06. Time to come home

A short story by Corey Patten 10/07/25

“The Haus is now in session,” announces the Haus Mother with a loud clack of their fan. “We acknowledge Miss Verdant Violetta as she walks the floor.”  

Miss Violetta, resplendent in a purple pinstripe suit, struts to the middle of the square room, heels clicking on the rainbow marble floor and echoing throughout the chamber. She comes to a stop and stares up at the icons of the Haus. 

“My thanks to the Haus for holding space for me. I would like to address the disappearance of one of my former charges, Robbie Newman.”  

Murmurs rise between the icons. 

“I would have thought,” says the Haus Mother with a sharp tone, “that you would wish to put that mistake behind you.”  

Miss Violetta runs her tongue across her teeth before answering, “a mistake out of my control, but one I still wish to rectify. To our knowledge, Robbie stumbled back to the Realm of Plain. I’d like the Haus’ permission to go and retrieve him.”

The air splits with excited and nervous chatter from the icons. The Haus Mother holds up a hand and the chatter halts as quickly as it began, then with an intense stare at Miss Violetta they say, “we never go to the Plain unless it is absolutely necessary.” 

“And now it is necessary,” Miss Violetta responds without hesitation. The Haus Mother raises one eyebrow but sits back in their chair. “Robbie came to our world, ready to join the community, but something pulled him back. We cannot leave one of our own to endure the horrors of the Plain for so long. Our community depends on us supporting each other.”  

The Haus Mother stares at Violetta thoughtfully for a long moment. “I appreciate your sentiment; however, this is still a large risk for one individual.” 

“How do we live with ourselves if we begin leaving the most vulnerable of our community to fend for themselves? All I’m asking is for clearance to take a very small group to the Plain to find him and bring him home.”  

“It’s worth nothing that his absence is affecting us,” says an androgynous person with a bright blue mohawk. “Several of our services have been suffering without his oversight.”  

The Haus Mother purses their lips, then in a booming voice calls out, “all in favour?” Like a flower blooming, all the hands in the room click into the air, even the Haus Mother. They slam their palm on the desk, “permission granted!” 

Thank you both for coming,” Violetta says. “I hope you’re ready for an adventure.”  

Aurelia and Claire glance at each other. “What kind of adventure?” asks Claire warily. 

“We,” Miss Violetta says, “are going,” then pauses again, “to the Plain.” There is a moment of complete silence. 

“Have you been drinking?” Aurelia asks.  

Miss Violetta rolls her eyes. “No. The three of us are going to the Plain to find Robbie.” 

“Who the hell is Robbie?” Claire asks. 

“The young man who arrived here but somehow slipped into the ground and disappeared,” Miss Violetta answers exasperatedly. “Come on girl, keep up.”  

The doors swing open to their left, and a man walks in. “Alright, what did I miss?” Ahmad asks. 

“What’s he doing here?” asks Miss Violetta. 

“I was told we were going on an adventure. I felt some time away would be good for Ahmad as well,” Aurelia answers. As they speak, Ahmad waltzes on over to Miss Violetta and juts out his hand, smiling at her expectantly.  

So where are we headed?” he says, hand outstretched. 

Miss Violetta looks down at his hand, purses her lips and then delicately takes it and gives it a small shake. 

“The Plain apparently,” Claire says.  

Ahmad’s face lights up and suddenly Aurelia, Claire, and Ahmad all begin expressing their feelings, very loudly. Ahmad is excited, Aurelia wary and Claire confused. 

“Enough!” Miss Violetta snaps. “This is too chaotic even for me.” She takes a deep breath. “The three, I mean four of us, are going to the Plain. We’re going to find Robbie who came to Rainbow City but got dragged back to the Plain and has been stuck there. Claire, you’re coming as our communications expert. Aurelia you’re there to help support Robbie. And you,” Violetta points at Ahmad, “I’m sure you’ll be useful for something.” 

“Sounds like fun,” Ahmad says with a shrug, ignoring Miss Violetta’s veiled insult.  

Violetta looks then to Claire and Aurelia, who nod in agreement. 

“That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, follow me this way.” Miss Violetta turns on her heel and struts out of the room, throwing open a pair of doors. They follow her down a curving corridor completely encapsulated in a mosaic of multi coloured glass.

“How do we get to the Plain?” Aurelia asks.

“I’m about to show you,” Miss Violetta answers, bursting through another pair of doors. They enter a room starkly different to the adjoining hallway. It’s every shade of grey along the floor and walls, with only a smattering of sky blue on the vaulted ceiling. Despite this, Claire, Aurelia and Ahmad stare at the floor, which pulses under each step.

