Page 26 of His Little Sapphire

I can’t respond.

He tickles one of my toes. “Blink once for yes and twice for no.”

I like this plan and blink once for him. I love his garden.

“I’d hoped you would.”

The sun is bright. It feels good on my skin, but I’m worried if he leaves me here for more than a few minutes, I’m going to burn. Even my breasts are exposed. Most of my body has never seen the sun.

I must have frowned while staring at the sky or else Papi is psychic because he answers my unspoken question. “You won’t burn here, Baby girl. The formula you’ve been eating for six months has a natural sunscreen in it. It will protect you.”

Oh. Wow. Good. I’ve never been able to sit out in the sun without burning. I’m glad that will be possible. But I’d still like to have my chest covered.

I stare at every flower around me for a long time while Papi strokes my foot and my leg. He never stops watching me and smiling. I like that he continues to explain things to me.

“I’ll be with you all the time for the next two weeks while you get your strength back. The only time I’ll leave you is when you’re sleeping in your crib. There’s a monitor in the corner of the room that will let me know if you’re awake, so you’ll never wait long for me.”

I blink once so he knows I’m listening.

“You’ll be able to talk within a few days and that will alleviate most of your stress. I know it’s scary not having your voice. I promise you’ll sleep most of the time between now and then anyway.”

I blink again. I’m glad my verbal skills will return soon.

He answers another question running through my head next. “I’m a furniture maker. I made all the pieces you saw in the house. My woodshop is attached to the house on the left side. I’ll take you in there in a few days so you can look around. When you’re strong enough, you’ll come to the shop with me every day.”

I smile. I’m glad to hear he isn’t going to leave me alone. But what am I going to do? Watch? For centuries? I’m not used to being idle. I’m not even used to being idle enough to get six hours of sleep. I can’t remember when I slept six hours in a row. Until the past six months when I slept for half a year of course.

Papi reaches over to set his hand on my hip and gives it a squeeze. “It doesn’t hurt, does it?”

I smile. I’m sure I do this time. I blink twice.

“Good. It was very bruised for a while. I’m glad you weren’t awake to see it. But it’s good as new now. I just want to be sure nothing hurts.”

I blink twice. Nothing hurts. It’s all better.

It’s weird to think that Papi took care of me as if I were in a coma for six months. I’d rather not think about it. I can’t do anything about it.

I take deep breaths through my nose and suckle the pacifier to help calm my nerves. The sun feels amazing. The flowers are beautiful. I need to focus on getting my strength, and then I can face my future and whatever mysteries it entails.

ChapterEight

Strogan

Two weeks later…

“Chrissy, slow down, Baby girl.” I’m smiling while I reprimand her. She’s so adorable it’s impossible not to smile. She’s been furniture surfing for a few days, but today she has let go and taken off.

My nerves are frazzled with worry. She’s not steady yet. I don’t want her to fall and bonk her head, but I don’t want to stifle her newfound freedom either.

I’ve been lenient with her. Too lenient, I’m sure. She has me wrapped around her pinky tight. It’s hard to enforce rules and discipline her when she’s so wide-eyed and excited to explore.

I must though. I know I need to get firm with her before she runs all over me. We’re going to the doctor today. Hopefully I’ll be able to use this visit as a turning point. I know whichever doctor we see, Thabo or Chadka, will stress the importance of how Little girls are expected to behave on Eleadia.

Chrissy giggles. “I’m walking, Papi,” she exclaims.

I’m standing in the middle of the great room with my hands on my hips, freaking out. “More like running, Little one. No running in the house.”

“I’m not going to get hurt. I promise.”

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