like me?” Erika asked as I nodded as Rita picked up my tail.
“Please don’t,” I said as she slowly lowered my tail but continued to watch it with envious eyes.
“What is it like?” she asked as I thought about it.
“Full with stress,” I said struggling to find the right words.
“So you have not met your prince or gone on a magical trip yet?” Erika asked me.
“No but you help.” I said when I heard the front door open.
“Children it is time to come in for lunch.” someone yelled as they all got to their feet.
”You should be safe here.” Terry said as I nodded as he led the way to the door.
“Good bye Princess Kyzudo.” said Erika carrying the box containing her tea set under her arm.
“Bye bye,” Rita said before closing the door.
I stared at the door blankly when I noticed that there was a beam of light coming from an open window. I hurried to the window jumping onto a low table covered in gardening tools. I peered through the window with my ears lowered.
There was a woman with long nappy light brown hair piled in a large bun. Her clothing was patterned and she wore dull colored slippers. Her skin was lighter even than Rita’s and she was heartily built.
She waved the kids into the house standing on the porch. She turned to follow them inside when an old man slipped pass her. He picked up a watering can then walked over to the large garden.
The old man wore flannel about his chest, the fabric stretched to his wrist where it was folded into a cuff with a single button. Worn blue cloth covered his legs with the knees smeared with dirt. A strap of leather encircled his waist. A billed hat covered the loose curls that formed in his thinning hair. Oversized moldings of black leather were loosely wrapped around his feet. His skin was dark and wrinkled like a sunbathed grape. He also seemed frail like the hardships of life had robbed him of his youth, like work had sucked out his livelihood leaving nothing more than a withered husk.
“The food is on the table. I will be outside if you need me,” the woman called over her shoulder before walking over to the man.
“The celosias are looking mighty fine. I always liked their odd shapes and bright colors. I think they maybe my favorite.” the woman said as the old man poured water at roots of the plants with the flaming red tops of feathery blossoms muddying the ground. He nodded slightly to the old woman then set down the watering can to unwind the hose.
“Those kids have been playing in my corn again even though told them not to.” he muttered as he added an attachment to the hose so the water shot out over the corn patch.
“They are just children.” the woman said he turned off the hose grumbling to himself as he disappeared into the house. He returned with a handful of seeds. He kneeled down in a bare spot in his garden then dug shallow holes in the rich soil.
“What are you planting, now?” the woman asked slightly annoyed as the old man stood up wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
“Okra,” he answered simply before picking up a large bag of dried corn.
“Again?” the woman asked as the old man made his way to two small coops, one which housed a chicken and the other a duck. He grabbed a handful of feed then sprinkled it through the chicken wire. The chicken quickly busied itself by pecking at the ground as the duck twisted it long neck to look at the food at its feet.
“I am not sure why you insisted on getting those animals. This is not a farm. You aren’t in the country anymore.” the old woman continued as the man nodded then sat down in a plastic green chair placed on a small patio when the woman handed him a can. Moisture clung to the metal forming large drops that slid down the side leaving wet trails behind. He popped the top then took a sip. He leaned back then gave a guttural sigh.
“I honestly don’t know how you can drink that but I am proud of you for taking in Terrance. The poor dear would be in a foster home it was not for you. I don’t even know the name of his father and his mother has lost custody because of her drug addiction. I would hate to think of what would have happened to him if you did not take him in.”
“It is a lot of work.” he said before taking another sip.
“Yeah but it is a shame. You would have been able to retire if you did not take him in but I am glad that you did. Though I think you are too old to work at the factory. The hours are too long and your bosses are too cruel.”
“If the world is truly as cruel as it seems and this is all I will ever see then I wish to blind to it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, that beer is not going to change the world.”
“If happiness does not come my way then it seems that I am going to have to make my own happiness for however brief a time it is preferable to an indefinite period of sorrow.”
“I guess but that is not good for your health.”
