Living Like A Lion-The Year

Chapter 2-It Begins

2.It Begins

The next morning, I woke up still feeling tired. I glanced around to see John coming through the door. “Hey James. Man, how you changed! Your face looks human again and your mane is gone,” he declared extremely happy with the success.

I stood up and realized he was right, my mane was gone; instead, I had a short beard and mustache. “Hi John,” I said not realizing that I spoke English.

“You can talk again!” he exclaimed as he stared at me.

“Yea! I can!” I screamed joyfully.

“I will bring you lunch later, but the more you rest the faster you change,” he told quickly as he fooled with a piece of paper.

“How long do you think it will take?” I asked as I got comfortable again.

“Up to a week at most; then we need to get used to being human, which shouldn't take long,” he answered before he left and I fell asleep.

I woke up hours later to find John with a bowl of soup. “Hi John,” I yawned as I stretched.

“Good morning James. Let's see if you can use those hands of yours. I'll set the table next to your bed, but first go into the bathroom and put this on,” he commanded as he toss me a bathrobe. I carefully stood on my two feet, slightly wavering; then I slowly put one foot in front of the other about falling down with every step. I reached the bathroom and closed the door, while bracing myself with the sink. My body was still covered in fur, but it seemed to be disappearing. I put the robe on, but it felt weird with my tail kept flicking everywhere.

I walked back into the bedroom and sat down on the bed, careful of my tail. I picked up the metal spoon and twirled it in my hand, feeling the smoothness of the object. John laughed me; then he guided my hand to the soup. I tried it and the soup was delicious; but soon I had finished it. “John, will the fur disappear?” I asked as I stared at him.

“Yes James. I will be right back,” he laughed before he scurried from the room and was back before five minutes had passed. He brought in a mirror, which he hanged in the bathroom. “Come here. You are too young for a beard,” he chuckled and I slowly made my way over; then he taught me how to shave. I looked much better and it somehow made me feel younger with the beard gone. “So what would you like for supper?” he asked as he started towards the door.

“Doesn't matter, but could you bring some books please?” I replied as I laid back on the bed.

“Sure James. See you later,” he called as he left and I stared at the ceiling.

I played with my hands and feet like I was a baby, but I didn't care. I knew I should be sleeping, but I wasn't tired. I paced the room, while touching everything I could. It was wonderful being human again; well, most of the way.

John returned hours later with a salad and the book A Wrinkle In Time.

After I had eaten, he left and I began to read, but I fell asleep.