Part 26 (1/2)

Acknowledge your pain.

Allow yourself to feel your loss.”

I don't mind pus.h.i.+ng my body to test my balance.

I don't want to push my mind back into that cold pit where the accident led me.

But if that's what it takes to dance again, I'll make myself relive the tree coming closer the smells of burnt rubber, of vomit, of blood.

Screaming silence.

s.h.i.+vering, almost doubled over, I take a step down into the s.p.a.ce where light is an enemy but not even darkness shrouds my terror.

Another step into hospital corridors winding like snakes.

I enter my writhing ma.s.s of fear, horror, desperation.

And stay there.

Tears streak down my cheeks.

Seen through tears my new foot seems softer, my five stiff toes blurred at the edges.

Akka stretches her arms out toward me.

And I realize she's showing me I'm strong enough to reenter the pit of despair because she wants to help me climb all the way out.

DRAGONS.

and

GECKOS.

Govinda is waiting for me on the empty stage under the banyan tree.

He asks, ”How did your session with akka go?”

”Draining and strengthening. Both.

Thanks for waiting for me, but I know it's late, Govinda.

I understand if you don't have time to work with me today.”

”You understand?” His voice sounds as rich and deep when he teases as it does when he's serious. ”Miracles do happen.

My demon is softening. She's understanding.”

”I thought I was your little sister. Not your demon.”

Govinda doesn't clarify where I stand in his affections.

He grins and waves a gift-wrapped package in front of my face. ”For you.”

”Why? It's not my birthday or anything.” I reach for it.

Govinda s.n.a.t.c.hes it away just as my fingers touch the ribbon.

”It's not your birthday or anything?

Maybe I should wait and give it to you later.”

”Give it here.” I dart forward.

”Come and get it,” he taunts, quickening his pace, keeping the package just out of my reach.

He makes me chase him, then lets me pin him against the banyan's trunk.

”I got you to run fast.

That, in itself, should count as a lesson,” he says, raising the package high above his head.

We tussle for it. A b.u.t.ton on his s.h.i.+rt pops and I feel the bare skin of my waist press against his skin.

The package feels hotter than a handful of flames.

I let go.

Govinda hands it to me.

I untie the ribbon and open the package.

Inside is a bright yellow paper kite in the shape of some four-legged animal with a long tail.

”Like it? I made it.”