Ciana Pandora

NINE

Nadine sits quietly and watches Kade as he tries cooking some food for her with Caroline’s help. She looks around the condominium obliviously, admiring the paint, the building and the different environment from where she used to be. Kade comes over to her and serves her lasagna which she was very obsessed with. This time, she shows no elated reaction to it but rather scowls at it.

“What happened? You really like it.” Kade says.

“Does it smell like the hospital?” Caroline asks with a laugh.

Nadine smiles and shakes her head no. “It smells good.” She says. Kade really feels excited that she spoke.

“I’m Caroline, by the way. I’m your condominium neighbor.”

“It gives me great pleasure to meet you.” Nadine smiles widely. Caroline and Kade exchange looks.

“Why’s she being so formal?” Caroline whispers to Kade.

“I don’t know.” Kade whispers back.

“Did I say anything unpleasant?” Nadine asks.

“Um….no. I’m just saying I’m happy to see you too.”
Nadine smiles at her and stares back at the food with the same scowl.

“Do you like it?” Kade asks.

“I do not know how I must eat this.” Nadine replies.

“Um, you just have to use the fork over there to just scoop up the lasagna and put it into your mouth.” Caroline tells her.
Kade snickers. That sounded silly.

“Who are you?” Nadine asks Kade.
He clears his throat and says; “Kade Johansson. And I’m your brother. Big brother.

“I know that.” Nadine says. “You are very good-looking.”

“What? I mean, thanks. I never thought you’d say that. I’m glad you remember I’m your brother. That’s good.” Kade forces a smile.

“Where I come from, you don’t have to remember that. Everyone is another’s brother or sister.” Nadine smiles again.

“What do you mean where you come from?” Caroline asks.

“It is a celestial kingdom, you might not know about it. It is called Ohr. A kingdom ruled by light. I am a member of The Gibbous.”

“Pardon?” Kade snickers. “You talk nonsense. Big nonsense.” Caroline nudges him with disapproval.

“Don’t worry, Nadine. We understand.” Caroline smiles at her.

“Nadine. What does that name mean? I’ve never heard of it.” She asks.

“Nadine is um, a normal name. You should ask Dad, but he’s dead, unfortunately.”

“Who’s Dad?”

“Our father. But he’s called Lance Johansson. Dad is a rather informal name used to address one’s father.” Kade explains.

“Okay, so my name would be Nadine of Lance Johansson. Is that accurate?” Nadine asks.

“What?” Kade asks with another snicker. He whispers to Caroline; “She’s weird.”

“Nadine, it’s not said like that. I guess you took your History lessons very seriously. And stop laughing, Kade, it’s not funny. Now, Nadine, your name is Nadine Johansson. You are seventeen years old. Kade is your big brother and you are a family. Your parents died years ago. So you and Kade are related by blood.” Caroline says.

“And where is this place?”

“We are in Texas, USA. This is Beaumont and we are in a condominium building. This is the tenth floor, condo one hundred and four. Do you understand?” Caroline asks, after carefully enunciating the details.

“Apparently.  Are you engaged to Kade, Caroline? Are you married?”

“No.” Kade answers. “Nadine, I am single. She is my best friend. That’s all.”

“That’s correct.” Caroline adds.

“Would you like to go to bed? You have to rest.” Kade asks her.

“Alright, as you say.” Nadine stands up. “Where’s my chamber?”

“Your chamber? Your chamber is on your left. The room is pink as you preferred it.” Kade answers.
Nadine walks away, still looking around the house with admiration.

“What has come over her? She told me I was good looking and everyone in the universe knows she’ll never ever say that even on her death bed. She used to tell me I looked like a hawk.” Kade complains.

“Maybe it’s just a little mental problem. I thought she’ll be difficult to deal with, but that was pretty easy. I feel like she has become different altogether.”

“No, she’s not. She is just used to talking nonsense.”

“I think she has been somewhere whiles she was in the grave. I don’t even get it. How did she get out of there? We all watched her get lowered into that grave.” Caroline says.

“I have no idea how she got out. I would ask her when I’m ready to know. For now, I’ll just be happy. All I know is that the doctor said their examinations went wrong because she didn’t die. She was in a coma.” Kade explains.

“So maybe she had a heavenly experience while in a coma, right?”

“That’s bullshit. Look I know Nadine and she likes talking a lot of nonsense.”

“I heard of a man who went to heaven after he fell into a coma. It’s real. It does happen.”

“Caroline, you are really ill. You watch a lot of movies. She just has a memory loss and is imagining weird stuff. Have you ever heard of Ohr? No. That shows that she is in an illusion.” Kade says.

“You are not spiritual at all.”

“I am. I’m just not superstitious like you dramatic women of Texas. We just have to give my sister some time. I’m also worried about her but we mustn’t rush into absurd conclusions.” Kade says.

“Alright. We’ll take it slowly. Take good care of her.”

“I will.” Kade says. Caroline believes him and admires his brotherly love