Khol (Rescued by the Alien)

28. Khol

Chapter 28

Khol

F lora was safe.

I’d searched the area surrounding my home in widening circles, finding no trace of the youngling. It was only when I was near the path leading to the ocean and about to turn around and return to our house, hoping to find her there, when I spied her tiny tracks leading to the sea.

Fear flashed through me as I raced in that direction. The storm had mostly passed, but the ocean would still be rough. Would Flora try to swim? The swift current would drag her away.

Racing from the jungle, I continued following her tracks all the way to where the waves crashed on the shore.

She wasn’t there .

I kept picturing her in the water, fighting to stay close to shore while calling out for me and her mother.

That’s when the water spirit spoke to me for the first time, though in my mind. The spirit didn’t convey its message with words but with impressions. I saw Flora inside my house with Nancy, plus Nancy’s fear when I didn’t return. The spirit then suggested they would help me make Christmas the best holiday ever but that it would take time to do the preparations.

“I’ll return and tell Nancy what I’m doing,” I said, not wanting her to worry.

The water spirit told me they’d give Nancy signs to show her I was safe.

With my heart lighter, I returned to the jungle and took the trail toward the central hill, eager to follow the spirit’s plan and return to Nancy and Flora by dawn.