{"id":2620,"date":"2024-04-02T00:26:33","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T00:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/?page_id=2620"},"modified":"2025-04-26T13:18:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T13:18:46","slug":"1-0-vic-and-nala","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/1-0-vic-and-nala\/","title":{"rendered":"1.0: TOKI-PONA"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

ARCH 1<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026for I was hungry, then you fed me\u2026\u201d<\/strong>
Thursday, 5 Nov 2026, 10:40ish am EST
Outskirts of NRQZ, West Virginia
\u2026
..
.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The crisp blue winter sky and air was literally turning green.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic finishes his sing-song recipe, \u201cBig boom ice-cream spoon! Scoopy, wavy, yumchius, cold and moist.
Grounded Ritz, make it snow, choco-drizzle, take and go!\u201d, and steps out of his makeshift shrek-shed with a big bowl for two at the wood fence post\ud83c\udf68<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNow whAt we have hAy-er is a super snack, worthy of us royalty eh Naly-girl?
Little peace offering for anyth- now wait here just a minute ya little sass-mouth back on up a bit!
This be plenty enough for the both of us, you can get some after I gets some how\u2019s about that little missy?
Besides, this chocolatey part\u2019s no good for ya anyway s0o0o\u2026
Mmmmmm-hmmmmm. Yup yup, that there be heaven alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala lets out a forceful snort.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oh! OH, Of course, one moment, let\u2019s get the buggy to play us up some\u2019 of \u2019em jams we like so much,
nice and low this time though\u201d<\/p>\n

Vic goes to fire up his truck’s CD player,<\/p>\n

\u201d\u201d \u2026\u266a sloooww do0o0o0own you craazy child \u266a \u2026\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

Vic closes his eyes in lyrical appreciation, \u201cMm, that\u2019s the stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala’s hooves lazily and rhythmically clop the earth as Vic returns and leans in next to her at their familiar wood fence meeting spot.
Nala is a stray filly pocahontas broodmare, that avoids all signs of people, except for Vic:
He’s welcoming with apples and carrots and scratchies and predictable soft tone human noises.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAlrighty now, darlin\u2019, not trying to scares ya but, I gots some real talk for ya,
and from what I heard we ain\u2019t got much time left.
Pretty sure you done noticed that big ol\u2019 cloud over-yonder there already\u2026
\u2026 it\u2019s kinda pretty i s\u2019pose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A new kind of panoramia phenomena engulfed their plane of existence; the shed, the fields, the hills and mountains were tinted overtones of olive, shades of emerald and splashes jade from the glowy green light-soaked overcast .
Variable beams of sun-shine sparkled through and throughout the landscape in a slo0ow yellow light show.<\/p>\n

Vic shares in awe, \u201c…Can\u2019t believe our eyes right Nally girl?…\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The rain soundscape ahead was brilliant,
quiet, and oxymoronic.<\/p>\n

The abnormality of the green glow and shade over everything was pretty spooky.<\/p>\n

\u201cthat\u2019s got to be at least, ten million fireflies out there under that cloud, haven\u2019t seen not even one in so long\u2026
\u2026we must be dreamin\u2019 together right now, right? That\u2019s a thing we alive things do?\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Looming silence.
They stood there awestruck, staring.
Nala\u2019s eyes and ears up in attention.
The panoramia was unpausing in its conquest over everything.
From an unreachable distance; it communicated grace and mercy; it commanded fear and admiration.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic\u2019s a senior with an old scarred over gunshot wound on his left foot.\u00a0
He woke up this morning thinking this was the perfect day to do his thing in town and re-supply himself some; spoil himself a little, break his solitude, see and speak to some people at the shops and stores, maybe check out a new book at the local you know where.
He was anxious to see people again, in society, doing societal things, like talking, walking, moving, and getting bread from the bonjour town bakery that is there, like always.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Put on his best fitting denim overalls and everything looking forward to this today as he hadn\u2019t left his hidden hermit shed in months.<\/p>\n

Vic imagined checking back in, seeing Dorothy again, that would have been a nice way to spend the afternoon.\u00a0
She’s nice, she gives him pleasant short talks and memories.
In where society at large has given him unpleasant ones as a Vietnam veteran.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNaly ehm \u2013 I ain\u2019t have no answers for either of us on this here dilemma problem.
It\u2019s anybody\u2019s guess on how or why this is happening.
All\u2019s i can tells you is that them folks in town were ruffled up something awful \u2018bout;
armygeddon and the downpour that\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vic partially shares with Nala, \u201cMany folks and neighbors were holding hands out there, crowding together, hugging in the streets…\u00a0 \u00a0
…everyone was scared…
…one feller says that before the big switches went out that no one knows what this rain is, they are saying so far that \u2013 that when the rain hits
soon it\u2019s going to be judgement time, like, life or death.
Its got miracle powers.
can turn animals into people\u2026
\u2026or randomly kill animals and people….<\/p>\n

