Out of the Ordinary

Chapter 17: Life and Death

Dainu woke back up fifteen minutes later. Amy, Kyle, and I rushed to his side. I put my hand on his forehead, checking his temperature, and felt his pulse.

"Are you OK, Dainu?" I asked him.

Dainu sat up on the couch. "Weak, but I will restore."

"What happened to you?" Amy wondered. "You were fine when you were fighting that gang. It was like you ran out of batteries or something."

"Your wound was incredibly severe," Dainu said, rubbing his eyes. "I had never healed anything that was so intense before. It drained most of my energy."

"Here's some water," Kyle handed Dainu a glass of water. Dainu looked at the glass with uncertainty.

"Don't worry about it, Dainu," I said. "Sanitary or not, water will help you regain your strength."

Dainu took the glass and took two swallows. "I had felt new emotions," he continued. "Emotions that I had never thought I would adapt. I felt it all around me; violence, greed, tyrant, hatred, grudges, and pain, both physically and mentally. I had never known they would cause so much hurt."

"I know it's hard on you, Dainu," I comforted. "Most people can't help it. Many others had tried to convince them, but it is too late for them. That's why we have wars on this planet. I'm so sorry about all this."

"There is no need for you to apologize," he said. "It is not your fault. Someday, your people will soon come to an understanding. I am not dwelling too much on this emotions, I will overcome them."

"That's easy for you to say. Sometimes I can't get over my pains and sorrows. Ever since my dad—" I stopped myself from exposing anymore tears. I also didn't want to make matters worse by mentioning my dad's death to Dainu. It would make more sadness for him. "I envy you, Dainu," I continued after a paused. "You're always happy. You're so cheerful all the time, and you know how to handle rough situations correctly without making matters worse. I wish I was like you."

Dainu emerged his warm, comforting smile. "Do be careful, Kaley," he said, "too much envy will not get you what you desire."

"You're right, I'm doing it again. But I just really like your positivity and happiness. I never met anyone like you."

"Is it my turn yet?" Amy asked jokingly.

Our laughter washed away our troubles.

"Kaley," Dainu finally said, "I was wondering if we can visit someplace quiet and relaxing. Someplace where it is not too exciting and easy for us to meditate peacefully."

I thought about it, but I didn't know where to find a place that was quiet and relaxing. Then I said, "How about the forest? It's quiet and peaceful, and nobody would be out there this season. So we wouldn't worry about you getting spotted."

"The forest would be very pleasurable. I would love to breathe the natural, clean air and feel the environment around me."

"Great! We'll go there tomorrow in the afternoon. You want to come, Amy?"

"I would love to," she said, "but my mom doesn't let me go to the forest. Plus, I have homework to do."

By Saturday afternoon, I picked up Dainu and we headed towards the forest. I wore a sweater to keep warm from the cold breeze. Dainu didn't mind about the cold air at all.

As soon as we entered the amber forest, all we heard was the birds chorusing in the trees, and the wind brushing against the musical leaves on the trees. Dainu stopped in his tracks to breathe in the delicious, cool air. I did the same thing, and for the first time, I realized how spiritually good it feels to breathe in forest air.