Chapter 10

 

Two days later, they met Matilda at the San Diego Zoo. Johnny was still processing Charon’s story about being a god from the Underworld, and, every so often, he’d ask Charon another question that had come to mind. The ferryman had answered each question truthfully, seeing no point in deceiving the boy any longer.

Johnny’s questions had included: How long have you been in existence? Can you read minds? What are the other gods like? How many are there? Is there life on other planets? Why haven’t you ever married or had children? Why are you here? How long will you stay?

He’d also asked harder questions: Why do the gods allow illness, poverty, and starvation? Why don’t they intervene when countries go to war?

And then the hardest question of all: Can you cure me and let me live? Please? I’ll do anything.

Charon had tried his best to explain why he had no power to change Johnny’s fate, but the boy seemed unable to accept Charon’s answer. There was a new tension between them. The boy resented a god who couldn’t help him.

The boy had said, “What’s the point of being a god if you have no power?”

Charon had replied, “I serve a purpose.”

The boy had grown silent and sullen. After a while, Charon had come to believe that the boy would feel less sullen if he, too, had a purpose. Charon took it upon himself to help the boy discover his.

They’d been fortunate in their efforts to return the red convertible to its original parking place without incident; but, Johnny’s new revelation about Charon had overshadowed the thrill of the experience and had left them both feeling on edge.

So, it was a great relief—to both of them, Charon imagined—when they were finally reunited with Matilda. She met them outside of the zoo entrance with their tickets in hand. She’d arranged for a special encounter for Johnny in the Elephant Odyssey Exhibit with the lions.

When they’d reached the exhibit, a zookeeper was feeding a large lioness through a chain-linked fence. Spectators had gathered behind a railing separating the zookeeper from the crowd. A second zookeeper stood beside the first holding a tub of meat. Matilda led Johnny and Charon through the spectators to the railing.

“Molly? It’s Matilda,” Matilda said.

“Oh, good!” the one who’d been feeding the lioness cried. She turned from the fence to face them. Her gloved hands were covered in blood. “I’m so glad you made it. Is this Johnny?”

“That’s me,” Johnny said.

Molly unlatched a gate through the railing. “Come on in, Johnny. Your parents, too.”

“Oh, we aren’t…” Matilda began with a red face as she glanced nervously at Charon. But she gave off explaining.

After Johnny, Matilda, and Charon had stepped through, Molly closed and latched the gate behind them.

“This is Etosha,” she said, pointing to the lioness. Then she waved to a lion a few yards away on a high rock in the large enclosure. “And that’s M’Bari. They’re the only two in this part of the zoo. They’ve been mates for years and love each other very much, don’t you Etosha?”

M’Bari lifted his head and roared. Charon understood him to say, “This is my territory. It belongs to me, M’Bari.”

“Don’t worry, M’Bari,” Charon said aloud. “We don’t want to encroach upon your territory.”

The lion looked directly at Charon but said nothing more.

“That’s exactly what he’s trying to say,” the second zookeeper—a man named Derek—said with a smile. “In fact, I need to warn you all that you’re now in the spray zone.”

“What does that mean?” Matilda asked.

“M’Bari likes to assert his claim to the territory by urinating on people who get too close,” Derek explained.

Johnny made a face of disgust. “Gross.”

Molly turned to Etosha and motioned with her hand. Etosha followed her along the fence and then pressed her body against the fence as Molly stroked her through the chain.

“You see how I did that, Johnny?” Molly said, still stroking the beast. “I’ll do it again, but this time, you stand beside me and pet her, okay?”

“Okay.” Johnny took a few steps to stand beside Molly.

Matilda held her phone in front of her, saying she would capture the encounter on video. Charon wasn’t sure what she meant.

Derek handed Molly some meat, and Molly fed it to the lioness through the fence as she said, “Good, girl.”

Then Molly made the same motion with her hand. Etosha followed her along the fence, turned and pressed her flank against it, and Johnny touched her fur with his bare hand. He stroked her a few more times before Etosha returned to the spot where she expected to be fed.

Molly gave her another piece of meat and repeated, “Good, girl.”

“Is there any way I could pet M’Bari?” Johnny asked.

“Only if he comes over of his own accord,” Derek explained. “And he may. Let’s watch and see.”

“Come on, M’Bari,” Charon said. “Let Johnny stroke your mane, won’t you?”

The zookeepers seemed surprised when M’Bari stepped down from his rock and came to the fence. First, he licked the lioness’s head a few times, and then he walked around her to press his flank against the fence in front of Molly and Johnny.

Johnny stroked the lion’s mane and fur. “Thank you, M’Bari. I’ve always wanted to pet a lion. I can’t believe I’m doing it.”

Without warning, the lion turned his backside to the fence and sprayed Johnny with piss.

The crowd laughed.

