5
“OWWW!!! BE GENTLE!!!” SCREAMED CYRUS.
“If you didn’t squirm so much IT WOULDN’T HURT!” Auli’i yelled back.
“Try and hold still, sweetheart ... it will be over soon,” Ms. Palermo said soothingly.
“Almost there. Tough it out, big guy,” added Kimo.
The pain was excruciating. Cyrus. Had. WINGS … but they were wrapped around his torso, covered in graft-skin and smothered with some sort of adhesive. There was A LOT of adhesive.
It had especially freaked Cyrus out when he’d woken up and could wiggle his toes … a week after Martin’s sudden departure. He could … Wiggle … His … Toes. Cyrus joked that he should go into some church or give a TED talk. Auli’i egged him on. Kimo shrugged his shoulders. Ms. P said no. Along with the discovery of having wings, feeling had returned to Cyrus’ entire body … along with it, more aches and pains than any 11-year-old should have had.
Ms. P made him wait a week to take the skin off because they had just applied a fresh layer. She told him it would tear off actual flesh if they took it off now. That whole week was spent taking long baths and soaking to speed up the process.
Spleech.
Another piece of fake skin was removed and thrown into the growing pile in the bathroom corner. Maybe doing this at home instead of the hospital had been a bad idea … Cyrus didn’t care. He didn’t want to go back there. He always dreaded his monthly sessions. Ms. Palermo protested at first but then gave in and got the necessary medical instruments to remove the skin that covered his wings and torso.
He had to take an hour long bath before this ‘de-gluing’ session. Once it started, it was all hands on deck. If anyone had randomly walked in, it would have looked like a cannibalistic ritual. Tearing away the grafted skin from his hidden wings and actual skin was the stuff of nightmares. Good thing the Fualautoalasi’s had strong stomachs.
“I think I’m gonna to be sick,” said Kimo with a dry heave.
Maybe not all of them …
Cyrus looked at him in pain and with a stern expression said, “Hey! You throw up in here, you clean it up with a spoon. Now, please help me end my literal metamorphic process.”
Auli’i chuckled and held up her hand for a high five. “Teehee. Good one.”
Despite the pain, Cyrus lifted his arm and gave her a high five. He was too ecstatic that he could finally move to miss the chance, despite his pain.
On Martin’s drugs, Cyrus had limited motor functions of his arms. Once the drugs had worn off, his video game skills went through the roof. One week off the injections and he could already wiggle his toes. But that was tiring. His leg muscles were almost nonexistent. He had tried multiple times to walk and had fallen repeatedly. He thought Ms. P and the Fualautoalasi’s would try and dissuade him from trying but they never did. But after the fourth bump in the night, they insisted Cyrus let them help him.
They were all very encouraging. They suggested he take it slow and, like an infant, learn to crawl before he could walk. That’s exactly what Cyrus was doing, and it wore him out. Just crawling across the room he worked up a sweat. All those unused muscles in his body screamed in agony. The first time Cyrus successfully crawled from the kitchen to the front door without falling, genuine happiness came over him and he cried tears of joy. The Fualautoalasi’s joined in and Ms. P bawled. It reminded Cyrus of how much she’d cried when she told him the story of how they found him. She really did go the scenic route.
“Then there was this letter from a friend of Martin’s … Oh, what was the name? I can’t remember … but after we read the letter and Martin inspected your body—you were pretty singed—we took you to the hospital where I worked and this is where I discovered what you and Martin were.”
Cyrus sat captivated along with the Fualautoalasis.
“Martin made me swear before entering the hospital I would not tell a soul what he was or what you were. He then proceeded to show me his wings and yours. He explained he had come from a ‘distant land’ and would now take care of you. He said you were the most important person alive and people would come from everywhere to try and kill you if they knew where you were. Shocked and awe inspired, I agreed to his request … but not because of the wings … he had proven himself to be trustworthy the months leading up to your arrival.”
“Why was I drugged? How does making me helpless make any sense if people would try and kill me?”
