' Good morning Njadaka. '
' Morning . '
' I'm headed for the AU summit in Ghana. '
' It's been kind of hot. Your going to share a table with global warming deniers ? '
' Most people are not as progressive as they pretend to be. '
' This global warming fan fiction has gone on for too long. Stay home. '
' And do what ? '
Life would be much easier if there was an app where he could scan T'challa's brain. Then he can know what he's thinking.
' I woulda made a terrible king. '
' That is true. You have a good day, Njadaka. '
T'challa steps out.
' You know how it is here. Old people can do no wrong. '
' Ain't shit changed, huh ? '
' Barely. '
Nanny shrugs and begins her housekeeping routine.
He flips through his tablet. No content today, black nosed vet is on holiday. After a quick shower he slips on something decent. Nanny has freshened up the room . Erik thinks T'challa and nanny could make an excellent couple. T'challa speaks and nanny chimes in the same sentiment. She's soft in a surbabia mommy kind of way.
He is still grappling with his new situation. Being blind feels like starring in a silent film without the visuals. He asks nanny to take him to visit the panther mound. He can't wait to be back on top sorrounded by beautiful views, mountain air, taking it all in.
He can no longer see the scenery, the skyline, the trees, the people. This is his new reality. Things he used to enjoy are no longer visible. It hurts. Erik has taken a lot of things for granted. He's great full for all of us experiences he's had.
Nanny comes back to check up on him and to figure out lunch.
'Slept good last night ? '
' Yeah. The noise machine helped. '
' I found you a companion. '
Erik grumbles.
' Young and affectionate. '
' Naw, I'm good. '
Nanny carefully places something into his arms. His face changes from freaked out to curious. It feels like a trembling silky fur ball moving around in in his arms. A loud meow ?
' I hate cats. '
' It's a panther cub. '
Erik rubs its head. The eyes are still closed, ears pressed down and he can only attempt to crawl.
' He's just a jit. Where's mommy ? '
' Dead. Hit and run. '
Erik smells it's forehead.
' He's so tiny. '
' Yeah. He's going to be sticking around. '
' I don't want to fuck him up. '
' Don't worry. I'll help you take care of him. '
' Cool . '
Nanny feeds the cub round the clock. Erik can hear him most nights sucking on the pacifier. When the cub gets restless he picks it up for a short cuddle, lulls him back to sleep.
Next morning E wakes up to warm sunshine beating down on his face. He takes a moment to stand by the window. Listening to bird song and something that sounds like a fountain. He freshens up and asks for his morning coffee, cream no sugar.
Nanny comes to join him for late breakfast.
' Hopefully we can get around a bit. '
' Like outside. '
' Got people out here pressed. '
' Already ? '
' Yeah. I was thinking a small intimate house party. '
' I'm no good at convos. '
' I mean for you. Prolly some music, acid and and maybe some adult entertainment. '
' Let's do it together. '
He suggests. After a short moment to deliberate nanny agrees. Nanny is too easy.
Nanny takes Erik to the garden for sunshine, booze and music. Erik tans in his hammock listening as Kali and Thando struggle to climb into the hammock with him. It's like having two toddlers follow him around everywhere. He rubs their heads.
In the late afternoon they head back, Erik is a bit woozy. Nanny thinks that he had too much sun. At dinner nanny rubs his forehead. The headache has persisted since the afternoon. They didn't drink much. He declines his food and goes to bed early.
In the morning Erik has bled onto the sheets, through to the mattress. Nanny calls for the doctor. Ironically he has some good news. The blood clot has passed, their might be a chance that Erik will see again.
Erik is cranky, bitchy and weak. The doctor hooked him up to an IV bag and gave him a shot. His eyes can't stop watering, they feel grainy and itchy. Nanny is constant with the eye drops.
Erik is put in some dark prescription glasses. Can't be looking in the sun with his brand new virgin eyeballs. He's eyesight has been returning gradually. He is glad to make out some lumpy, hazy shapes here and there.
' I should be happy. '
' But....'
' I feel like I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. '
' Give yourself a break. '
' What are we having for dinner ? ' Erik asks changing the subject.
' Grilled Prawns. '
' Extra spicy. '
' What do you say ? '
' About going out to celebrate. '
' I'm no good at outdoor stuff but I'll do it just this one time. '
' My treat. '
' Cool. '
Erik stands in his boxers, by the bathroom mirror brushing his teeth. He feels something paw the back his foot. He rinses his mouth and picks up his Kali. Time for a short rub and snuggle. It's been a couple of days now. The eyes are open and the ears are perked up. Baby is taking his first first crawls. After a couple of whimpers and feeble steps, he picks up the cub and peppers his face with kisses. So adorable.