“I am not worry about the repercussions of tomorrow because I can only live in the confines of today.”
“I suppose but I just came to tell you that I am proud of you for taking in that boy. I would hate to think of what would happen to him if he was in foster service.”
“He is family, of course I had to take him in.”
“Well I am proud of you all the same,” the old woman said touching him on the shoulder before she went back into the house as the old man eyes drifted upward.
I looked up to see that the dark ceil that I saw last night was missing. In its place was a wide expanse of blue that seem to continue into infinity. Feathery white masses floated overhead. There was also a bright yellow orb that caused my eyes to water if I stared at it directly for too long. It was featureless. It could only be described an unbearably bright light to the likes I have never seen before. This was the world my father passionately told me about when I was little.
I finally understood the grandeur he was attempting to describe. I finally understood what inspired his splendid tales that enhanced my childhood, that sparking my imagination and allowed me to hope beyond our confined world. This was the realm of possibility where the sky has no end and the sun awakens life with its warming rays. This is the land where the stars glow, bordering the infinite sky, and where the heavens meet the earth. This was where my father undoubtedly lay, somewhere beyond the sun playing among the clouds.
“Good bye Daddy,” I whispered to the heavens before I backed away from the window
I climbed from off the table as I looked around. I was surrounded by foreign objects as foreign scents filtered through my nose. Darkness filled most of the space and the walls stood firm and unmoving around me.
I backed into the sunlight, feeling lonesome and scared without the kids present. I peered into the shadows not knowing what hid just beyond sight when I caught a faint scent that reminded me of home. I turned around to find my pack a little ways off. I rushed over to it then sat on my pungent smelling bed as I pulling my bag closer to me. I breathed in its scent when my stomach grumbled angrily.
I opened the pack then ate some pigeon meat still hungry after the bacon earlier. I ate quickly looking at the rest of the meat I had left. I had enough cured meat for about two days then I will have to depend completely on these kids or my ability to hunt. I still do not even know where this cure was. I need to ask the kids whenever they return so I can begin looking because I was wasting time.
I laid my head down hoping to get some sleep because after I get the information I needed I was planning on leaving. My mother was the only family member that I had left and I refuse to lose her. I must find that cure no matter what it takes I thought as I closed my eyes hoping that when I woke I would be met with good news
I jumped at the sound of the door opening. I quickly dashed away from my bed then hid under a table behind some cardboard boxes. Three great shadows loomed over me as I backed away growling.
“Fluffy,” Rita called as I crawled from behind the boxes.
“Oh there you are. First I thought you ran away.” Terry said as I got back into the dog bed.
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“I still here but I have question,” I said as he nodded before sitting on the ground beside me.
“What is it, because this is all that we have to give to you.” Erika said as I shook my head.
“No I need information about cure to infections.” I said as Terry became worried.
“Oh no you hurt yourself. Well Granny has bandages in the house.” Terry said quickly getting back to his feet.
“No, I am well. I only want to know where the cure is located.” I explained
“Cure you mean like medicine because my mommy has plenty. She has medicine for her headaches in her purse. If you have a headache I could ask for her to give you one.” Rita told me.
“No, tell your mother of me.” I told her fearfully.
“Yeah she would never let us have a pet. She would take you to the pound.” Erika said as I growled at her.
“No pet.” I snarled as she nodded.
“I know but Mom may think that you are one.”
“I need information about infection cure.” I reminded them to keep them on subject.
“Well when I cut my knee Mom put this clear cream on it. She said that it keeps away infections. She keeps it in her medicine cabinet but I can’t reach it.” Erika said as I looked to Terry who was a little taller.
“I am not sure if that will cure an infection, just prevent them. I think if you need to get rid of an infection that you need to go to the hospital.” Terry said as my ears perked up for I was sure this was the cure I was seeking.
“What is that?” I asked as he thought about it.