Ms. Palermo put her head down. Great big tears began to swell in her eyes.
“I … I always hated that we did that to you,” she sobbed. “M … M … M … Martin insisted. H … H … H … He said it was for the best. That’s all he ever said.”
“What was it that I was being injected with?”
“That’s just it … It wasn’t in our data base at all. I analyzed it for him at his request and it was nowhere to be found. I even cross referenced it through other hospitals and got nothing. Martin brought it with him from wherever he came from. When I asked him about it, all he told me was it was a powerful paralytic.”
Cyrus pondered her words.
What on earth could drugging him for years possibly accomplish?
Cyrus returned his mind to the present. It had been two weeks since Martin had left with Manaia.
“Oh, here we go. I found a big chunk. This ones going to hurt, Cyrus,” said Auli’i.
“Thanks for breaking it to me softly. It’s not like I’m in enough pain,” said Cyrus dryly.
“I’m going to pull it on three, OK?”
“OK, but please be gentle. I’m not wrapping paper around your presents,” said Cyrus, eyes wide.
“OK, here we go.”
“No, I’m serious, maybe go slow and painful rather then like a band-aid,” pleaded Cyrus.
“One …”
“Auli’i, we’re friends and I want to keep it that way.”
“Three!”
Sspleeech
Cyrus saw stars and gasped for air. His head slumped forward into the pillow Kamalani had placed on the toilet. All three of the Fualautoalasis gasped, and Ms. Palermo shrieked.
Now do they realize they’ve gone too far?
Cyrus lifted his head with his hands and then gasped. Attached to the mixture of adhesive and skin graft was a single feather. One side was white as snow and seemed to be flickering a soft glow. The other side was blacker than obsidian with a shine. Everyone stared at the feather in awe. Cyrus couldn’t believe he had something like that attached to him. It seemed inconceivable. Seeing that feather confirmed it wasn’t a ruse.
“We should get scissors,” said Auli’i.
“We should also do this under running water,” said Kamalani.
“Put him in the shower again. Martin insisted we change the skin out every month or so. This shouldn’t be much longer,” said Ms. P.
“We should also be extra careful,” said Kimo.
Cyrus looked at Kimo with eyes of gratitude. The large boy hadn’t spoken very much since meeting Cyrus, but when he did, it was usually kind. Cyrus liked him more and more by the day.
“Yes, with emphasis on the extra careful. Guys, I’m not a toy. I’m having feeling in places I’ve never had. Be gentle … please …”
Auli’i and Kimo helped him up. Cyrus put his arms around their shoulders and together they helped him take his first steps with exposed fathers.
Inside the shower, they put the water on warm and ran it continuously over his back and stomach. Slowly and methodically, they removed the membrane like material off his back and then worked their way around his rib cage to his stomach. They discovered that his wings were wrapped around his torso one-and-a-half times.
Ms. P insisted she do the rest after watching Auli’i rip the piece off of Cyrus. She had Kimo and Auli’i support him while Kamalani handed her whatever tool she requested. Auli’i and Kimo had their eyes fixed on Cyrus. Even supported, standing with help was exhausting.
The last connecting point was at his stomach. Once Ms. P removed the membrane around his stomach, they would be able to unfurl his wings. The sensation was strange and he was seeing his wings and belly-button for the first time. He didn’t know which one he was more excited for.
Snip. Thump.
Cyrus felt his entire torso droop, like a suspended rope bridge that had snapped. All of a sudden, he felt how heavy his wings were.
“I think that’s it. Auli’i. Kimo. Each of you grab a wing and lead him to the living room,” said Ms. P.
Auli’i turned the shower off and put his right wing over her shoulder. Kimo did the same with Cyrus’ left. They slowly made their way out of the bathroom, dripping water the entire way. Cyrus was so exhausted he didn’t even attempt a step. Kamalani had grabbed every towel and covered the entire living room floor.
