Living Like A Lion-The Year

Chapter 7-Still Like a Lion

7.Still Like a Lion

In the morning, there was no breakfast to enjoy with Anna and John. Anna had left early in the morning, while John was enjoying the TV; so I decided to find some cereal and join him. There wasn't much, but I found cheerio's. I grabbed a bowl full and settled onto the couch. After I had ate, I asked, “What will happen in a year?”

“You will turn into a lion probably, why?” he asked confused, still staring at the TV.

“I know that, but after I change. What?” I questioned as I placed the bowl onto one of the side tables.

“I don't know. Maybe you can stay here, but it will be hard to keep a full grown lion a secret. You can't go back to this zoo because it closes in a month, but there are other zoos and circuses,” he answered as he glanced at me.

“John, don't put me in a circus!” I screamed and he stared at me.

“Okay James, calm down. We don't know what will happen if you get extremely mad,” he declared in a calm soothing voice.

“Okay John,” I replied as I took a deep breath and relaxed. “When did you say the zoo was closing?”

“A month,” he answered as he paid attention to the TV again.

“Can we go? To the zoo?” I asked as I stood.

“I guess I could get us in; but James, why do you want to go?” he questioned confused, now giving me his full attention.

“I need to see Iris one last time,” I answered as I put my bowl in the sink.

“Woa now. How do you plan to do that?” he asked quickly as he stood and hurried over to me.

“You work there; so can't you get me a zookeeper's uniform?” I wondered as I stared at him.

“Probably, but the lions might hurt you,” he declared as he began to pace.

“But John! I still smell like a lion and for some strange reason, I can still smell, hear, and see like one too,” I told him quickly.

“Alright James. We will go,” he replied; then we hopped in the car and he drove us there. We went through the employee's door and John sneaked me a zookeeper's uniform, that I quickly slipped on; then we both walked into the lion's exhibit. I headed straight to the lake, knowing she was there. When she saw me, she seemed surprised and confused; but she just relaxed there, waiting for us to approach.

I walked right up to her and let her sniff me. She was very disturbed about something, so I said, “Hello Iris.” John stared at me amazed, but he didn't say anything.

“Hello,” I replied confused and I was too now because I could understand her.

“Do you know me?” I asked quickly as I got on my knees.

“I know your friend. He was a friend of my husband. Hold on. How can you speak with me?” she questioned surprised.

“I'm not sure, but I can. Iris, how are Yeller and Scooby?” I asked perplexed.

“They are fine...wait! How do you know their names?” she hissed.

“Because I'm James, your husband,” I answered quickly.

“You don't look like him,” she retorted and I smiled.

“Honey, do you remember what I told you?” I asked calmly.

“Yes; so you were changed?” she replied and I nodded. “Well, you should go with your kind.” She then got up and stalked away.

“Come on, James. We need to leave,” commanded John as he stood behind me; so we both headed back to the car. John drove us home and told me to go upstairs and rest.