\u2026So it\u2019s\u2026 \u2026yeah. That\u2019s everythin\u2019 I could gather before i left town on the double and i, i guess that everything is\u2026
\u2026is going banana-nut muffins in picnic baskets out there I tell you what…\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic curled in a few more spoonfulls of chill-cream and sugar, while he mad-doggs the impossible element blooming in front of him.
Frustrated at the futility and madness of the oncoming situation.
He does the math on best case scenario vs worst case scenario, and the variables inbetween.
<\/em>Vic looks away from the incoming doom cloud, instead to Nala.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Solid.
Majestic.
Breathing.
Alive.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He tries best he can to keep himself together and mood up, but his hands tremble and remind him that the situation is serious.
Vic presses the bowl to his chest, lowering the risk of it falling down; crashing; spilling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what they sayin\u2019 makes no sense, but being under green clouds makes no sense either yet here we are ain\u2019t we\u2026
\u2026this may be our last snackety-snack together and uh…
\u2026I\u2019m just uh, scared Naly-girl and-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nala grumpily interrupts with an anxious hungry s’Nicker.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cO\u2019 Dang it you right! Can\u2019t go on and eat all this all by myself now, that wasn\u2019t the plan. \ud83d\ude05
Here\u2019s ya go ya big girl you, i already done ate all the chocolatey part off so it’s all yummy and ready for ya\u2026\u00a0 \u00a0so you enjoy this now, take your time\u2026”<\/p>\n

Vic compliments Nala as she is eating.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic rub rubs and pat pats Nala’s neck as she chows down on the remaining little sugar hills in delight.
She made quick work of the sweets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat hits the spot now eh Naly girl? Haha, Good treat ain\u2019t it?\u00a0 One moment, you\u2019s got some.. \u2026you\u2019s got some mess on you there.
There there ya go now ya big baby face, a little wipetty-wipe make it all better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vic wiped Nala\u2019s rubbery mouth, gave her an affectionate shoulder-to-shoulder bump, and brought the empty bowl back in.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Crisp frost water flowed over his hands, biting into him harder at the tune of the soft breeze coming in from the tiny window by his tiny sink.
Vic feels it, unable to mind it.
He finished cleaning the bowl. Splashes his face but nothing changes.
This isn’t a dream, it’s cold outside and he has to prepare.<\/p>\n

Vic goes back outside quilt in hand.<\/p>\n

<\/em>\u201cAlley oop! Nice and comfy for ya dear\u201d
Vic smiles nervously as he throws the quilt over Nala and makes adjustments; with small pulls and tugs here and there to cover her better,<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I gaves it all a lotta thought on my drive back\u2026
…Kicking the bucket for me is no big whoop, by all means I shouldn\u2019t still be here but, i\u2019m still here right?
That\u2019s a good thing to reckon.\u00a0 That has to be for something.
It\u2019s you getting hurt, or turning into a person with no one there for ya that\u2019s sloshing my boots.
we gots\u2019 no idea what to expect. Don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen.
I want you to be okay, I…
I won\u2019t let this rain hurt ya, I promise.
There\u2019s no need to be worried, it\u2019s all going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Head down, ashamed at making promises he knows he might not be able to keep, Vic rolls dirt over the tip of his boot with his other foot.
draws hanky, blows nose.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala nudges her head onto Vics shoulder and beard for scratchies to her face and ears.
Vic complies.
\u201cYeaaaaAh so guooooud, you like that after snack scratchy-scratch don\u2019t ya?\u201d
Vic livens up and chuckles in delight at being in the best of company here and now.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201clook at you, so guooooooud scratchy-scratchety-scratches, thAt\u2019s a happy girl!\u201d \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n

Nala’s head melts into him over his low rumble voice and calming tones.<\/p>\n

Vic starts to feel deep worry about Nala becoming a person with nobody around in the case that the rain converts her and destroys him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNow now, pay attention Nala dear. Don\u2019t know if you can hear me or unders-. Listen, before that rain hits us, this is just in case ok?
Whatever happens happens, so don\u2019t be scared.
In that there shed are books and stuff, some clothes, a gun, and all the food and money I have left.
Cash is under a corner floor board, should be enough to get you by a few weeks.
Them solar panels and buggy batts in the back are going to be important to keep tip-top for the fridge and water-pump.\u00a0
Treat the system right and it will be kind right back at ya.
Plenty of tools and scrap stuffs around here, and throughout the area deeper in the tree-lines you\u2019ll see a few mini-gardens and fruit shrubs and apple trees and things.\u00a0 You know some of them already\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Vic rubs nala and thinks to himself on what he’s saying to her.\u00a0<\/p>\n

An eastward breeze from the storm’s direction goes over them, blowing in four leaf clovers and sunflowers in a warm warning.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 I guess maybe, maybe I shouldn\u2019t leave you the gun? I don\u2019t want you hurting yourself.\u00a0 I can’t imagine you would know how to use it.
I left it extra high up on the shelf.\u00a0 Be careful, that thing is dangerous, always point it away from you.
Also, the propane tank adapter sticks sometimes, but if ya hold it bye the-\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Draws hanky again; more snot.
looking down.
Realizes again he can’t explain everything needed to survive and thrive for Nala in such a short amount of time.
He needs to give simpler advice, and say goodbye.
The goodbye part is a priority, because you never know.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Nevermind all tha- I mean, if I don\u2019t make it dear, just know that the shed and buggy are there for you.
If it helps in any way, then that would make everything worth it.
Be careful, always be careful.\u00a0 Careful of what you are doing and why, and careful with who you meet.\u00a0 Make sure others are treating you like you treat them, and nothing less.\u00a0 And also, be\u00a0sure to lay low and not get any attention until you\u2019re ready to leave, the shed\u2019s not suppo-“<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

vvvPitter pattervvv<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\u201ci guess times up…\u00a0 \u00a0 ….Gotta tell ya Nala.
You\u2019ve rescued me more times than you\u2019ll ever know.
I mean to say.
You mean the world to me.
Thank you for being there, for being you.
I hope you remember me, that would be a nice thing.
I hope it\u2019s good memories you have and keep, that I did right by you…
…loves you shug…<\/p>\n