“Well it is a place where sick people go. It is a big building with medicine and doctors. You know what I mean?” he asked as I shook my head.
“No but where is it?” I asked just when I heard that old woman calling to the children.
“I am sorry we have to go but we will be back tomorrow.” Terry said then rushed outside with the others running behind him.
“No! Wait! Stop!” I yelled running toward the door but I dare not follow them into the sunlight where I was sure to be spotted.
“We will be back. We promise.” Erika said as waving as Rita grabbed the door knob.
See you tomorrow Fluffy,” she said happily then pranced away.
I hurried to the window to see Erika and Rita running into the neighboring house where a woman was standing by the door with a large plastic bag in her hand. She was wearing loose stretchy fabric around her legs with a long string that could be pulled taut and loose clothing about her torso with a faded print. She had dark saggy pockets of skin around her eyes and her hair was messily held back by a rubber band.
Erika and Rita rushed inside the house beyond my reach when I looked around for Terry. The old lady was leading him into the house as the old man got into one of those gliding metal machines with a grim expression.
“Have a good day at work.” the woman called from the doorway as the machine glided away on its silent wheels
I backed away from the window cursing my luck. The kids were gone and would not return until tomorrow. I had no choice. I had to wait for them because I needed more information about this hospital if that is the place where the humans keep their cure for infections. I need to sleep here for the night but in the morning I need answers. I must continue searching for my mother’s cure even though I feel as if I have formed an odd attachment to those young humans. I must not grow complacent or I will lose everything. I must continue for the sake of my mother, for the sake of my people.
A Matter of Life and Death
I rolled about restlessly in the bed that was formerly owned by a dog. It offensive scent clogged my sensitive nose as invasive thoughts of doom racked my mind. Images of my mother lying completely motionless with clouded eyes tormented my subconscious. Great scenes where my people tore at each other with bloodied fangs as others fended them off with gapping wounds that spilled pools of dark blood upon the floor. All I could see was death and when I woke all I could think of was how close my nightmares were to coming true.
I jumped out of bed pacing across the cold floor refusing to return to the place ruled by my nightmares. I needed to stop this. I needed to find my mother’s cure to save her and to gain the respect of my people. I could not fail. I can’t allow my nightmares to become a reality.
When those kids return I have to find out the location of this hospital. I need to find the location of my mother’s cure. I was wasting too much time for every minute brought me closer to the death of my people; every unproductive moment tugged my closer to my nightmares. If I did not act soon waking up would no longer be a form of escape and world will simply be a more vivid depiction of what I wish to forget. I must not fail, despite the danger I must be like my mother, unafraid to do what I must.
I paused as I looked to the window as light leaked into the room. The golden orb of light had returned dispelling the darkness that seemed to form a barrier to the heavens. The sky stretched on as far as the mind could imagine and suddenly the world felt infinite, full of possibilities.
I raised my tail, growling proudly for I could not fail in such a world. I would not allow myself to give up I thought as memory of my nightmares faded like the retreating shadows. All fear dissipated as the world revealed itself as being full of mysterious charm simply waiting to be discovered.
I looked toward the neighboring house where Rita and Erika lived. Their mother had opened the door and was now leading both of the girls into the yard. She paused by the fence when I noticed that the old woman was sitting on the patio. The corners of her lips pulled upward as she flexed her fingers in a unified fashion.
“Good morning.” the girls” mother said as she sat down next to the older woman.
“Good morning,” the older woman repeated when the old man began watering the plants in his garden as Terry snuck off to meet me in the small storage building I was in. The door opened as I rushed forward, barely able to contain myself.
“Aw I missed you too Fluffy.” Rita said stooping down to wrap her arms around my neck. She was attempting to coke the life out of me, to kill me.
“Let go!” I yelled kicking her to ground as she stared at me with water gathered in her eyes.
“Why did you do that?” Erika asked as I turned to her confused.
“She wanted to kill me.” I said as Terry smiled.
