THE 33 KEYS: Key 2 - ANSWER THE CALL "Listen for that Perfect Beat"

CHAPTER 68: RESERVATION FOR ONE

A telephone yanks me from my dream seconds before the bus comes to a sudden stop. I shake myself awake then get off. The first person to greet me is a Dahlyxian man dressed in all white, his shirt printed: We never tell lies. He waves a hand to draw my attention and woo me to his stall. I approach with the eagerness of a person who wants but can never have.

"Spinach," he announces. "Tomatoes. Nuts. Mustard. Only six dollars each."

"Give me the nuts." I dip into my purse and find nothing. "Stop. I thought I had it; but no."

"That's okay. Still take it." He surprises me then warns. "They're raw, though."

"Beggars can't be choosers," I say, and the words feel like someone crapped on my tongue.

He grabs a small plastic bag and is about to stuff the raw nuts in.

"Don't waste the bag. I didn't pay for anything. I'll take it like that."

"Fasting?"

"What?"

"Fasting?" he asks again. "I'm doing one right now. Sorry. I didn't mean to be nosy."

"No worries. I guess I didn't realize it until you asked; but I've been fasting a while now."

"Fasting is good. Cleanses the body and spirit. Makes you see all sorts of new things."

"Oh, so that would explain all those crazy dreams I've been having."

"Not crazy," he says, and to my back as I walk off. "It just might be your spiritual journey."

"I'm on a journey all right. A journey to where everyone I ever loved has gone."

Then I open my nuts and walk in the direction of Cave Beach Spa like a zombie.

By the time I get there, my throat is dry. I show my gift voucher that Hazel's angel dropped off and hope its currency is worth something to the girl at the front desk. She examines it, does the needful and then directs me to take a seat by the long glass wall. I smile when I see it. The rainbow colours from my memories with Ebony. It is gliding gracefully in the sky behind the speed boat, doing its best to outdo the birds that fly by. One of them dips into the water and comes up with a small fish. A smile quickly tiptoes across my face, so I wouldn't come too alive and brush it away in disgust.

There is a shoreline in sight. But even that bird knows the importance of diving into the water if you want to receive your blessing. And I myself have always been deathly afraid of the water. All I ever do is sit on the sand and watch the old lady dance. Her waves pulling her lovers closer but shoving her enemies far off. In my mind, I join them and feel her hand dry my tears. Now all that water makes me want to do is wash the nuts down. I look back at the girl behind the counter.

"Can I have some water please?"

"It's six dollars a bottle," she replies then adds. "But I haven't done my good deed for the day so go ahead. Just take one from the fridge."

I approach the fridge wondering if poverty is stamped all over my body. Oh who cares, Mary? Stop over thinking and drink the damn water. Then I think anyway and imagine that I am finally meeting Hazel's angels. Good. It's time they found me. As I'm about to sit back down, a full-figured woman approaches and hands me a cup of honey. I also get a white ribbon to tie my hair with.

"Hi, I'm Mag," she says. "I'll be your attendant for today. Walk with me this way."