As they reached the center of the living room, Auli’i and Kimo slowly lowered Cyrus down on top of the towels. As they laid him on his back, they slowly sprawled his wings. The white feathers softly brightened the room. The Fualautoalasi family looked at each other in amazement.
Slowly but surely, they unfurled his wings completely. As they reached 180º, Cyrus felt an excruciating pain.
“STOP! Ow!!! No more, no more …”
Giant tears welled up and gushed from Cyrus’ eyes. It was like trying to stretch a frozen rubber band. He’d thought his legs hurt when he’d tried using them, but this pain dwarfed that tenfold.
“What is it?! Cyrus, talk to us,” said Ms. P coming out of the bathroom with her tools.
“Don … don’t … don’t st … st … st … retch them,” gasped Cyrus. “Pain.”
That was all Cyrus could say as tears ran down his face.
Auli’i stroked his face soothingly as tears welled up in her big brown eyes. Kimo patted him on the knee.
“OK … You three,” began Ms. Palermo sternly. “Foa-meow-colonoscopy, or however you say your name, DO NOT move Cyrus in any way without my approval these next couple of days. His muscles are atrophic and that goes for his wings. The slightest tweak will break something!”
“Ms … P … I … don’t … want … to … stay … still … any … more …”
“Cyrus … I know we haven’t known each other very long and I can’t imagine your pain. However, this pain … if you will allow me a moment of optimism … is good. You can use your entire body. It is painful now, but you have nowhere to go but up. I think I would endure any pain to keep that. You don’t have to face it alone. We’re here for you,” said Kamalani, placing a hand on his face.
“Let’s take it slow,” said Kimo. “We can watch your shows while you do little exercises to build strength.”
Cyrus began taking deep breaths.
“Cheee whooooo!!!” said Auli’i cheerfully. “You’re basically learning everything from scratch. You need to follow the steps. First, learn how to crawl. Second, learn how to walk. Third, learn how to run. Then for you, you get to learn how to fly!”
Fly … Cyrus looked to his left and then to his right. His arms were tiny. His wings were skinny and frail. He really did look like a human chick-ling. He looked down and saw his real belly button for the first time.
I’m an outie.
He slumped his neck back onto the floor. Lifting his head was a workout for his abs. Cyrus still felt helpless. He had so far to go.
“I wish Martian would answer his phone. I have a couple million questions for him. Most starting with ‘why’ and ‘how.’”
“We figured it out though, didn’t we?” said Auli’i with a smile.
“I guess so … Ms. Palermo, you staying for dinner tonight?” asked Cyrus.
“I would love to, dear. Let me hop over to my place to clean up and I’ll shuffle back here in a hurry.”
Kamalani whipped her head around to the clock … 4:00 PM. “I am so behind preparing that lasagna!” said Kamalani, quickly making her way to the kitchen.
“Adieu,” said Ms. Palermo with a curtsy as she left.
Why is it always Italian food when I have dinner with Ms. Palermo?
“Kimo, can you take a picture of me with my phone?” asked Cyrus.
“Uhhhh … I’ve never used a phone before,” said Kimo, sheepishly.
Cyrus gawked hard. His jaw dropped and his eyes widened.
“You poor, poor child,” said Cyrus. “Why?”
“It is forbidden. If you’re a part of the jurandum, no modern technology … ” said Auli’i, shrugging her shoulders.
Cyrus blinked rapidly.
“Show Kimo how to take a picture first. He’ll like this,” said Auli’i.
“It’s really easy. Press this button on my phone and it will take a picture. Make sure to go as high as you can. I want to see what I look like.”
“That’s glass … not a button.”
Cyrus chuckled. “I suppose you’re right. You can press the button on the glass or if it makes you feel better, this is the volume button. You can press this too and it will take the picture.”
“You’re giving me permission to use the phone?”
“More than that … I’m asking you to.”
Auli’i detected the sarcasm.
Kimo took the phone nervously and held it like a newborn. He stood above Cyrus and took one picture. He then handed the phone back to Cyrus with a sigh of relief. The photo was way off center.