Nala sneezes on him, Vic chuckles and wipes a tear off, in rebellion.
…i know i know, i could have hooked it up with more carrots and oats and apples and sugar cubes and what-not…\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala snorts at the word apples.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man Vic smiles and hugs Nala\u2019s neck and chuckles nervously.
Sadfully. Fearfully.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala scratched her forehead on his, bumping Vic slightly off balance with a gentle lovey-dovey headbutt.
\u201cwhoah now\u201d, Vic laughs awkwardly over his stifled tears, pulling himself tighter into their embrace.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He hugged close as he could onto Nala’s snout.
hopeless and terrified.
At the terrible thought.
of losing his bestie.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s all gonna be okay\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vvv Pitter-patter vvv pitter-patter vvV
vvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\/vvv\/\\\/\/vvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\/vvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvv
Vvvvvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/vvvvv\/\\\/\/vvvvWwhereareyounowWvvvvvvv\/\\\/\/\\\/vvvvvvvv\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvV
\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\
\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\
\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\
\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvv\/\\\/ \\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\ \/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ <> \u00a0[\u00a0 \u00a011:11 am<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0]\u00a0 <> \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The pitter-patter enveloped and penetrated over everything in, under and around it.
Countless tiny sword drops rendered all reality to a saturated lemon lime, every tap ghostly, bright and warm.
The crash aura around all outlines were riddled with micro-bursts of thunder rumble, leaving a surreal,
light powdery static that drowned out all noise and tickled the skin.
It was a green screen for the end of days, and It offered peace.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

An internal zephyr with the reserves of tornados cleanly separated Vic and Nala’s embrace.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The storm was its own environment, full juggernaut; the harder you fought, the more you felt it.
Old man Vic fought it, he resisted, he gave it all his might.
Mighty as he was, he couldn\u2019t do anything past being locked down on his hands and knees
as he struggled viscerally to go to Nala against the supernatural.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The greenery around him cementing him in place, he heaved like a bull-moose to no gains nor avail whatsoever.
He finally gave out to the air forces engulfed on him as he was lynch-pinned to the earth.
Vic was stuck helplessly under the fire-fly rain in a balasana until finally this impossible show of force began to dissipate.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvv\/\\\/ \\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\ \/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ <> \u00a0[\u00a0 \u00a011:11 am<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0]\u00a0 <> \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\
vv\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvv\/\\\/ \\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\ \/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ \\\/\\\\\/\\vv\/\\\/ \\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\ \/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvv\\\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\vvvvvv\/\\\/ \\\/\\\/\\\/\/\\\/\\ \/\\\/\\\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\/\\ \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\ \\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\\\/vv\/\\\/\/\\\/vvvv\/\\\\\/vWFfatedDW\/\\\/\\\/\\\/vvvvvv\/\\\/\/\\vvvvvvv\/\\\/\\\/vv\/\\\/\\\/vv
Vvv Pitter-patter vvv pitter-patter vvV<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026
..
.
VvvPitter-pattervvv<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The panoramia cleared away.
The local ambiance returned, the ground was not wet, nothing was wetted, and it was getting cold again.
The pitter patter awayed itself and the green scene and clouds it brought let up their anchors on this reality.
he tried calming breaths to work his energies back up as he soldier-prone crawled over to Nala.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala is not moving, not breathing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala was stiff, frigid cold, eyes closed, sideways face down on the dirt; with horsey ears, large mane for hair, short peach fuz fur with freckles speckled throughout her body and legs; feathering on her wrists and ankles, and a literal ponytail.\u00a0 Her body of a young woman was buff, athletic, strong.
She was human now.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic\u2019s forearms were heavy and light and his voice desperate,
\u201cOh dear no, please this isn\u2019t true, this ain\u2019t right\u201d, as he adjusted the quilt to cover her better.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo no this ain\u2019t happening come on now Naly-bear, you got this. Let\u2019s get you up. You\u2019re okay. Get up now.\u201d
He patted her shoulder for attention, then tried to shake her awake, gently at first, shaking harder and harder as the desperation inside him grew to a quiet crescendo of total unacceptance.<\/p>\n

And then came the shame.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Finding himself so rudely imposing on Nala\u2019s sacred moment, invading her space, shaking her lifeless body.
“Naly girl is at peace now. She is at peace now. peace is good. leave her be. rest is good…”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic continued to deteriorate physically and mentally into a decrescendo of futility, sobbing apologies, and crushing nihilism over her lifeless mound.<\/p>\n

The radio is still softy on in the background.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201d\u201d \u2026\u266a aaand the microphone smells like beeeeeeeer \u266a \u2026\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

