In the Panther's Wake

Chapter 12

I'm running through the dark and the panther, its jet black fur shining as if lined with diamonds, waits for me just ahead. I near and he roars loudly at the empty sky, but I'm not afraid. I kneel before him and look deep into his eyes. I can see deep green waves rolling and crashing, and a calmness swims through me and settles. The panther lies down and I walk round to his side, climb onto his back. He takes off at speed, running straight down the road; nothing either side of us, nothing in front us.

There are faces in the sky. They're only outlines at first but then I can make out my father's square chin, his thin lips stretched into a warm smile. My mother's face is beside him, and they both watch me ride the panther through the dark. I hold onto his fur tightly, and I can feel the muscles in his back stretch and tense as he carries me forwards. I stare ahead and a small shape appears in the distance, straight ahead of us. As we near I can see it's Markus, and he's waving. Then I hear his voice, but it's in my head, calling my name. The black panther roars and starts to run faster, and I lean forwards, rest tightly against his back. Markus calls to me again, "Bandi, please, wake up, little brother..."

**

I open my eyes a crack and the silhouette of Markus' face appears. The light burns and I quickly shut my eyes again, start to cough. I feel a bottle pressed to my lips and I drink, causing cement-like saliva to wash down by throat in clumps.

I open my eyes again and sit up. We're by the side of the road, in the shadow of a tall tree, its bone-like branches hooking us into shade. Markus is holding me up, a bottle in his hand. He looks relieved, his eyes red, his forehead drenched in sweat.

"Drink some more," he says.

I take the bottle in my hands and it feels so heavy, my arms trembling, weak. I drink a few sips and start to cough. Markus takes the bottle and starts rummaging in his backpack.

"Was saving these for emergencies, and I think this counts."

He holds out his hand and in his palm are a few brownish yellow lumps, but I can't see what they are. My head is spinning and my vision is still blurry.

Markus puts one of the lumps to my lips. "Chew and swallow," he says.

I open my mouth and chew. It's slimy at first but tastes nutty. I manage to swallow and Markus gives me another two to eat. I swallow them both and have another few sips of water.

"Finish that bottle," Markus says, "we have plenty."

I drink the last few sips and look around, remembering passing out—remembering my dream. I can't see the black panther anywhere.

"Did you see it?" I ask.

"See what?" Markus is looking down the road ahead blankly.

"Nothing," I sigh, struggling to my feet.

I sway in the gentle breeze, held up by my big brother.

"How were they?" he asks.

"Strange, slimy. Not too bad."

He seems surprised.

"What were they?" I ask.

"Larvae."

"What?" I almost vomit on the spot.

"I got them from the dog carcass, the one we found yesterday afternoon; maggot larvae."

I shake my head in disbelief.

"I read it in a book. Has protein, carbohydrate, minerals. It's good for you, trust me."