Page 99 of The Hunger
“After a brownie hits puberty, what happens if they stop releasing? Does that make them sick?”
“By nature, brownies are very sexual creatures. I’ve never heard of one abstaining once they reach sexual maturity. Until the day they die, they seek release regularly. At least on the hour if not more frequently.”
Merri started to look worried.
“Please don’t read anything into this,” I said to Mom, “but his testicles look all red and swollen. I don’t think he’s released in a few days.”
“Well, if that’s the issue, it should be easily remedied. When a woman gets mastitis, a warm compress and gentle breast massage are usually enough to unclog the duct. His fever might be a sign of an infection, but brownies are resilient creatures. Once he’s functioning again, I think he’ll mend and the fever will subside.”
I stared at Piepen.
“Can he die from this?” I asked, really not wanting to massage any part of him.
“That’s something I can’t answer,” Mom said.
“Fine,” Merri said, her eyes tearing. “I’ll do it. I’ll let him water my flower.”
“Who is that?” Mom asked.
“Her name is Merri. She’s a young brownie who’s abstaining because she wants to see some of the world before having kids.”
“Maybe I won’t get pregnant right away,” she said, looking at Piepen. “Maybe I’d still get my chance.”
Yet, I could hear the doubt in her voice.
“I wouldn’t think that intercourse is necessary,” Mom said. “Her hand should be more than enough. If not, she could try oral sex if she’s willing. The suction might be more effective.” I withheld my wince as Merri stared at me, hope blooming in her eyes.
“I could do that for him.” She focused on Piepen, and for the first time ever, I sensed her lust.
“I think we’re good here. Thanks, Mom. Sorry for waking you.”
“I’m here for you any time. For everything.”
I smiled, then coughed.
“I know. Thank you. I better go before my eyes start watering.”
She chuckled as I hurriedly hung up then ran to get a bath towel. Folded up, it would make a soft enough, yet washable surface. I lifted Piepen out of the water and put him on the makeshift bed. Merri left the water and landed beside him.
“I have to turn on the exhaust fan and close the door before you give this a try. Do you need anything else?”
She shook her head.
“I’ll check with you in a few minutes.” I grabbed another towel, turned on the fan, and closed the door. While on my knees, stuffing the extra towel under the door, I heard Merri’s voice.
“He keeps mumbling that he can’t,” she said. “Should I stop?”
“Talk to him,” I said through the door. “Tell him who you are. Help him understand that he’s not breaking his promise to you.”
“Okay. Thank you, Eliana,” she called back.
I sat by the door for a minute before I heard the first squeal.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“I don’t know. He opened his eyes for a minute but then passed out again. He barely sparkled at all. Nothing like he usually does in the bathhouse. And he’s still pale and too warm.”
“It might take a few times.”