At his own incessant internal scolding to respect his dearly departed friend, he toddled himself up and struggled to find balance.\u00a0
He stumbled over to his truck and cut the ignition.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c…Cheers buggy…\u00a0 \u00a0 …Cheers Billie…\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0…y’all been good to us…\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0….rest is good…\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man Vic isn\u2019t there anymore. Grenades and mortar and napalm lungs surrounded him again. Cooked death everywhere.\u00a0 It was back to zombie land vietnam in his head.\u00a0 There was shooting.\u00a0 There was screaming and looting.\u00a0 Killings after killings of huddled humble folks in sandals and sunhats.\u00a0 small, elderly, defenseless, babies…\u00a0 \u00a0 …we called them gooks.\u00a0 Endless plots of rice paddies and dead people.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026Vic found his way back into the shed and drags his step-stool in place.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He patted around, reaching a-top the dusty top shelf for his trusty 1911A1.
Vic mumbles to himself sadly, defeated; “dang pez dispenser is up here somewhere, gotta hurry up and-“<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic takes pause.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sobs. Snot. Sleeve-wipes.
More hurt. More sobs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic recalls that there were victims everywhere. The killers and rapists of his company were let loose, made a show of it and then took a lunch break.
So much inhumanity out there. So much unchecked violence.\u00a0 So easy, too easy, aim and squeeze.\u00a0 like it was nothing.\u00a0 Slaughter, like nobody was worth nothing.\u00a0 sends a message, a loud message.\u00a0 blood flowed like water.\u00a0 Mortars in the air.\u00a0 You can hear it in your…
<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c….ssssShneeeeeoooooooooouuuuuwwwwweeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man fell off his make-me-taller and crashed onto the floor in happy surprise.
Hurt like an egg drop, elbow and thigh badly bruised, he tried to get up and there was an ugly sounding back-pop.
knife pains in it. No matter though. His ears weren\u2019t tricking him.
That wasn’t mortar fire overhead, that wasn\u2019t what death sounds like.
something else, something lively.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He was hit with the loudest snore he ever heard and that\u2019s just fine by him any day any lifetime.
he paused in disbelief.
There it was again.
\u201cRumble grumble \u2013 Shneeeeoooooouuuuuwwweeeerrr.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic Joyfully got back up and skippity-limped his way outside to celebrate his friend.
He sees her there. There she is. Alive! Alight!<\/p>\n

She was alive alright.<\/p>\n

She was taking deep breathes and breathed beautifully.
The floor dust blew out from under her nostrils.<\/p>\n

She was snoring on the dirt and any moment now she would be welcomed to a whole new world as Vic tried to wake her.<\/p>\n

To then find out, that she was\u2026 \u2026completely un-wakeable.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After a few minutes of asking, prodding, shouting, and footsy sole-tickling to no avail, he realized he had to take her inside sooner than not to shelter her from the outside sun and cold.\u00a0 Vic knows how harsh the elements can be outside of shelter.<\/p>\n

With her being kinda bigger than himself, the challenge for Vic was that she was as heavy as she looked.
As motivated as he has ever been, Vic rolled her onto a makeshift dolly he put together and wheeled her inside, wrecking his old joints to his limits trying to get her as gently as possible onto the couch.
It took him a lot of hurt and discomfort, sweaty-slips, loud grunts, a few cuss words and experience in exercising the needed leverage to get her there.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

From the couch; he picked out, brushed off and washed clean the dirt and grime off of Nala; and crash dusted the quilt against a fence post and then put it back over her. Helped her head onto the pillow, the work was finished only after she looked nice and comfty\ud83d\udc4c<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Worried that his friend sleeping means she will be waking up eventually, reality caught up to Vic…\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

…He was a host, she was a guest now.
Nala has nobody else in this world, he was it.<\/p>\n

Vic got to anxiously to sewing.\u00a0 Wiped the place down.\u00a0 Picked the place up.\u00a0
Re-organized and re-decorated a smidge here and there.
He fetched some dry branches for the wood-stove.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Well into that evening Nally woke up sheltered and warm to a well lit room and the sound of cackling fire nearby.
She rubbed the buggers out of her eyes and stretched out wide.\u00a0
Satisfying stretchies out of the way, somewhat awake, she held her quilt closely as she sat up and looked around lost, hazey, timid.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man Vic tried his best to hold back his jitters at seeing her awake.
As non-threateningly as possible with his palms out and gentle gestures he sat down across from her, lightly bumping the metal coffee table between them along the way.
He tried to speak and act as clearly as he could.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Nala dear, hello, can you understand me? It\u2019s okay, I\u2019m a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala wakey-drunkenly perked herself up in the couch keeping her body covered, and quickly began gaining alertness.\u00a0
Blurs became more solid.\u00a0 Muffles; distinct.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI, I don\u2019t know if you can understand me in any way\u2026 \u2026, emm-hem, good morning Nala?
I mean, good eve, i mean eh- yeah, good morning Nala, can ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cJan pona?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWowsers, you can talk!
Okay okay that\u2019s good! but eh, I\u2019m sorry Nala, I don\u2019t know quite what ya sayin\u2019 there.
Emmm, havla la espaniol-o? ohio-go-zamas-toyota?\u00a0
Xin ch\u00e0o<\/span>?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala smiled in new born confusion.
Nala was unable to understand this animated character\u2019s words, he seems nice, it feels safe in here.
She looks in silent admiration around her, focusing on everything that is here and now.
Nala then begins to get the realization that she does not know where she is,
who she is, or what is what, and starts paying closer attention to the only other alive thing in the area.
Nala felt naive and vulnerable, and was beginning to get a little anxious for guidance on what to expect next.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing eh? Um, maybe you know french? Like Bon-appetit\u2019 cherries?
Oh dear! eh, oh boy, yeah, this is your first day here.
I mean, your first day here like this, ummmm.
Chucks, what am I gonna- ah! I know! Of course! You must be hungry, you must have worked up an appetite after all that sleeping, let\u2019s start fixin\u2019 us a hot meal for ya just in case right?\u00a0 See what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic gets up and with gentle expressions makes his way to the kitchen a few feet away.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you like pork and beans and some coffee maybe?
No no, water would be best for you I mean, you just came to life and all.
I mean, became a person and all\u2026 Or maybe you need milk like some kind of baby?\u2026 \u2026I don\u2019t have any milk right now and I\u2026 \u2026I \u2026 don\u2019t think you know what that is…\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic thinks to himself while Nala looks at herself, and looks back at Vic and notes Vic does not need his hands to hold his quilts up, it’s shaped differently.
Vic was sensitive to her confusion.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“Yikeys, hold the beans! We needs for you some clothing! Maybe that\u2019s what you were asking about. Where\u2019d I put em again? Ah, right!”<\/p>\n

