Page 121 of Tiger's Quest
With frenzied flapping, the bats took off, carrying us higher and higher into the tree. It was not a fun ride, but I also recognized that this would save us several hours of climbing. I thought we’d be flying straight up vertically, but, instead, the bats circled, ascending slowly and steadily.
Eventually, I noticed our surroundings were increasingly brighter. I made out an opening, a crevice that allowed dappled orange sunlight to move across the walls. I felt a cool breeze waft over my skin and smelled fresh living tree instead of the rotting musty odor of fungus, ammonia, and burned citrus. Our winged companions flew out of the opening and, flapping loudly, carefully set us on a branch. The branches were thinner here, but they were easily strong enough for both of us to walk on.
With a final warning of, “Beeee viiiiggiiilaaant,” they flew back into the tree and left us on our own.
“Hey, Kells, throw me the backpack. I want to change out of these black clothes and put some shoes on.”
I threw him the backpack and turned around so he could change.
“Yeah. Too bad your fairy clothes are gone now. They’ve disappeared into the tiger ether. They were handy to have around. Luckily, Mr. Kadam insisted on a couple of pairs of shoes for you, just in case.”
“Kells? The fairy clothes are in the bag.”
“What?” I turned around to find Kishan stripped to the waist and averted my eyes. “How did that happen?”
“Not sure. Fairy magic I guess. Now turn around unless you want to watch me change.”
Red-faced, I spun quickly. It was sunset, and we decided to eat and rest. I was worn out but afraid to sleep on a branch, even if itwasdouble the width of a king-size mattress.
I sat dead in the middle. “I’m afraid I’ll fall off.”
“You’re tired. You need the rest.”
“I won’t be able to.”
“I’ll hold you. You won’t fall.”
“What ifyoufall?”
“Cats don’t fall out of trees unless they want to. Come here.”
Kishan put one arm around me and cushioned my head on his other. I didn’t think I’d be able to sleep, but I did.
The next morning, I yawned, rubbed my sleepy eyes, and found Kishan watching me. He had an arm wrapped around my waist, and my head was resting on his other arm.
“Didn’t you sleep?”
“I catnapped.”
“How long have you been awake?”
“For an hour or so.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
“You needed the rest.”
“Oh. Well, thanks for making sure I didn’t fall.”
“Kells? I want to say something.”
“What?” I tucked my fist under my cheek. “What is it?”
“You . . . you’re very important to me.”
“You’re very important to me too.”
“No. That’s not what I mean. I mean . . . Ifeel. . . and I have reason to believe . . . that we could come to mean something to each other.”