“Kimo, let’s try this again, but this time I want you to look at the screen when you take the picture. Do your best to put my body in the center. Here is the best part, though, Kimo … I want you to take 20 pictures this time.”
“You know we literally weren’t allowed to have anything ‘modern’ since the last Lumen Caligo disappeared in the late 1600’s,” said Auli’i, crossing her arms.
“Wait, seriously? I thought that was just a joke. And who’s we?”
“Anyone who knew about the Lumen Caligo. If you do, you’re apart of something called the jurandum or the oath, ” said Kimo.
“Wait, what?”
Auli’i took the camera from Kimo and started taking pictures.
“Yeah, short version … before the last Lumen Caligo disappeared, he made a rule that no one could use modern technology until the next one returned. Since he disappeared shortly after, it’s been that way for over 300 years … You’re going to have to forgive us for staring at computer screens and phones like flies drawn to one of those zappy lights, but that’s exactly what they are to us,” said Auli’i.
“That’s wild.”
“You should have seen my mom’s face when we decided to leave on a plane. That was wild.”
“I wasn’t the only one clenching the seats and my rea—” started Kamalani.
“The point is, everyone that knows about you has been anxiously waiting for you to appear and most are on the verge of running away and joining modern society.”
Auli’i smiled. Kimo took the phone back and kept snapping pictures.
“So, that’s why you guys didn’t watch TV or play video games?”
“Yep. Plus, we didn’t know how to work it. At least now I do,” said Auli’i, still smiling.
“Huh … makes sense. Covid lock-down must have been so boring for you two. What did you guys do? Stay at the beach from sun up to sun down?”
“Pretty much … but that was nothing new,” said Kimo.
“Well, I said it jokingly but now I feel kinda bad.” Cyrus wiggled his toes. What a new sensation.
“It’s OK. There is more to life than TV … but since I’ve only known one without it, please make it my entire life while you gather your strength?” said Auli’i, putting her hands together in a begging position.
“Now, I just have to decide what show to indoctrinate you with after dinner,” said Cyrus, stroking his chin.
“Oh, I’m so excited!” said Auli’i, throwing her hands up in the air.
“Do you guys need my permission for everything … ‘modern’? Wouldn’t it be easier if I liberated everything for everyone?”
Kimo and Auli’i looked at each other and then back to Cyrus. The clanging in the kitchen stopped and Kamalani peeked into the living room.
“I suppose you could … ” started Kimo.
“That would make it easier for you,” said Auli’i.
“But would it be easier for everyone else?” asked Kamalani, coming out of the kitchen.
“Why wouldn’t it?” asked Cyrus.
“The world essentially stopped in 1700 for the three nations. I don’t recall the exact wording, but the decree halting all progress and interference with modern technology came about because of humanity’s dependence of it and its tyranny with it. It was meant to be a shield so the three great nations could decide what course of action should be taken. However, shortly after the decree was made, the Lumen Caligo disappeared and the document stayed in effect. Anyone who used or learned about technology after 1700 was sentenced to death, no questions asked.”
“Is that why Martian went back? To get you guys off of a death sentence?”
“Yes,” said Auli’i. “What I thought was a maniacal religion turned out to be three nations under a 300 year house arrest. I still can’t believe you of all people are the Lumen Caligo.”
“Um, ouch … ” said Cyrus, pretending to be offended. “You still haven’t answered my question, Kamalani. Wouldn’t lifting the ban across the board make things easier? Why would lifting this decree be a bad thing?”
“Think of the last 300 years and how much mankind has advanced … Let’s suppose that all of that knowledge is water and this decree stopping all learning of this knowledge is a dam. Our people, along with the Lumens and the Caligos ... they are the town on the other side of that dam. Safe to say that the dam is about to burst. If you let all the water come at once, you will definitely wipe out the town. But, if you let the water out gradually, you could stem the flow and prevent disaster. Many people’s beliefs and ways of life have revolved entirely around you. Stem the flow. Learn our ways, and then teach us the modern world and all of its intricacies.”