Vic grabs her clothing off the sewing station in the corner and gifts it to her with both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s some clothing for ya friend. It ain\u2019t much in fashion shows and gala attendances, but they\u2019re clean and should do for now for coverin\u2019 you up.
Here’s ya go now, I\u2019ll turn around and- gah! Nala! Wait just a second!\u00a0 Sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala had went to receive with both hands the offering and dropped her quilt; Vic push-dropped the clothing on her while shying immediately away, yelling, and hopping a 180 in embarrassment. \u00a0Nala reset herself back reflectively in surprise and uneasiness at this sudden change of behavior and loud noises, felt scared, worried, noting the open shed door behind him.
Considering going as fast as she could through it and out the other side into a different unknown.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

Vic catches himself for being immature and realizes he was scaring her, this was not a good way of showing her that it’s all going to be okay.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic calmly turned back around to face her and went back to slowing his speech and hand movements down and focusing on the problem at hand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSo sorry shug, it\u2019s okay, it\u2019s okay go on now and get dressed.
This is how you do it. You can do it this way also. oh, and also, if you do this and that way, then this does that and viola would ya look at that!\u00a0
If I pull or tug it still stays there.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic did some goofy charade instruction while speaking and made exagerated gestures for getting dressed.
He took off and put back on his jacket, emphasizing his button\u2019s and how they interacted with the slit on the other side.
He then waisted a towel he had nearby and mimicked that it had buttons, making a happy exclamation face clapping and cheering when done.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic gestured for her to get dressed while he covered his eyes with his hands and turned around to face the kitchen space, reciting his Mi’maw’s ancient almost extinct lullaby; \u201cone missississippi-sippi dove, two missississippi-sippi bugs, three missississippi-sippi cats, four missississippi-sippi frogs, five missississippi-sippi cows, six mississippi\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala let out an amused smile and laugh at the old man\u2019s charades,games, and rhythms.\u00a0 She worked on getting herself dressed with renewed interest and ease.<\/p>\n

Nala stands up for the first time, eyes wide in fear as she almost fell and grabbed the couch seeking her balance.
Within a few seconds she gets more comfortable around her center of gravity and experiments with little bounces on her legs and foot soles, and shifting her weight around.<\/p>\n

With that out of the way.
She took on the red flannel shirt first, made sense of the sleeves and openings, using her memory of Vic\u2019s show for reference, played with the buttons until she finally got the concept and made short work of the rest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Moving on to the next article, Vic had sown two cream colored bath towels in such as way that it acted like a full length cotton skirt with two huge buttons that held together on the side with slight stretchy tension against her hips.\u00a0 Nala beamed at the thoughtful gifts; the complexities and transformation coming from the button locks, the feeling of the fresh fit, the downy smell and different soft cloth textures on her micro fur skin and finger tips.
She claps her hands, at first taken back at the impact of her first clap, and then practiced soft impacts to stronger and smiled as loudly as she could to get his attention.\u00a0
Nala was standing, triumphant, proud and confident now that she did something for herself.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026aaaaaaand a hundred and eighty mississippi-sippi bats!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic turned around at the signal of her goofy clapping.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nala wasn\u2019t much larger than Vic.
She looked cute and stylish with her big smile visage, farm swag, and imposing physique.<\/p>\n

He was stunned by her presence for a moment, never in his life did he imagine he would find himself hastedly making makeshift clothing for a human version of his horsey friend.\u00a0 He was quick to recover and applauded her achievement in makeshift sign-languages, bouncy energy and celebratory vibes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Happily relieved that the fit was good, and even happier she was happy about it despite how modest it was.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala was gesturing she felt uncomfortable, as if she needed to go to the bathroom.
Vic showed her the small clean bench-toilet-shower space in the rear of the shed behind a curtain as well as a zip-locked bag of baby wipes.
Tomatoe faced, he made simple gestures of going to the bathroom, relief, and highlighted the cleaning wipe purpose.
After the second repeat of this she nodded in understanding and he stepped out of the shed completely to give her space and privacy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The air is brisk and dense outside.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic rubs his sore arm from his fall earlier, doesn\u2019t think anything was broken today but it certainly feels like it.\u00a0
The excitement and shock is wearing out and the reality of age old back and body pains is creeping back in.
He meditated on the situation, staring off into everywhere contemplating what was going on and what to do next.\u00a0 Wondering how Dorothy was handling this remarkable situation, hoping she was okay.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala walked out next to Vic, arms crossed against the cold.
She was star-struck from above, the mountain and hill horizons towered over and all around her.
Her world truths at that point were simple for her to appreciate.
It was small and cozy inside, it is big, cold and scary outside.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

