Lemon Drop From Heaven -SLOW-

Chapter Nine

He looked at me, unblinking with his red eyes glowing like the stars, deep and bright. 

"Help," he croaked "help! My daughter, she has fallen and I think her leg is broken! Are you a cafir?" I shook my head.

"Cafir? What's that? A doctor?"

"Doctor? I'm sorry I live in Fakin. I don't speak all of your language."

"Where is she? Your daughter I mean." His response was short and filled with hope,

"Follow." I paused, thinking of my choices. I could follow this man... this boy into the dark woods that I am unfamiliar with to try to save a person I don't know who may not even exist from something I can't control. But I looked into the boy's deep eyes and I couldn't bring myself to say no. He looked like he could break down any minute in fear, in sadness, or just for being pure terrified. I began to sling my supplies over my shoulder when I realized that my painting was wet and I wouldn't be able to bring it with me. 

"I'll be back soon" I thought as I began to climb down through the dark green explosion of leaves and slip over the side of the fence. The boy grabbed my hand.

"I am Karaho and you need to trust me." All of a sudden I noticed his outfit, completely made of fur and wool. It was 90 degrees (F) out and he was dressed head to toe for cold weather. As if that wasn't the weirdest part, he was wearing a bright orange fanny pack that matched his fire like hair and scattered freckles. He opened it, still keeping his hand on mine and pulled out what looked like a remote. He pressed a bunch of buttons and then where the "power" button would be. My head began to throb and my legs wobbled. Then my ears popped, my knees buckled, and everything went black.

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I awoke to a wailing cry and soft words. I quickly opened my eyes and sat up. Immediately the blood rushed to my head and I fell back, letting my eyes adjust to the light flooding my vision. I was sitting in red snow but I wasn't cold in my floral shirt, jean shorts, and flip-flops. Winter never lasted very long. Wait... why was the snow red? 

I turned my head to the scene next to me to find a young girl around the age of 5 or 6. Her leg was twisted backwards and blood covered her entire being. Under it, her bone was exposed and ragged. I tasted bile and turned my head away.

"Karaho! Jifki Karaho!"

"She needs help! Can you help?!" He yelled at me and I thought of the pain he would suffer if I let him down. Not only the pain he would suffer but also the pain she would. I took a deep breath and scooped up some snow. I closed my eyes and built up the courage to turn back around. 

I turned and dropped the snow over her leg before I could see the wound again.

"It's okay I won't hurt you." I said trying to keep my voice from quivering, but barely succeeding. 

"She does not speak the language you use. She only speaks Fakina." He turned back to her now, "Miaho, clon jifki." Looking back at me he translated, "Miaho, she will help." and I saw the reassurance light up in her bright pink eyes as I continued my work on her leg.

"Karaho, do you have any bandages to keep her leg in place?"

"Bandage?" He replied softly as if trying to decipher a code. "Ah bandage!" His eyes glowed as he came to a realization. He began to take off his shirt and I looked away, embarrassed. "This is all I've got." He turned the shirt over in his hands and then in a light embrace, handed it to me.