Cyrus dwelt on her words while he felt his entire body. It was all new to him. He lifted his arm and then let it fall to the ground with a clunk. He breathed deeply and felt his belly fill like a balloon and then let all the air out. He extended his arms just like his wings. They only reached about halfway. He wiggled his fingers and toes. What a freeing sensation. Auli’i and Kimo watched at first but then started pointing at different parts of his body and asking him to move them. They then began showing him a couple simple movements. Shrugging shoulders was simple enough but it tired him out. While still laying on his back, the two siblings helped him hug his knees to his chest and then go one side to the other. His hips creaked from lack of use.
POP.
Pain and relief simultaneously hit him. The two Hawaiians helped him move his legs to the other side. Cyrus found that it was too much effort to do alone.
POP. POP. POP.
Bliss.
The siblings continued to show him the most basic movements all the while Kamalani was hard at work preparing the lasagna and garlic bread. The room permeated with the smell of delicious red sauce, meat and garlic and onion. It was mouth-watering.
There was a loud knock at the door.
“Guess who’s back? Could you grab the door for me? My hands are full. I grabbed a couple a things to hopefully compliment the lasagna. At first, I wanted to bring some French bread but then I realized I didn’t have any so I settled on some parmesan cheese that I think is still good … ” Hyper-verbal Ms. Palermo had returned. She was a different person in social interaction than when she was Dr. Palmero.
She didn’t like it when Cyrus called her doctor. She told him she had earned the title but didn’t like how it sounded. Auli’i and Kimo helped Cyrus sit up with his back against the sofa. This time, he was sitting on the floor instead of in his chair. That felt strangely comforting.
Progress.
Ms. Palermo was still talking outside. She had somehow warped the conversation with herself to how she suspected that bleu cheese came from a French restaurant running out of regular cheese and trying to save face.
Kamalani went and opened the door and Ms. Palermo went straight to Cyrus.
“CYRUS!!!” screamed Ms. Palermo in delight.
Ms. Palermo went for a hug and lost her balance. Dread filled Cyrus as he realized he was about to have all of Ms. P squashing him. She caught herself somewhat on the couch but it was still a lot of weight on Cyrus.
OOOOF.
Kimo quickly came to the rescue and helped Ms. P off of Cyrus. It lasted only a few moments but to Cyrus it felt like an eternity. The crazy thing was Ms. Palermo was still talking. It was a mix of apologies and trying to finish her thought. Cyrus gave up on trying to follow her story and focused on survival.
Need … air …
“… and that’s how two peas in a pod came about!”
Cyrus had no idea what line of thought brought Ms. Palermo to say those things and frankly didn’t care. He was focused on getting oxygen to his brain after being involuntarily suffocated.
“How are you holding up?” asked Ms. Palermo.
“Been better. It’s … nice … to see you … again.”
“Likewise! Anything new with you or Martin’s hiatus to Hawai’i?” asked Ms. Palermo with a hula impersonation.
“Yeah, actually.”
“Ohhh.”
“I can wiggle my toes.”
The parmesan cheese hit the floor, and Ms. Palermo stopped dancing. Her eyes widened, and her expression warped to one of shock.
“Yep … Watch this.” Cyrus wiggled his toes happily.
Ms. Palermo had to support herself with the nearest cabinet. “It’s … it’s … it’s unbelievable.”
“Yeah, I can almost walk, but I’m still too weak.”
“From lack of use no doubt,” said Ms. Palermo, adjusting her glasses and approaching Cyrus. She knelt down slowly and inspected Cyrus’ feeble legs. Kimo stood behind her with his hands outstretched … just in case.
“You haven’t used most of your muscles for almost seven years, so they have shriveled up from lack of use. The mere fact that you can move this much astonishes me. Can you feel this?” Ms. Palermo pinched his right big toe.
“Ouch. Yes, yes …”
“Fascinating. Can you rotate your ankle in a little circle?”