They quietly kept each other company as they had done for years before.
Nala could feel herself as a small speck, belittled by everything around her except Vic, who has been nice and makes her feel attended.
The outdoors is different.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She could feel the earth slowly dull it\u2019s way up the soles of her footsies.\u00a0
She curled her feet to minimize this cold touch effect, occasionally lifting a foot off the ground to slow this pain feeling down.
Nala is hoping he will go back in and welcome her to follow him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic snaps back to Nala shivering, and is kicking himself for not having prepared any shoes for her in advance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic blew some dragon steam in the air for Nala\u2019s quick amusement, and kindly invited her to go back in with him, pointing out that the floor without shoes like his is ouchies so they needed to hurry.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Inside, Vic gets back to trying to be helpfull and fills the air with more of his noises.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrrrrrrrrr.\u00a0 \u00a0It\u2019s colder than a popsicle divorce out there.\u00a0 Now now Naly-girl, can\u2019t go to the bathroom and not wash your hands after, that ain\u2019t proper now. Gotta play it safe against them germs and practice a fancy word called; hygiene.
Getting sick out here in the boonies can be dangerous, so we gotta keep them bad bugs at bay\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic showed her to wash her hands in the foot-pump sink with the fast orange degreaser soap and water.
Nala was momentarily enchanted by the smell and disappearing graininess of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic gifted her a yellow hand-towel to keep and magically pat herself dry with.<\/p>\n

He invited her to be at ease on the couch and she gladly complied, returning to wrapping the quilt around her shoulders and tucked her feet into herself to fight off the frosty lingers from the outside world.
Old man Vic placed a full cup of luke-warm water in front of her, motioning on how to drink it and that it was ok and tasty.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic excused himself with Nala and turned around to the kitchen and got on his humble routine of preparing the cookware, pulling a can out the shelf, and matching alight the stove.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala was impressed for a moment by the propane hiss and blue flames floating and waving sharply over the stove-top.
Quick to get back to the silver cup in front of her, she grabbed it with both hands but in a surprise tumble she spilt some water on the table, floor and herself. Vic pretended not to notice as she clumsily landed the cup back onto the table, splashing more water out.\u00a0 Alarmed, and armed with her personal yellow hand-towel and firsthand experience in its water removing powers, she went on to rub the puddles off.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Seeing signs of success, she felt calmer in her nerves and begins testing and rationalizing what happened. She practiced picking the thin metal cup gentlier up and down on the table, fascinated that even though it was so small it was noticeably heavier than the shirt she had on, which was way much bigger.
The way it varied in noise when it hit the table; the more careless she was, the more offensive the sound to her ears.
More quiet means more careful. Being careful sounds better.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala more confidently took back up the cup this second time around, switching to holding it one handedly on each hand to show-off to herself that it can be done and she\u2019s got this.\u00a0 She gave it a small squeeze and the cup was starting to bend and deform under her grip, and she quickly let go not knowing what could happen if she tried squeezing it further, it felt a little delicate in her hand. She remembers Vic\u2019s lesson from a few moments ago on what to do, to bring it to her mouth.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The water went in, her breathing inside the cup was more audible, she then felt the glug glug glug.
She relaxed and instinctually drank with paused rhythmic breathing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The unique smell, eyes closed, lips on the edge; control; all her other senses melted with and into the flows and enjoyment of water.
She thought to herself, this is telo.\u00a0 Telo washes outside.\u00a0 Telo washes inside.\u00a0 Telo is good.\u00a0 Telo li pona.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She stopped after a few small satisfying sips, she didn\u2019t want to risk finishing it all at once, there was only a little left.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The flames had gone out in the kitchen and Vic had swapped out the gas canisters while Nala was on her water adventure.
Seeing an opportunity to acclimatize Nala to some nouns around him, Vic began showing and telling.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Naly girl this here is a can-opener, it’s a tool with a purpose, this particular one is called ‘Fred’, you just hold it like this, apply some of this here lieverage, and then work your way on and around like sooo….\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0…aaAnd there!\u201d
Vic emphasized while opening the can.\u00a0 Nala observed attentively Vic\u2019s use of ilo Fred.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can now get the food out this can, just be careful though, these edges can get mighty ouchy if we\u2019re careless\u201d
Naly listened to the elder bro in front of her, his actions, how they matched with his words, trying to follow and understand, amazed at how he used Fred in his hands to do things that looked complicated and evidently dangerous\u2026\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2026her mind wonders, sneaking in the sights around her, what other curious ilo things are out here in this tomo…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic continues as he serves, \u201cMi\u2019maw always said, we all \u2018Always gotta make the most of what we got, every last drop’.\u00a0
So we gotta make sure to scrape off every bit we can and not let anything go to waste now.\u201d
Vic worked the wooden spoon around the can, getting as much into the pot as possible.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sliced up an onion next to add in, he popped a raw sliver in his mouth and offered another one to Nala as an appetizer.
She gave a little nibble at the edge, from there she slowly marched her way through crunchy town until there was no more kili lili left.
She could taste bits of telo inside of it. Little odd kick to it in her mouth. Felt good. Vic noticed the positive reception and gave her a bigger sliver to enjoy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201dMoku!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cHa! Yeah! That\u2019s an onion! I mean, Eh, maybe? Unless that means food? That would make more sense probably right now, sure sure!
Moku! Mooooookuuuuu is fooooooood. and Fooooooood is mooookuuuu.\u201d
Vic balanced imaginary words in his hands while sounding out his point.
Nala reciprocated with giggles and imitation, she playfully looked at one hand and said \u201cfooooooood\u201d and in the other said \u201cmoooooookuuuuuu\u201d.
They were amused at the balancing scales of food, moku and mutual understanding.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The smell of moku food filled the tomo-stead area; competing for Nala\u2019s attention over Vic\u2019s unintelligible masterclass in life-hacks and warnings in using fire, sharp things and cooking.\u00a0 Closed eyes Nala sighes out unnoticed from her scent trip, \u201cpona kon\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She popped the entire bigger onion slice into her mouth at once and enthusiastically chewed away, little pieces settled everywhere, this was a biggly mistake, she caught a much stronger singe experience than she was expecting and didn\u2019t know what was happening.
She tried to breathe it out roughly with her nose and mouth, looking silly as she did so.
Scared and worried if the taste will ever settle down or if she is doing something wrong and things could get worse.<\/p>\n