“Oh, no!” Matilda said. “Are you alright?”

“Thanks a lot, M’Bari,” Johnny said, though he didn’t seem angry. “I thought we were friends.”

M’Bari turned and pressed his other flank against the fence, inviting Johnny to pet him again.

Johnny went to the fence and stroked the lion’s fur. “I wish I could go inside the enclosure.”

“I’m afraid we can’t let you do that,” Molly said.

“Why not?” Johnny asked.

“It’s too dangerous,” Derek said. “They’ve had some training and human interaction, but they’re still dangerous predators that could kill you.”

Johnny turned to Charon and shrugged. “Like that matters.”

There was an awkward silence before Matilda said, “Thank you both so much for giving Johnny this opportunity.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Johnny said. “I guess now I need a shower.”

A few of the spectators laughed again.

Molly unlatched the gate for them to exit. “It was our pleasure.”

As they left the exhibit, Matilda asked Johnny, “Don’t you want to clean up in the bathroom, so we can see the rest of the zoo?”

“I’m too tired,” Johnny replied.

“They have a tram tour,” she said. “Would you like to do that?”

“I think I want to go lie down, if that’s okay,” the boy said.

Matilda gave Charon a worried glance. “Of course, it is.”

* * *

Although the plan had been for Matilda to drive the three of them the two-hour trip back to Los Angeles after a day at the zoo, Johnny’s condition proved worrisome, and both Matilda and Charon agreed they should wait and make the drive in the morning. So, Charon secured rooms at a nearby hotel, and, while Johnny showered and rested, Charon and Matilda went down to a bistro on the main floor of the hotel to lunch.

“He’s so much weaker than when I last saw you in Vegas,” Matilda said as they sat across from one another at a small table near a window.

“The parade in New Orleans was hard on him,” Charon said. “He never recovered.”

“Poor thing,” she said. “I’ve missed him.” Then she added, “And you.”

Charon reached across the table and squeezed Matilda’s hand. He wished, more than anything, that he had the courage to tell her who he was. He knew she cared for him, and he didn’t want to leave without an explanation.

“You’re the only person I know from our generation who doesn’t own a cell phone,” she teased. “I found myself wanting to call you, you know.”

They ordered sandwiches and tea from the waitress, and then Charon asked, “Have you had any luck locating Johnny’s sister?”

Her face transformed with her lovely smile. “Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve narrowed it down to a neighborhood in South Los Angeles.”

Charon raised his brows. “That’s good work, Matilda. Do you think you’ll find her, then?”

“I do,” she said, still smiling. “I was hoping you’d come with me. We could go after we take Johnny back to the hospital in the morning.”

“I would like that.”

Their food arrived, so Charon watched as Matilda cut her sandwich into bite-size pieces. Then he said, “I wanted to ask you about something else.”

Suddenly, Charon was bombarded by her unwitting prayer: Please ask me out. Please ask me out. Aloud, she asked, rather nonchalantly, “What is it?”

Charon fought the smile wanting to cross his face. “About Johnny. I think he feels like he hasn’t served a purpose, and I wondered if we might help him find one. And maybe if he did something kind and helpful, he’d feel better about himself.”

Matilda frowned. “We don’t have much time. Do you have an idea?”

Charon took a sip of his tea. “He told me what he went through in the foster system, how his foster families didn’t accept and support him because he’s gay.”

“I’m surprised he shared that with you. Did he tell you about the fire?”

Charon nodded.

“Wow. I’m impressed. He must be very fond of you.”

“As I am of him.”

“So, do you have something in mind?” she asked.

“I think he ought to share his story, to help other children like him know they aren’t alone,” he said. “And maybe he could have an impact on how foster children are placed.”

“That’s actually a good idea. We could make a video and load it up on Youtube.”

He had no idea what that meant. “Can you help with that?”

“Easily,” she said. “If Johnny feels up to it, we can do it tonight.”

They were quiet for a while as they ate. He delighted in watching her.

When she noticed him watching her, she said, “Are you laughing at me? At the way I cut up my sandwich?”

“No, I…”

“I like to eat all my food this way—even my pizza. I don’t like biting from a larger piece and feeling bits of food falling to my plate. This is simpler. I suppose I’m a simple person.”

He laughed—a hard laugh. “I dare say, there’s nothing simple about you, Matilda.”

When they’d finished their lunch, they ordered another sandwich to-go and, after it arrived, headed back up to the rooms, where they found Johnny napping. They left his lunch on the side table and went to Matilda’s room next door, so as not to disturb him.

Matilda sat on one of the beds. Charon took the upholstered chair across the room from her, near the window.

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” Matilda said without looking at him.

“There’s something I need to tell you.” His heart raced. He’d been dreading this conversation.

“Oh, God. Don’t tell me you’re married.”

“No.”