With a lot of effort, Cyrus made one circle with his right foot. After he completed it, Ms. Palermo clapped her hands excitedly.
“Marvelous! You will have to let me monitor your recovery process. Have you heard anything from our hula man Martin?”
“Nothing yet,” said Cyrus a tad flustered.
“Oh? That’s uncharacteristic of him.”
“Yeah, it kind of is …”
“Aloha! Ready for some lasagna, Ms. Palermo?” Kamalani asked with a ferocious hug and a kiss on the cheek. Ms. Palermo looked shocked and squished from the embrace.
Cyrus chuckled to himself. “Payback,” he said under his breath.
“Welcome back, Ms. P,” said Auli’i with a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Lovely to be back, Ms. Auli’i,” Ms. Palermo returned the peck on the cheek.
Auli’i smiled and then lifted her eyebrows at Cyrus.
“I already helped you off Cyrus but hello, Aunty P,” said Kimo with a kiss and a huge hug.
Ms. Palermo seemed delighted. She mouthed Aunty P as she was engulfed in a Kimo hug.
“Oh my goodness! It’s like being hugged by a bear! Haha! Well, aren’t you guys just the sweetest things.”
“I’ll take these to the kitchen, if you don’t mind.” Kamalani relieved Ms. Palermo of the cheese.
“Oh, why yes, of course!”
“I’ll take your coat,” said Auli’i.
“I didn’t bring a coat,” said Ms. Palermo, perplexed.
“I know. You live next door. It wouldn’t make sense if you did,” said Auli’i, running after her mother laughing.
Ms. Palermo put her pointer finger to her temple and tapped. “Clever girl.”
“Care to sit down, Ms. Palermo?” asked Cyrus.
“Oh, why thank you,” replied Ms. Palermo with a curtsy.
“Ms. Palermo, I know you’re an orthopedic surgeon and have helped Martian with my case for the last seven years … Can I ask your opinion?”
Ms. Palermo nodded.
“How long do you think it will take for me to walk again?”
Ms. Palermo was silent for a moment as she thought.
“Well,” she began. “When patients break a bone—as opposed to rupturing a tendon—the recovery time differs greatly. Your situation focuses on everything. Bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints. And I’m not talking about the type I caught one of my old tenants with. Who leaves that much meat just out in the open? Took me a week to get that wretched smell out of unit B. Kicked him out and kept his security deposit for violating my contract …”
“Ms. Palermo … How long?”
“It’s hard to say, Cyrus, dear. On one hand, you shouldn’t be moving that much and should gradually build up your strength over the course of a couple years. On the other hand, you should really speed this up before you hit puberty and permanent changes occur.”
“I could be in puberty already,” Cyrus said defensively.
“Honey, trust me … You’re not,” Ms. Palermo said with a laugh.
“I could be.”
“Oh? Lift up your arm and show me the armpit hair.”
Cyrus looked down in defeat. He knew he hadn’t started puberty. He’d actively made fun of his classmates who had. Auli’i snickered in the kitchen. Cyrus felt his blood rush to his face.
“The point is this, Cyrus. You haven’t used your body in years, so everything has been reduced to its bare minimum. I wish I could give you an accurate time table of when you’ll be hopping and skipping around but the best advice I can give you is this ... Take it slow and ABOVE ALL ELSE, listen to your body. If it hurts, don’t do it. If you’re tired, rest. It’s that simple.”
“Thank you, Ms. Palermo.”
“Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes everybody! Kindly wash your hands and get those tummies ready!”
Ms. Palermo rubbed her belly excitedly.
“Hey, Cyrus, want to try and walk to the bathroom with some help?” asked Kimo.
Ms. Palermo let out an audible gasp. Cyrus liked the idea and wanted to test his limits.
“I’ll help, too,” said Auli’i.
Kimo went to his left side, Auli’i went to his right. Then, very carefully, they lifted him off the ground. Legs shaking and arms tired, Cyrus made one step forward and then another. On the third, his legs failed completely but Auli’i and Kimo were both there to catch him. They were holding his wings up, too.
