The Village Beside the Wall
Three Days Ago
"Run, run, Okays!"
White approaches her and pushes her off the wall; she falls into an endless darkness.
---
"Kalira, Kalira, wake up, it's morning."
Kalira wakes up and looks around. A quiet room, sunlight coming through the window, and the sounds of birds outside. Limti sits beside her.
Limti: (placing her hands on Kalira's forehead) You look fine. No fever.
Kalira: (looking at Limti in confusion) What's wrong? Is something going on?
Limti: Nothing. You were moaning in your sleep.
Kalira: What?! Was I saying something?
Limti: I couldn't understand what you were saying, but I heard you mention the name "Okays." Were you having a nightmare? It didn't sound like a good dream.
Kalira: (putting her hand on her head) I don't know. All I remember is falling from the wall, and the rest is fuzzy. I can't remember it clearly.
Limti: It's okay. Just a nightmare. Your friend will be fine. Also, it's time to go. Lim is waiting for us downstairs.
Kalira: Alright, I'm ready.
Limti: You look a mess. How about taking a bath first?
Kalira: I don't look that bad…
Limti grabs Kalira by the hand and leads her to the mirror.
Limti: Look at yourself. Is this the look of a young lady like you?
Kalira: (embarrassed) Fine, I'll go take a bath.
Limti: Go ahead. I'll get you some clothes. I think Loni's outfit would suit you—you're both the same height anyway.
Kalira: (puffs her cheeks) I'll be taller soon. Don't mock me.
Limti: (a soft laugh) Alright, alright. Go on now.
Kalira: But… where's the bathroom?
Limti: (laughs again) Come, I'll show you.
Limti leaves the room, and Kalira follows her down the stairs toward the bathroom.
Limti: Go ahead. You'll find a towel and soap inside. Feel free to use them.
Kalira: Thank you.
Kalira enters the bathroom. There's a wooden bathtub with warm water steaming and an open window above.
She gets in and sinks into the tub.
Kalira: (murmuring) How refreshing shhhhhh…
---
Outside the House
Limti exits the house. Lim is waiting outside.
Lim: Did that sleepyhead wake up?
Limti: (closing the door behind her) Yes, she went to bathe.
Lim: Alright. Mr. Dan is waiting for us. Let's go.
Limti: I forgot. We need to collect our reward. Let's go. But before that, where's Loni?
Lim: I think she's upstairs.
Limti: Wait for me, I'll be back quickly.
Lim: Okay. Come back fast.
Limti re-enters the house and looks for Loni.
Limti: Loni, where are you? Loni?
Loni comes out from one of the rooms.
Loni: What do you want, Limti?
Limti: Did you see the bird?
Loni: Yes, I think it's in the backyard, playing with the kids. Why? Is something wrong?
Limti: We'll be leaving soon. Can you tell him for me?
Loni: (seems sad) You're really leaving now?
Limti: (holding her hand) Don't worry. I'll be back soon.
Loni: Do you promise?
Limti: Yes. That's a promise. Can I ask you one last favor?
Loni: What is it?
Limti: Could you give Kalira something to wear?
Loni: Of course. I have plenty of clothes anyway.
Limti: Thank you, Loni.
Limti lets go of Loni's hand and heads outside.
Loni goes to her room, grabs some clothes, places them outside the bathroom for Kalira, and heads to the backyard.
Loni: Torrance, where are you?
Torrance flies toward her and perches on her shoulder.
Torrance: What's the matter?
Loni: Limti asked me to tell you they're leaving soon.
Torrance: Alright. Thanks for letting me know. You're doing your best taking care of those kids.
Loni: (sits on the steps) You could say they're like my siblings. I feel happy when I'm with them, and I smile when I see them smile.
Torrance gazes quietly at her as she speaks with love about the children.
Torrance flies up slightly, grows in size, plucks a golden feather with his beak, shrinks back down, and places the feather on Loni's head, then rests on her shoulder again.
