Page 122 of Tiger's Curse
Take care of yourself?That was a lame good-bye. Tears welled in my eyes and blurred my vision. I was proud that I’d gotten through it without showing emotion. But, now, I felt like a steamroller had come along and flattened me.
I couldn’t breathe. I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower to drown out any sounds. I closed the door, which trapped all the steam inside, and sobbed. Gut-wrenching spasms shook my body. My eyes, nose, and mouth all leaked simultaneously as I allowed myself to feel the empty despair of loss.
I slumped to the floor and then slid down even farther until I was sprawled out on it with my cheek resting on the cool marble. I let my emotions overtake me until I was completely spent. My limbs felt lifeless and dull, and my hair frizzed up and stuck to the wet tears on my face.
Much later, I got up slowly, turned off the now-cold shower, washed my face, and climbed into bed. Thoughts of Ren ran through my mind again, and silent tears started streaming once more. I actually thought about putting Fanindra on my pillow and cuddling her. That was how desperate I was for comfort. I cried myself to sleep, hoping that I would feel better the next day.
I again slept in late the next day and got up feeling hungry and numb. I was emotionally exhausted. I didn’t want to risk going downstairs to get something to eat. I didn’t want to run into Ren. I sat on the bed, pulled my knees up to my chest, and wondered what to do.
I decided to write in my journal. Pouring all my jumbled thoughts and emotions onto its pages helped me feel a bit better. My stomach growled.
I wish I had some of Mr. Kadam’s berry crepes.
Something moved at the corner of my vision. I turned and saw a breakfast laid out for me on the little table. I walked over to inspect it. Crepes with triple berries! My mouth fell open in shock.
That’s justtooconvenient.
I suddenly remembered that fizzing juice that I had tasted last night. When I wanted something to drink, it had appeared.
I decided to test these strange phenomena. I said out loud, “I would also like some chocolate milk.” A tall cold glass of chocolate milk materialized out of nowhere. This time, I decided to try to think something.
I wish I had a new pair of shoes.
Nothing happened. I voiced, “I wish I had a new pair of shoes.” Still nothing.
Maybe it only works with food.I thought,I would like a strawberry milkshake.
A tall glass appeared, full to the brim with a thick strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a sliced strawberry.
What is doing this? Thegada? Fanindra? Durga? The Fruit? The Fruit! The Golden Fruit of India! Mr. Kadam had said that through the Golden Fruit, the people of India would be fed. The Golden Fruit provided food!I took the fruit out of the drawer and held it in my hand as I wished for something else.
“A . . . radish, please.”
The fruit shimmered and glowed like a golden diamond, and a radish appeared in my free hand. I examined it thoughtfully and then chucked it in my trash can.
I mumbled ironically, “See? EvenIdon’t want a radish.”
I immediately wanted to share this exciting news with Ren and ran for the door. I twisted the knob, but then I hesitated. I didn’t want to undo all the things I’d said last night. I meant it about staying friends with him, but, ironically, I was the one who couldn’t be his friend right now. I needed time to get over him.
I decided to wait for Mr. Kadam to come back; then, I would tell Ren about the Fruit.
I dug into my crepes and enjoyed my meal—all the more special because it was magical. Then I got dressed and decided to read in my room. After awhile, someone knocked on my door.
“May I come in, Miss Kelsey?” It was Mr. Kadam.
“Yes. The door’s open.”
He entered, shutting the door behind him and sat down on one of the easy chairs.
“Mr. Kadam, stay right there. I have something to show you!” I got up excitedly and ran to the dresser. Pulling out the Golden Fruit, I unwrapped it and set it carefully on the table. “Are you hungry?”
He laughed. “No. I just ate.”
“Well, wish for something to eat anyway.”
“Why?”
“Just try it.”
