by managing research and compliance duties and occasionally double-checking the CPAs' work. He works for a husband-and-wife team, both CPAs, Mr and Mrs  Noza who rely on his expertise.