The Unusual Guardian

Chapter 17: Change of Fate

I am being stroked, and I am loving it! I am splayed across his lap, his small, weak hand smoothes the fur across my back in languid caresses. Then he pulls his hand away.

Don't stop! I swat at Reza's knuckles, demanding to be petted some more. I'm helping you relax!

"I'm tired," he whispers to me. He gulps hard, having difficulty swallowing. "I'll pet you more later."

The selfish part of me doesn't care, yet the caring side feels sad. I am disappointed and content at the resolution as I curl into a ball at his side. Reza has not been doing well. According to Nadir, he's been gradually getting worse, but last night he took a nose-dive into dangerous waters. I have a feeling Reza may be taken into Death's hands very soon. It seems that not even my strange appearance in this world can change Reza's fate. He is destined to die.

Nadir is stressed, extremely so, and it can be seen through his haggard appearance and brutish mannerisms. I don't think he has talked to Erik about it much, but Erik-I have no doubt-already knows. He's patiently waiting for Nadir to bring up the subject of Reza's impending death; if not soon, Erik will initiate.

Currently, I don't know what those two are discussing. I don't know if they are discussing me (the "me" Nadir saw last night) or if they are talking about the Festival. I mean, they could be discussing crochet for all I know. As soon as we entered the house, I sensed Reza's illness and wanted to provide some comfort. A slow doom is the worst, most vile, kind of smell. I don't ever want to smell it again.

Heavy footsteps approach, so I know it is not Erik as he is more stealthy than a feline. Nadir appears at the door. "Reza, Erik and I will be leaving now. Ms. Farah is here to help watch over you."

Reza nods. "Yes, Papa." His eyes flutter shut as he dozes into a quiet snooze. Good. That'll make me feel less guilty for leaving him.

Nadir leaves and I trail behind him. Nadir glances down at me and leans over to pick me up. I release a small growl, but let him do what he needs to do. I'm burrowed into his arm when we enter the living room, the woman-Farah-is staring curiously, frighteningly, and fascinatingly at Erik, who is, to the best of his ability, ignoring her complex expression. I sniff a hint of rose-the scent of lust-emanating from her. My jealousy flames. Stop! I sigh in chagrin. How do you expect Erik and Christine to get together if you can't control yourself?!

I sigh again. This sucks!

It does, but I am here to make Erik happy; to find love. I am not here for myself.

It's a terrible position to be in. I am in love, trying to help the man I am in love with to be happy by finding him someone to love and to love him back. I feel jealous, despair, and joy for him at the thought of achieving this goal. I also feel desperate because this should be what gets me out of this hairball of a mess.

"Thank you, Ms. Farah, for coming to watch over Reza on such late notice." Nadir is grasping the woman's hand in genuine thanks. I leap from his hands to stand by Erik.

Farah drags her gaze from Erik. "It is no problem, Mr. Khan. I hope I can help Reza."

Khan gives a slight smile. "I'm sure you will. Ready, Erik?"

Erik nods, not in the mood to add to his friend's grief by adding a snarky comment, so he keeps his mouth shut. "Come, Crystal." Erik stands and beckons me with the curl of his finger. I meow and happily jump onto his shoulder, curling myself around his neck. We step outside and I can see the mischievous glint in Nadir's eyes.

Uh-oh.

"Erik, you look so ferocious with that cat around your shoulders. Retiring from the Angel of Death, are we? Are we now the Angel of Felines?"