“I’m sorry, this area is off limits,” a raspy voice says. The man has the aura of an older gentleman, though his face is remarkably smooth. He wears a long yellow raincoat, adding a splash of colour to the drab room.

“Don’t worry honey,” Violetta says, handing him a card. “Swipe my face card and you’ll see I have permission.” The gentleman takes her card, looking at her dubiously, then walks to a console at the edge of the room and swipes it across.

“So it appears,” he says, trotting back to return Miss Violetta’s card. He gives the other three a sidelong look,” I assume these three are first timers?” Violetta nods and he turns to the trio. “Welcome to the Bedazzler.”

“The Bedazzler?” Claire says with a scowl. “If I come out of here covered in rhinestones someone is getting an earful.”

“You’ll leave here just as you arrived,” the gentleman assures her calmly. “From here, we will be able to send you the Plain in a flash. All I need you to do, is stand over on one of those spots.”

He points to a circle of five slightly raised circular platforms in the centre of the room, the same shade of blue as the ceiling.

“Then what?” Ahmad asks. “Will they take us to some kind of ship?”

“Not quite. You will simply need to stand there, very still, and in a flash it’ll be done,” the gentleman answers, a polite smile gripping his face.

“Alright, lets hurry it up. We’ve got places to be,” Miss Violetta says, ushering the group forward. “Send us through to Melbourne Australia please” He nods and takes his place at the edge of the room by the console.

“No one really explained how this works,” Aurelia says as they take their position between Ahmad and Claire.

“Just trust the process baby,” Miss Violetta says.

“Keep your arms in now,” the gentleman calls out. Claire opens her mouth to say something, but the gentleman presses a button on the console, and she is cut off as a deluge of rain bursts, not from the ceiling, but upwards from the floor all around them. A sharp yelp bursts from Claire and Ahmad, but they’re drowned out by the sound of the rain. Within their small circles they remain completely dry. As the rain hits the ceiling each of their circles bursts to life. The room alights with a myriad of colours for only a few seconds before disappearing just as suddenly, the four people along with it.

Four beams of light glide across the sky and touch down into the middle of an empty alley. The lights fade and the group appears, all but Violetta with eyes nearly bulging out of their heads. 

“That was wild! What was that warm fuzzy feeling?” Ahmad asks. 

“Damn, look at this mural,” Claire says, staring up at a brightly colour painting of two women cradling a baby. 

“It’s beautiful,” Aurelia agrees.  

“I think I’m going to vomit,” Ahmad murmurs. “Not from that, from riding the rainbow,” he adds quickly when Aurelia and Claire fix him with a glare. 

“Come on everyone, we’ve got a job to do,” Miss Violetta says, shaking out her wig. “Now, how do we find Robbie.” Everyone turns slowly to look at Violetta. 

“You brought us here and you don’t know how to find him?” Claire asks, frustration creeping into her voice.  

Violetta waves a hand and says, “That’s why you’re here. Come on.” Ahmad runs after Violetta, a spring in his step.  

Aurelia and Claire though share a look before following. They exit the alley and onto the street, still wet from a recent rain. Each of them flinches as they begin to walk the street, dodging other people who stare down at the ground as they walk. 

“I forgot how dull this world was,” Ahmad murmurs. A few people glance up, making a face at Violetta who stands out with her vibrant hues. 

“Ugh I know,” she says with a face of disgust. “That’s why we should find Robbie and get out as soon as possible.” 

“Speaking of, do you know Robbie’s last name?” Claire asks. 

“Newman, why?” 

“How else will we start looking for him?” Claire begins furiously typing away on her phone.  

Violetta leads the group with purpose, turning down street after street. She doesn’t falter when a passing couple give her a look up and down. She doesn’t blink when an older woman watches Violetta with a scowl and when a group of men on the other side of the street call out, 

“Hey! Looks like the freakshow is in town!” she doesn’t flinch. 

“An idiot like you can’t even spell freakshow!” Claire shouts back. 

“Ignore them baby,” Violetta says. “We don’t need to waste our time with people who aren’t capable of standing out in a crowd.”  

Claire sucks in a breath but mutters an agreement and returns to her phone. They turn down another street and Claire announces, “I think I’ve got a lead.” 

They walk through the doors to the Aged Care Facility. The one in the only photo Claire could find of Robbie, back when the facility first opened. Immediately there is a stark contrast to the world outside. The walls are a soft peach colour, and the space is filled with splashes of colourful furniture. They all feel a gentle warmth and get a whiff of lavender as they approach the front desk. 

“It reminds me of Rainbow City,” Ahmad murmurs. A round-faced woman beams up at them as they reach the desk. 

“Welcome to the Rainbow Residences, what can I do for you?” 