Vic notes this and calms her down.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cHa! Poor little gus-gus, it\u2019ll get better soon, it\u2019s alright now\u201d. Vic smiled and motioned it\u2019s alright and rubbed his belly and fanned his mouth with his hand.
Nala felt better at his response, made her feel that this was normal if not careful with this kind of moku.
She was further calmed by the prickling pain on the insides of her cheeks and tongue receding.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic started simmering things down, turned the stove off.
\u201cAaaaand here we go! 0ut the fire, sizzley pot, fresh food for you, careful it\u2019s h0t!\u201d
He delicately presented the pot to Nala in front of her, resting it on the coffee table.
Steam steaming out.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Victor gave quick taps to the hot pot with his finger, theatrically flinching with pain on contact; \u201cOuch! Ouch! Hot parts means ‘OUchies’!\u00a0 No touch here ok?\u201d He then waved his hand over the steam coming from it, expressing caution with it, and a big cheek blow over it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala laughed with the show he put on, but quickly went from entertained to curious to the dangerous ilo palisa in front of her.
How much ouchies can it be?\u00a0 Is it like outside cold ouchies?
When Vic turned around to look for a spoon she went for a quick tap on the pot, but rather than tap she touched, burned her finger, winced in pain and squeaked \u201cOUchies!\u201d immediately before putting her finger in her mouth.
She squints and smiles, satisfied in confirming it\u2019s all about speed and she needs to be much faster next time to be at Vic\u2019s level.<\/p>\n

Vic chuckles at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThem ouchies is right! and we appreciate what respect means now a little better don\u2019t we? No better teacher than pain is what i\u2019ve heard.\u201d
They both smiled and giggled at each other. More mutual and effective communication was happening.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cHere Naly-bear, use Fred\u2019s s-p\u2019ooooooon end for your moku.\u201d
Vic presented the spoon side and then fished onto the spoon a solitary bean, following with blow expressions on the steam over it, and carefully handed it to Nala\u2019s receiving hand. \u201cThere you go now; now you try\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bringing the spoon to her face, Nala blew repeatedly over it, to which Vic corrected her with hand signals and words to blow lower and slower onto the bean itself, then gave her an encouraging smile, wink and thumbs up.\u00a0 Nala laughed at the expression combo, almost dropping her bite, but recovered somewhat gracefully and went on to explore her first hot bean. She scrunched her shoulders and face in appreciation of the squish-smwoosh and light burning sensation to her tongue and the roof of her mouth, getting a little nervous as the bean got hotter to the point of borderline pain.<\/p>\n

The taste was suwi and she enjoyed it, but there was a nuanced bitter trace she was not fond of that wasn\u2019t enough to ruin it, but was there.
She eagerly tried for another bite, investigating a piece that looked a little different from the one she just had. She picked it up individually and blew on it until there was less steam, then put in her mouth but found the taste overwhelming and bitter. As quickly and as gently as she could, and ashamed, spit it into her hand. She desperately tried to wash the taste out by putting the plate back down and getting some water, but as she poured water in her mouth she ended up choking on it, coughing, getting scared.
Vic reacted by gently moving to her and gave her small pats on her back, \u201cit\u2019s alright, it\u2019s alright.
There there\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala felt better with his assistance as she recovered her breath. She did not know what to do next, it didn\u2019t feel right having this bad tasting food bit in her hand, this was the first wrong thing Vic had given her and she didn\u2019t know how to give it back.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t want to give it back to him.\u00a0 If she didn\u2019t like it, he probably wouldn\u2019t like it neither.\u00a0 But if he doesn\u2019t like it, why would he give it to her?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic offered his hand to take the spit-bit from her and with embarrassment on her face she nodded and allowed it.
He then comforted her, did a quick clean up near her, and pointed as a suggestion that she use her hand-towel to wipe off while he took her water cup.
Vic threw the chewed up piece out the shed window by the sink. He washed his hands and refilled Nala\u2019s cup of water.
Having Learned where the ike taste came from, she avoided those bits and went back to the beans, contemplating to herself how much better this moku would\u2019ve been without them.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She tried the familiar looking onion pieces next, this time it is seli, playing with the texture getting crushed between her front teeth, amazed that the feel and flavor are not exactly the same but still enjoyable in it\u2019s own way. She continues to eat with gusto, experimenting with the percentages of bean vs onion ratio in her spoon, increasing in size and shovel speeds proportionally to the decrease in heat and pleasure of taste.<\/p>\n