“That’s a relief.”

It was a good thing he was sitting across the room from her. If he’d been closer, he would have taken her into his arms and avoided the subject. But he had to tell her. He couldn’t let it go any longer. “I won’t be staying. I have to return home.”

“When?”

“I’m not sure, but soon, I think.”

“Where’s home?”

He averted his eyes. “You won’t have heard of it.”

“Your father said you were Greek.”

“That’s right.”

She wiped a tear from her cheek. “That’s a shame. Because, you see, I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“Nor I you.”

She stood and crossed the room to him, kneeling on the floor at his feet. She put her hands on his knees, sending shocks of electricity up his limbs to his core. “Charon, why can’t we try to make a go of this…thing between us? If the distance makes it too hard, we’ll break it off. But don’t we both deserve a try?”

He cupped her chin. “Beautiful Matilda. I’d like nothing more than to make a go of it with you.”

“Then what’s stopping you?”

“Once I leave, I don’t think I’ll ever come back.”

“Not even to see me?”

“I won’t be able to.”

“Then, I’ll come see you.”

He gave a sad, half smile. “I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

Tears flooded her eyes. He couldn’t resist leaning over and brushing his mouth across her sweet lips.

When he pulled away, she looked up at him and said, “Anything’s possible, if you want it badly enough.”

He wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Why don’t we check on the boy and talk more about this later?”

“I don’t like leaving things this way. I want to know where we stand.”

“I’m falling in love with you, Matilda. I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone like you again.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his belly. Heat surged through him.

“I feel the same way about you,” she said into his shirt. “And now I’m more determined than ever to make a go of it.”

He held her and sighed. If only such a thing were possible.

* * *

That evening, Matilda and Charon convinced Johnny to make a video about his experiences in the foster care system. Matilda told him there was no need to talk about the fire or juvie, but Johnny insisted they were part of his story.

Charon watched on as Matilda pointed her phone at Johnny, who sat up on the hotel bed and told his story. He included more details Charon hadn’t heard—such as how one foster brother had physically beaten him.

It took everything Charon had not to break down and cry.

While Matilda edited the video, on something called a “laptop,” which she had to get from the trunk of her car, Charon took Johnny for a walk, so the boy could get some fresh air.

“Why a lion?’ Charon asked him as they turned a corner.

“I don’t know.” Then he said, “I guess because they’re so powerful. Even the one in the zoo had some control over himself and his surroundings. Maybe I admire that.”

“That’s a profound thought for a sixteen-year-old mortal,” Charon said.

“I wish I could have gone into the enclosure,” Johnny added. “In my mind, I always saw myself petting a lion with nothing between us.”

“I’m sorry you’re disappointed.”

“Oh, God. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I can’t tell you how much all of this has meant to me—the video idea, too. I’m happier than I’ve been in a very long time.”

“Did Matilda tell you she’s close to finding your sister?”

“Yeah, she did. I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”

“Tell me more about her,” Charon said.

“She loves animals,” he said. “She would have loved the zoo today. And she loves all kinds—even ugly ones, like snakes and rats. She’s not afraid, not of bugs or anything.”

“You admire your sister,” Charon observed.

“She can also draw. She has a real knack for drawing animals. I once told her she should do portraits of people’s pets. There could be money in that.”

Charon said, “She’s brave and talented.”

“And cute as can be, especially when she smiles. Most little sisters get on your nerves, but not mine—not usually. She was all I ever had.”

Charon could see the boy’s eyes filling with tears.

“But that’s not true anymore, is it, Johnny? You have me. And you have Matilda.”

Johnny nodded.

They’d circled the block and were only a few yards away from the hotel.

“You’re not alone, okay?” Charon said.

Johnny was quiet as they took the elevator up to the room.

“Did you have a nice walk?” Matilda asked from where she sat in Charon and Johnny’s room at the desk with her laptop computer.

Johnny plopped down on his bed. “Yeah. It felt good to get out.”

“I’ll order a pizza,” Matilda said. “Does that sound okay?”

“Can you get it with Canadian bacon and mushrooms?”

“Whatever you want,” Matilda said. “That okay with you, Charon?”

“I’m not hungry, so don’t worry about me.”

“How’s the video?” Johnny asked.

“I’m all done editing. It’s uploading to Youtube now. Why don’t we watch it together once the pizza gets here?”

“What if no one sees it?” Johnny asked.

“Oh, people will see it,” Matilda said. “Not only did I stuff the description with all the right keywords, but Charon is paying for views.”

Charon didn’t really know what it all meant, but he trusted Matilda. “Your message will be heard. Don’t you worry about that.”

“I’m sure you’ll make a difference,” Matilda added.

Johnny smiled. “At least I won’t be around for the backlash and the hate comments from trolls.”

“Trolls?” Charon had always believed them to be mythical creatures.