“We’re looking for Robbie Newman,” Violetta says. 

“Oh,” the woman says, “it’s always nice to meet more of Rob’s friends.” 

The woman leads them briskly down a series of corridors filled brightly with the sound of laughter and happiness. They turn down another hallway, and the woman stops at a door, then knocks three times. “Robbie? You’ve got visitors.” There is an affirming noise from inside and the woman gives each of them a smile before walking back up the hallway.  

Violetta takes a quick breath before she swings the door open. Inside a figure rises from a soft looking red chair. He is old and frail, with deep set wrinkles. When his drooping eyes fall on Violetta they grow wide. 

“Holy hells,” he says. “You’re real.” 

“Now what kind of greeting is that?” Violetta asks, putting her hands on her hips. A second later a smile breaks out on her face, and she approaches Robbie with outstretched arms. “It’s good to see you again baby.”  

Robbie still appears rattled as Violetta wraps him in a hug. When she pulls away, he says in almost a whisper, “I convinced myself it was all some kind of dream.” He pauses. “Wait, is this another dream. Has dementia hit me?”  

Violetta places a hand gently on Robbie’s face. “No baby, we are most definitely real,” she answers softly.  

At this, Robbie smiles a smile that consumes his whole face. But then the smile drops, and he gives Violetta a look up and down. “Then how come you look just the same? You haven’t aged a day.” 

“Time works differently in Rainbow City.”  

Robbie nods, then his eyes shift to the three behind her.  

“And these,” Violetta says, “are some of my friends from Rainbow City.”  

When his eyes meet Claire’s, Claire tilts her head. “Did you by chance work at a LGBTQ+ youth shelter?” she asks. 

“Well yes I did.”  

Claire takes a few steps forward, her eyes glistening. “I’m pretty sure we met. You welcomed me when my parents had just kicked me out.” Robbie’s eyebrows shoot up his face, deepening the lines on his forehead. 

“Ah yes, I think I remember. Chrissy? No Claire, wasn’t it?”  

She nods, her eyes getting increasingly watery. “Yes, that’s me. You helped me get off the street. You changed my life. Can I hug you?”  

Robbie, his eyes glistening now too, raises his arms and the two embrace. “I’m so glad you’re doing well now,” he says. Eventually he pulls back and turns to the whole group when he says, “now, let’s have a tour. I helped create this place you know.” He begins to rise from the chair, arms wobbling, and Ahmad darts across the room to fetch Robbie’s walking stick from against the wall. Robbie thanks him and Ahmad lends him his arm as Robbie slowly leads the group out of the room and down the corridor.  

They enter into a large open room where people have crowded around one of two big tables, chatting and laughing joyously. “You know,” Robbie says, pausing. “It was my brief time in Rainbow City that inspired this place. Somewhere that older queer people could come and feel safe and respected, a little community.” He turns and continues to slowly make his way to the nearest group of residents.  

“Rob! Who have you got here?” one older man asks wearing a brightly coloured sports jacket and some golden framed glasses. 

“Charles, you remember me telling you about that crazy dream I had? The one that inspired me to make this place. It turns out, it was real!” Charles raises one eyebrow and Robbie hobbles over behind him. Placing a hand on his shoulder he adds, “everyone, this is my partner, Charles.” 

“Lovely to meet you Charles,” Violetta says. 

“Lovelier to meet you,” Charles replies. “Can I say, you are magnificent.” 

“Of course, you can say that baby. In fact, I’d love for you to say it again.” They all laugh, and Charles asks if Violetta does shows for the elderly. While they chat, an older woman with turquoise hair ushers Ahmad over. When he bends down, she points to the far wall and says, 

“There are photos over there of when this place opened. You should have a look.” He smiles and gives the woman’s hand a gentle squeeze, then strides over to a shelf on the wall and looks across the photos. He spots one of a younger Robbie out the front of a decrepit looking building and pulls it from the shelf. He stares at it for a long moment, gripping the frame a little too tightly. 

“We’ve also met before, haven’t we?”  

Ahmad continues to stare down at the photo in his hands, nodding silently to Robbie’s question. 

“Not a good experience I take it.”  

Ahmad winces and finally looks up. "It's not that,” he says, gently putting the frame back on the shelf. “You were one of the first men I had ever been with. But I was still married.” As his eyes begin to glisten, he looks down at his feet. “It just reminded me how shitty I was.”  

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Robbiesayswith a deep breath. “I’ve learnt over the years that there isn’t a single person who doesn’t have regrets. Charles and I met under similar circumstances. I’ve had my own share of guilt about the pain we put his wife and family through. Mostly though because I didn’t feel as guilty as I thought I should.” They’re both quiet until Ahmad looks up with the ghost of a smile.