Loni: (surprised) What's the point of this?
Torrance: Just keep it. Also, keep it right there on your head. You look funny. (laughs loudly)
Loni: (with a scary face) Looks like you're not leaving. I'm roasting you now!
Torrance flees quickly into the sky, shouting:
Torrance: Keep it! It looks good on you!
And flies away.
---
The Other Side of the House
Limti leaves the house. Lim is waiting.
Limti: Let's go.
They both head toward the neighboring house.
Lim knocks on the door. A voice from inside says, "Coming, coming."
The door opens gently, and a man steps out.
Dan: You've come? Please, come in.
They enter the house, which feels very warm. An old house from the outside, but very clean inside, with a nice scent and the sound of boiling water from the kitchen. The house is lit by sunlight through the windows. In the center are two large chairs and a table between them.
Dan: Please, have a seat. I'll bring the tea.
Limti: No need for that. We're leaving soon.
Lim: I like it a bit bitter.
Limti glares at him with killing eyes.
Lim: I mean… my life…
Dan: (soft chuckle) It's alright. The tea is ready anyway.
Limti and Lim sit quietly on the chairs.
A young girl's voice (stuttering): "Limththththy!"
She rushes in and jumps into Limti's lap.
Limti: (patting her head) You little troublemaker. Have you been good this time with your dad? You didn't cause much trouble, did you?
The little girl (Noyer): Noyoy was gwood "good" and helped Papa coowk "cook."
Limti: (takes candy and a small doll from her pocket) How about you close your eyes for me?
Noyer: Otay "Okay."
She places the candy and doll in her lap.
Limti: Now open your eyes.
She opens them, sees the candy and doll, and becomes very happy. She quickly jumps off Limti's lap.
Noyer: Tank you Limthy! "Thank you Limti!"
Lim: (looking at her) Hey, you little brat! Do I look invisible to you?
Noyer sticks her tongue out and runs away.
Lim: That brat!
Limti: (laughs loudly) Pathetic.
Lim: Shut up.
Dan comes in carrying the tea and some biscuits, sets them on the table, and pours two cups.
Dan: Don't give her too much candy. She'll cry at night because of her teeth.
Limti: I'm sorry. I didn't know what to bring her.
Dan: It's fine. Thank you anyway. Also, you, Lim, let me thank you on behalf of everyone. Thank you both so much for killing that spider. It was a real nuisance for the village residents. I truly don't know how to repay you.
Lim: (with a sharp look) Are you trying to get out of paying? With those words?
Limti: (hits him on the head) Shut up. I'm sorry, Mr. Dan.
Dan: (smiles) No problem. Also, here's your reward. (pulls a money pouch from his pocket and puts it on the table) It's 50 silver coins as we agreed. Sorry, that's all our poor village can afford.
Limti takes the money pouch and puts it inside her jacket's inner pocket.
Limti: Thank you. It's enough. But can we ask you for something? I'm willing to pay.
Dan: Please, go ahead. Tell me. I'll do my best.
Limti: We need a carriage and two horses. Can you arrange that for us?
Dan: What? That's all? Of course. It would be my honor. And no, you don't need to pay. We have plenty of horses here. You can take them.
Limti: Thank you, Mr. Dan.
Dan: I'll go get them now.
Dan leaves the house quietly and closes the door behind him.
Lim: (with a sly face) Oh my dear, beautiful sister. The best sister in the world...
Limti: No, I'm not giving you any.
Lim: I didn't even say anything yet!
Limti: I know you're going to ask for money.
Lim: (with an innocent face) Please give this poor soul a little coin, my queen.
Limti: I said no. Get lost.
Lim: (angrily) You thief! I'm the one who killed the spider!
Limti: (stares at him blankly) Did I tell you to do it?
Lim: (tears streaming) I'll tell the world you're a thief. I'll get my revenge!
Limti kicks him off the chair by the butt.
---
To be continued...