Let the creatures of all that is good and light be with us tonight.
Cassie Ailey
The worry about Juliet’s physical and mental health was overwhelming. I kept silently praying that Nicole really was her guardian angel and she’d appear to help. I didn’t think Juliet could take one more blow. She was stronger than anyone I’d ever come across. To live in that horror and be able to nurture kids and love, without turning bitter and cold, blew my mind.
Tens hugged me tightly to him. We didn’t speak. There were no words. Besides, I knew Tens didn’t need them.
Rumi was fumbling with his stereo. “What’s he doing?” I whispered to Tens.
“He says he has Juliet’s anthem for her to hear.”
Juliet sank onto the couch, clutching Minerva to her chest.
Tony brought over a plate of take-out food and urged her to eat. I watched her take a few bites to appease him. He hovered around her, like the father I thought he identified as.
Rumi pressed Play and said to Juliet, “Your mother named you well. Take a listen.”
The B-52s called her name and Juliet lowered her head to her hands. The beat and lyrics flowed over us.
Juliet, I can feel your glow …
Juliet, you’re not afraid anymore.…
I can’t explain it completely, but the song warmed our souls. It was as if the sun came out and filled us with hope. I could almost see Auntie and Roshana clapping their hands in the corner of the room, smiling and laughing.
As the last note of the song faded, Juliet lifted her head. “Play it again?”
Rumi hit Repeat, turned the volume up high enough to rattle the windows and shake the glassware in the next room. He swung me into his arms for a twirl around the room. Tens’s toes tapped and he bopped his head to the rhythm. Tony played an invisible drum set with the gusto of a rock star.
Custos wagged her tail and I swear Minerva batted a paw to the beat. Juliet picked the cat up and swayed with her. It was the first time I’d seen Juliet relax and even smile.
The third time through, Tens cut in, embracing me. Who knew Tens was such a good dancer? His feet moved and mine followed his steps. Tony escorted Juliet to the dance floor of the kitchen, while Rumi pranced back and forth with Custos on her hind legs and front paws on his shoulders.
We all let loose and boogied. Pure joy and a common love united all of us. We were going to rescue the kids and defeat the Nocti and heal Juliet. We would. There was no other possible outcome.
As the song faded, Juliet broke the silence. “So what exactly is the plan?”
“We’re going to kick some ass,” Rumi answered her with a grin.
We were ready.