Slowly and carefully, Cyrus moved his legs in very staggered steps, making his way towards the bathroom. Ms. Palermo and Kamalani had stopped what they were doing and stared in silent suspense. The hallway seemed so much longer now that Cyrus had to walk down it, but he was determined.
When they arrived, Ms. Palermo started clapping and Kamalani let out a loud ‘Cheee Whooo.’
Still supporting Cyrus, Auli’i reached to turn on the faucet for him.
“No. Let me try,” said Cyrus panting.
“Which side do you use?” asked Auli’i.
Cyrus had always used his right side more for controlling his chair and tablet. Now that he was gaining more control over his body, he wanted to learn his limits. He wanted to try both sides as often as possible.
“Can we switch off everyday? I want to get stronger.”
Kimo and Auli’i looked at each other and nodded. Auli’i opened her mouth but before she could start, Kimo quickly said, “Ladies first.”
Auli’i furrowed her brow and shot Kimo a dirty look before slowly lowering Cyrus’ right arm to the faucet. Cyrus fumbled around for a bit until he finally got his hand on the faucet. He then twisted as hard as he could. Nothing. Panting, he tried again. Nothing. Kimo and Auli’i looked concerned but said nothing.
“I can do this.”
With a laser focus, Cyrus put all his concentration on twisting the faucet. His exhalation became a hissing sound like a boiling teapot. Just when he was at his limit, a burst of light, lasting no longer then the flash of a camera, pulsed from the inner part of his wings. The light reflected off of the mirror and momentarily blinded all three of them. It felt like a jolt of electricity leaving Cyrus.
“Cyrus, you OK dear?” asked Ms. Palermo from the living room.
Kimo and Auli’i were rubbing their eyes with their free hand and blinking rapidly from the unknown light source they had just experienced. Cyrus was more startled then anyone.
“Yea … yeah, we’re fine. Just a bad fuse, I think. Be out in a minute!” said Cyrus.
“What on earth was that?!” hissed Auli’i.
“I don’t know! I’m as shocked as you guys,” hissed Cyrus back.
Cyrus slumped. Fatigue hit him, and it hit him hard.
“Cyrus,” said Kimo, gently slapping his face. “Cyrus, Cyrus talk to us.”
Panting, Cyrus came up with a gleeful smile on his face. The expression bewildered Kimo and Auli’i.
“I did it.”
“What, blind us? Yeah, congratulations, glow stick,” said Auli’i, a bit confused.
“Doesn’t a glow stick count as ‘new technology,’ Auli’i?” Cyrus asked a bit amused.
“I defected and now I’m back in. Cut me some slack.”
“No … he actually did it,” said Kimo looking forward.
“What did you do that I don’t know … ” started Auli’i looking where Kimo was.
With the silence came the sound of running water. All three of them watched water pour from the faucet. Everyone started laughing and celebrating. With Auli’i and Kimo’s help, Cyrus slowly lowered his hands, and for the first time, he washed his own hands.
Cyrus got a little choked up. He was able to do something so small that he had been unable to do for so long. It was a small victory and Cyrus knew this, but the emotion that came from this success was overwhelming.
After he finished washing his hands, he turned to Auli’i and Kimo and said, “Guys, I know what we’re going to watch the next couple days and the best part is, it’s based off of what just happened.”
The two Fualautoalasi’s perked up.
“Two siblings in the most southern part of their country find and help a small boy who’s been missing for a hundred years. During their first meeting, he blinds them with a bright light before they realize he’s something the world hasn’t seen for a long time and could be the key to saving the world.”
“You really flatter yourself, don’t you?” Auli’i rolled her eyes.
“Sounds good! What is it?” asked Kimo
“The greatest animated show ever made and perhaps the greatest story written in the 21st century.”
Auli’i began to look excited.
“First, let’s eat. Yip yip!” said Cyrus with a smile.
