Free Fall - Into Other Worlds

Chapter 26 - Home

Once in the quiet space of the Blake household, Chai made his debut as he popped out of Eron's pack and began exploring his new surroundings. Dr. Blake was surprised at first thinking it was a rodent, but Kara had quickly introduced them to the intelligent little tree jumper. Having Chai there helped Kara convince the adults that her story was true, but her mother wasn't exactly happy about having a strange animal in the house. Detective Kross didn't see the problem though as he thought the critter was pretty cute, but his opinion only triggered anger in the house owner. The three of them huddled together in the kitchen to discuss what steps to take next, while Dr. Blake made them a snack. The biggest issue was that Eron had no records of existence in this world, and that could become a problem if an investigation started. The two adults mainly focused on the how they should deal with the hospital forms, and legal responsibilities. Kara listened, but had no way of joining in such a discussion. If anything, she was just happy to be sitting in her home and listening to her mother and Ivan talking with each other. The two always sounded like they were bickering even when they weren't. Feeling like she wasn't needed, Kara excused herself after eating to shower and get ready for bed. If there was one thing she'd missed almost as much as her mother, it was a hot shower and access to toiletries.

That night Kara knocked on her mother's bedroom door before poking her head in. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" She asked while hugging her pillow.

Her mother patted the bed. "Come on in," she said. "Do you feel better after cleaning up?"

Scurrying over and climbing onto the bed, Kara flopped down next to her mother. "So much better! You have no idea how much I missed toothpaste these past few weeks! My mouth feels so clean now! And finally getting to wash my hair! My scalp feels so refreshed like you wouldn't believe!" She curled up and looked at her mom. "Though being with you is still the best part of being home," she said as she stretched out her arms for a hug.

Dr.Blake lay down and pulled her daughter into her arms. She kissed Kara's head as she hugged her close. "Thank you for coming back to me safe and sound," she told Kara softly.

Waking up to the sun shining through the windows, Kara sat up with a start after realising where she was. I wonder if Eron's woken up yet, she thought while sliding out from the covers. Not wanting to laze about, Kara quickly washed up and dressed before scurrying down the stairs. "Mom!" she called out upon seeing her in the kitchen. "I'm going to the hospital, okay?"

Dr. Blake turned around and put her hands on her hips. "Don't even think about leaving before you've had breakfast!" she barked at Kara. "I'll drive you there after you eat. I need to talk with the doctor and discuss payment with the hospital. Since I doubt your friend has insurance." Seeing Kara hesitating and glancing at the door, her mother glared. "Put your bag down and get your butt into this kitchen right now young lady!"

Kara sighed and tossed her bag onto the sofa before walking over to the kitchen. "Okay, okay! I'll eat breakfast," she conceded. "I'm just worried. I didn't get to see him at all after you dragged me from the emergency room." She picked up a fork and began poking at the fried egg on toast her mother had set down in front her. "I don't want him to wake up and feel like he's been abandoned in some strange place."

"Hmm, I'm also worried about your friend's reaction when he wakes up," replied her mother. "One minute he was dying in a forest, and the next he's in a hospital surrounded by things he's never seen. If he hasn't woken up yet I might recommend that he be kept sedated so he doesn't accidentally hurt himself or others."

Kara sighed. Eron wasn't some wild man. "You'll know once you talk to him mom, Eron is really smart and he knows quite a lot about the modern world. He even had model trains and helicopters in his home," she explained. "So I don't think he'll react as badly as you're thinking."