Chapter 4: Facing Facts

After discovering Billi and her predicament, mom visited her daily. The visits were therapeutic for both women. A temporary escape from her kids for mom and company for lonely Billi.

One afternoon, mom didn’t return. We felt certain she would be home by dark, but she wasn’t. Anxious as we were to hunt for her, it is dangerous and foolish to go clambering around in the dark on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Not a walk in the park.

Come morning, our first stop was to see Billi, to inquire when she last saw mom. We didn’t need to seek further. Mom spent the night by Billi’s side and they are still together. They have a third companion as well. Johnny. Johnny is trying to mimic a weeping willow, I think.

“Momma? What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

“Don’t worry babies. Everything is going to be fine. You can visit me as much as you want in daylight. I’m not going anywhere.”

“We don’t understand. What happened?”

“When you rescued me several months ago, I kept a secret from you. Sooner or later it would become evident, I knew. It was never my intention so I didn’t deceive you, only postponed the revelation so you wouldn’t needlessly worry.”

“Worry about what, Momma?”

“Johnny already stuffed the grapes down my gullet before you two rescued me, and the change is fairly well advanced now.”

“Oh, Momma?”

“Don’t cry darlings. When the ship returns, ask them to put Billi and me into cyborg bodies. If our minds are still intact and human. My hope and faith is we will remain human in our mental facilities.”

“Why is Johnny with you?”

“We crave his company.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Momma.”

“Johnny rooted his mom here and abandoned her. I lured Johnny here and we both hugged him. I’m just as strong as Johnny now, and the pair of us are stronger. Beneath our, Johnny’s and my feet, are many mashed grapes. We will soon be rooted here beside Billi.”

“Then Johnny won’t be the commander of the Leafies anymore?”

“Johnny is taking a disciplinary time out. Effectively grounded.”

Back to Second Helping for continuation.

Enjoying?

Yob