“I do remember though that you gave me a book of Rumi’s poetry. I kept that book with me and read it many times. It helped me a bit I think, discover who I was.”

“Ah yes, fantastic book. I remember thinking you might like it. It catches our experience a little more than other literature.” Robbie turns to walk away and there is a brief moment of hesitation before Ahmad springs forward to offer his arm.

“Shall we return to the group? I’d like to chat to Charles some more.” They slowly make their way back across and Robbie takes Charle’s hand in his, gives him a tender kiss on the cheek and introduces him to Ahmad. A short time later, Violetta urges them to continue the tour. Robbie shows them the theatre room, the recreational hall and the fitness centre, all brightly coloured but with a noticeable sparsity of residents. Only a few staff members potter about most of the spaces.

“This place is incredible,” Aurelia says. Their words echo slightly down the hallway and Robbie pauses, then turns around and stares at Aurelia for a long moment. Their eyes shift awkwardly under his stare.

“I remember your voice so clearly,” he says finally. “It has resurfaced in my brain countless times over the years.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aurelia says quietly. 

“It was a late Thursday evening. Hot. I was in the middle of my shift with the Trevor Project. We spoke for fifty-six minutes on the phone,” he says, staring straight ahead as if watching it play in his mind.  

Aurelia inhales sharply. “That was you?” they whisper.  

Robbie nods. “I’ve never forgotten our talk. I can’t count the number of times I’ve replayed our talk and wondered if,” he pauses. “If I did enough.” He stops again and his eyes crinkle. “I’m glad to see you’re doing ok now.”  

Aurelia smiles weakly. “It took a while, but I got there in the end. You were the first person to make me feel heard. You gave me the strength for what I had to do next.”  

Robbie leans forward but hesitates. Aurelia nods and steps forward to embrace him briefly. He pats their back gently with one hand and a tear rolls down his cheek. Violetta places a hand on Robbie’s shoulder and says, 

“Shall we go back to your room?” 

“So how long are you all staying?” Robbie asks as Ahmad helps him back into his lounge chair. 

“We’ll be heading back today,” Violetta says. 

“Oh,” Robbie says as Ahmad wraps a blanket around his shoulders. “That’s a shame. I’d love to catch up more. I’ve dreamed about rainbow City ever since my visit all those years ago.” 

“Well baby,” Violetta says, “we’ve come to take you back with us.”  

Robbie, having just sat back into his chair, leans forward suddenly. “Really?” he asks, the face gripping smile returned. But just as quickly as it appears, it fades, and he begins to wring his hands. “Oh, but I can’t go now. There’s still so much to do here.” 

It is Aurelia who walks over and kneels by his side, placing a hand on his knee. “Robbie, what you’ve built here is incredible. You’ve started something truly amazing, but you can’t do everything. It will be up to others to help it grow.”  

A tight smiles flickers across his face and he looks down at his feet. “I suppose you’re right.” 

“And just think,” Violetta adds, “You managed to create a small beacon of light in this dreary world. You’ve touched so many lives, a shining example of how important it is that we fight for and uplift each other. We need you in Rainbow City.”

“And what about Charles?” Robbie asks, turning to Violetta. Her frown causes his face to drop further still.

“We’re only here for you,” she says. 

“But I’m sure eventually, he’ll find his way to you,” Aurelia adds. They give his knee a little squeeze. “Shall we leave him a nice note?”  

Together, they spend a few minutes writing Charles a heartfelt goodbye, coloured with happy memories, and there is not a dry eye in the room. When it’s done, Robbie stares at the letter, smiling for a long moment, then kisses it and places it on a table beside him beside a framed photo of him and Charles at an Elton John concert. He begins to rise and immediately Ahmad is there to support him. 

Letting out a deep breath, Robbie says, “Alright, I’m ready.”  

Miss Violetta takes his hand in hers as the rest of the group gather round. She smiles and says,  

“Time to come home.” Claire presses a few buttons on her phone, and a myriad of colours fills the room. When the light fades, the room is empty. 

About Corey Patten

is an Australian short story writer who spent 2023 traveling around Europe, concluding his journey by volunteering with Fighting Fear, where he supported LGBTQ+ forced migrants. His work has earned special mentions in various literary competitions, with his piece "I Don't Know How to Be Gay" gaining recognition in 2024. Corey, a Gay man, is passionate about telling the untold stories of Queer lives. His series, "Tales from Rainbow City," builds a unique universe where diverse LGBTQIA+ characters’ lives intersect as they navigate their identities and confront the challenges they face. For more information about his work follow him @astorywithcorey on Instagram.

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