“They’re the worst,” Johnny said. “Avoid them at all costs.”

Charon gave Matilda a quizzical look, causing Johnny to bust out laughing. His laughter was contagious. Charon didn’t know why they were all in hysterics, but he enjoyed it tremendously.

* * *

That night, after they’d watched the video and Matilda had gone to her room, Charon and Johnny readied for bed.

Before they’d turned off the lamps, Johnny asked, “Will you be there to meet me when I go?”

“At the gates of Hades?” Charon asked.

Johnny nodded. “It would be nice to know I’ll see a friendly face.”

Charon had already explained to Johnny why he was here, so he just said, “If Hades will allow it, I’ll do everything in my power to be there.”

“Who would it be, if not you?” Johnny asked.

“Probably Hermes. Have you heard of him?”

“I think so. But I’d like it to be you.”

Charon took a deep breath. “I’ll be there, then. Whatever it takes, I’ll be there for you, Johnny. I promise.”

“Thanks, man.”

Charon had an idea for distracting the boy from his morbid thoughts. “How would you like to visit M’Bari and Etosha tonight?”

“Isn’t the zoo closed?”

Charon smiled. “I could take you inside the enclosure, if you’re willing to god-travel.”

Johnny sat up in his bed. “What’s god-travel?”

“It’s a way to travel through space rather than across it. It’s faster than flight or chariot.”

“What does it feel like?” Johnny asked.

“There’s pressure all around you, like you’re being squashed by the Hydra, but it’s brief.”

“I wonder if it’s like apparating in Harry Potter.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Charon said.

“It doesn’t matter. I want to do it.” Johnny stood up. “Can we go right now?”

“If you’re feeling up to it.”

“I am.”

Charon slipped on his shoes. Johnny did the same.

“A few rules first,” Charon said. “I can’t travel you in and out without holding your hand. You must hold on the entire time.”

Johnny smiled. “I suppose I can handle that.”

Charon blushed. “I won’t be able to get you out of there if you let go. A lion can strike in less than a second.”

“I won’t let go.”

“You must also promise to keep this between us. No videos about it. No telling Matilda. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“And finally, don’t cause trouble for the lions. We’re intruding on their home, so we must be respectful. I don’t want to hurt them. Understood?”

“Understood.”

* * *

Charon held tightly to Johnny’s hand as they god-traveled from the hotel room in San Diego to the lion enclosure at the Elephant Odyssey Exhibit. Most of the animals were sleeping, but not all. Etosha sat on her haunches as M’Bari licked her ear. Charon and Johnny hadn’t been standing in the far corner on a large boulder of the enclosure for long when the lions jumped to their feet and sniffed the air.

“M’Bari,” Charon said. “We returned for a visit. May we approach you?”

The lion growled. “You’re intruding.”

“Maybe I can do something for you in exchange for a favor,” Charon said. “You see, I’m a god. I have the ability to grant wishes.”

“Take me back to Africa,” M’Bari said.

“I don’t want to go back,” Etosha growled.

“They seem angry,” Johnny said, not understanding their talk. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”

“You don’t want to remain here, prisoners, forever,” M’Bari said to Etosha.

“Not prisoners,” she growled. “Beloved friends. We don’t have to fight for our food. We’re safe.”

“Safe, but not free,” M’Bari howled.

“Will you go without me?” Etosha asked.

“No.”

Johnny repeated, “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”

Etosha whined, “Let’s go to Africa together, then.”

Charon stepped forward. “Let my friend pet you without the fence between us, and I’ll take you there.”

“How can we trust you?” Etosha whined.

“Take us first,” M’Bari growled.

“Stand with us on this rock, and I’ll do it,” Charon said.

Slowly, the two lions approached them.

“What’s going on?” Johnny whispered.

“Hold very still,” Charon replied. “We’re taking the lions back to Africa.”

Johnny’s face turned whiter than Charon had ever seen it as the lions stepped beside them on the boulder. Charon god-traveled the entire boulder, and all four of them on it, to the middle of the African savannah, where it was early morning.

The two lions leaped from the boulder and ran into the high grass, shrieking with pleasure.

“Don’t forget our deal!” Charon called out, losing sight of the beasts.

Then, in the distance, he saw them running toward him and the boy. Perhaps the lions meant to make a meal out of them, after all. Before Charon could god-travel them to safety, Johnny broke loose of his hand and began to run in the direction of M’Bari and Etosha.

Charon and M’Bari reached Johnny at the same time. The lion bolted into the air and slammed Johnny down to the ground. Charon fell onto the back of the beast, intending to throw him off the boy, but as he wrapped his arms around the lion, Charon realized the beast was licking Johnny’s face. And Johnny was laughing!

Thank you, Charon! Johnny prayed. This is the most amazing moment of my life!