“It a sign of affection. She likes you.” Terry said as I pulled back my ears ashamed of my actions.
“Sorry but I need to find hospital.” I said as Terry hurried to my side, as I backed away.
“Oh no she did not hurt you did she?” he asked.
“No I just need information. Important.” I said as Terry looked to the ceiling think to himself.
“So do you know?” I asked getting impatient when Erika walked over to me.
You seem tense. I should give you a message. My old dog use to like it.” Erika said with her fingers raised as I backed away.
“No I need to know where hospital located.” I said as Erika dropped her hands at her side disappointed.
“Why do you need to know so badly?” she asked I looked to Terry who still had not answered my question.
“My mother dying, I need cure.” I said as Erika nodded sadly.
“I don’t know where the hospital is but I have been there before.” Terry finally admitted as I began pacing again.
“Find out. I need to save my mother.”
“Ok I will ask my mother. She knows because she took Rita and me there before.” Erika said as I waved my tail slowly in the air pleased.
“I don’t like the hospital because I had to get a shot and it hurt.” Rita said rubbing her arm as Erika led the way outside to her mother. I rushed to the window to watch them eager to start searching for my mother’s cure as soon as possible.
“Mom where is the hospital?” Erika asked as her mother got to her feet looking her over.
“I am ok I just want to know.” Erika quickly added
“It i
s across the street from that bank I always go to.” Her mother finally answered.
“You mean that building with the long line and the ropes that we are not supposed to swing on?” Rita asked as her mother nodded.
“Yes that is the bank.” she answered as Erika smiled then left.
“Oh yeah, thanks.” Erika thanked her before she hurried back to tell me what she learned.
“Where is it?” I asked Erika who smiled broadly pleased that she got the information but Rita spoke before her.
“It is across from the bank where Mommy takes us. There is a really high counter and a wall of glass with a hole in it where nice people give Mommy money.” Rita said as I stared at her utterly confused.
“What? Where is that?” I asked Rita who smiled twirling Kiki.
“In the bank?” she answered as I flicked my tail in a sign of annoyance.
“Where is bank?” I asked.
“In the city there are huge buildings and noisy cars that are so slow you can walk pass them.” Rita continued as I growled.
“City but where in city?” I asked.
“Across the street from the hospital,” Rita answered as I snarled becoming frustrated.
“I look for hospital.” I reminded her.
“It is across the street from the bank.” Rita answered as I turned to her with my teeth bared.
“I not know where bank is.” I yelled as Rita stared at me with wide eyes.
“It is in the city.” Erika stated as Terry pulled Rita away from me as I turned away realizing that I had frightened them.
“I need find hospital or mother die. Everyone will die and it my fault. I failed.” I muttered as my tail dragged across the ground.
“Don’t worry I am sure you can find it. The hospital is very large.” Terry said leaving Rita to comfort me.
“I not ever find it in city. Too large, too much danger,”
“We can help. We have been there before.” Terry told me as I shook my head disappointedly.
“No help too much danger just death,”
“We can help. I know we will find it eventually.”
“No time just fail.”
“Please Kyzudo.”
“No, will not find it. You not know way.” I yelled when he finally fell silent
“Mommy could take you. She knows the way.” Rita whispered as I turned to her.
“She is…” I began but I cut myself knowing she would not understand.
“What?” Rita asked as I looked away.
“Dangerous. No trust.” I said as Rita shook her head.
“Mommy is nice and she will take you there then you can cure your mommy.” she continued as I looked away. It all sounded tempting but it would be far too dangerous.
“I not… she no trust,” I muttered as Rita touched my back.
“But she would take you” Rita said as I walked away from her.
“I think now. Too confused,” I said as Terry nodded then guided the others outside to give me my space. I began pacing again as I thought about my options.
I could not return without my mother’s cure or my mother would die and the others would never respect me as their leader. I need to get my mother’s cure at all cost. I can’t fail or my nightmare