Nala finds herself taken away in feelings of delight; of being aware, and of being aware of being aware, and mixing stuff up.
Nala felt cozy, protected, and overtly comforted with a mouth full of hot moku and a new cup of telo.
Bite after bite and swish swish was more bliss.
Nala joyfully stuffed her face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man Vic gave her her space to take it all in, both of them in continued awe and wonder of their new realities.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cmmmmmmmm Pona moku! Pona moku!\u201d,
Nala smiles and claps in playful appreciation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright alright, I see what you\u2019re sayin\u2019, you like it so pona must mean tasty. What about that there pork you skipped?\u201d, Vic points closely at the leftovers, \u201cwha\u2019dya think about those pieces?\u201d
\u201cIke moku ike moku\u201d she exclaimed with disagreement face and hands ex\u2019ing. \u201cporkyuskipt ike moku\u201d
\u201cRoger that roger that, yeah, I kinda gathered the pork didn\u2019t sit so well with you.
Ok, so Poooonaaaa is taaaaastyyyy and ikeeeee is yuuuuuucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala points at the pork she left over and declared \u201cJuki!\u201d and shook her head with disagreeable toad face.<\/p>\n

Vic nods in full understanding, \u201cAh! Yes, that is yucky, maybe lets point at stuff and follow along\u201d, Vic points to another can, \u201ccan you say fooooood?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cFffoooooood\u201d \ud83d\ude03
\u201cThat\u2019s right! Very good! now can you say taaaaaaasty?\u201d vic smiled and rubbed his jolly belly making yum yum noises.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cFffoooooood!\u201d \ud83d\ude03
\u201cNo, can you say \u2013\u201c<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c-Moku? Fffooooooood?\u201d \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear! Yes yes, of course, should\u2019a known that lil\u2019 bit wasn\u2019t going to fill that tank up. Lets get ya a heartier plate now shall we?\u201d
Vic took Fred and the pot back to the kitchen space, picked out the pork, set em to the side and then cooked silently this time to allow Nala some peace and zen\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic thinks to himself on how he has to cut his gabbing back as she learns, and be more mindful and purposeful of his words and how he uses them.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He chopped up his last onion and threw it in the pot with the beans, stirring and picking out any pork bits he could find while cooking.
<\/em><\/p>\n

He scavenges from the counter area some cilantro and slices up a couple of small potatoes feeling confident she would be fine with these.<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala remained in the couch, looking at her hands, tracing her fingers over with her other fingers, measuring amount of fingers and comparing her hands to Vic\u2019s hands, and reasons that if Vic shares the same fingers as her she also can do what Vic was doing, and began imagining herself cooking and made believe with her hands she had a pot over a flame, and it was dangerous and seli, and in her mind she was smooth with her clanging and scraping and was stirring the pona moku inside it with the long wood spoooooooon ilo.<\/p>\n

Vic merrily turns off the stove once again.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAaaaaaaaaand out the fire! sizzley sizzle poppety pop, fresh fooo000eehhem i mean mooookuuuuu pona and hot! Alrighty then, there ya go ol\u2019 girl\u2026 \u2026I mean, Ms. Nala.\u201d
Nala greedily looked at the pot of delicious steamy beans and onions, potatoes and little green things floating around, bubbling hot, and a slightly more attractive smell.
\u00a0She then saw Vic\u2019s hard and weathered face sitting across from her.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala understands he is a jan like her, everything she feels he must also, she is here and has no idea what is going on, but he makes her feel like she is welcome there. He had eaten a little peace before, while she had eaten bigger size mokus.\u00a0 He has moku here because it is his tomo place, and he likes what is here. She was bothered by the thought that Vic was not able to enjoy because she was enjoying, that he was not eating because she was eating.\u00a0 She imagined if they both blew on the big steam together, the food would get colder faster, and they could eat more and enjoy more faster, and that would be a good thing for everyone.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t know how to express this to him.\u00a0 At the very least she reasons, he should eat some first and she can eat after he does.\u00a0 Hopefully he won’t eat everything off the plate like she did earlier.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She improvised, like he would do, with hands and gestures.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Careful not to burn herself, she gently pushed the pot towards Vic using the hand-towel to shield her fingers, expressing with her open palms and body to him that he should have some and eat. Nala wore worry on her face as she looked at him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo no, its fine, eat up Nala, enjoy please. please, bon appetite dear.\u201d
Vic smiled, inflated his cheeks and patted his gut as if it was larger that it really was.
Nala eased into a smile and nodded her head and brought the pot back to herself, blowing the thick steam off desperately like you do a trick candle.\u00a0
She was hoping he would understand that it was very hot and he would help her, but he didn’t pick up on that.<\/p>\n

Nala thought to herself that she was going to have to work harder to understand Vic’s gibberish and communicate at his level.
She needed to prioritize the link between the noises he makes and its obvious cause and effect on reality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As much as she wanted and tried to hurry up and eat, the blowing efforts were not as effective as she had hoped.
Nala slowed her role as she ate, fascinated by this extra nuance and surprise ingredient that wasn\u2019t there before.\u00a0 The moku cans must be similar but different she figures.<\/p>\n

Vic reflects in his seat while she eats.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On how much the world has changed outside of this tucked away trailer shed and plot.
On the limited resources he has.
On Nala being safe and supported.<\/p>\n

\u201cYaaaawn\u201d, Nala bellowed sweepy like and hovered over the empty pot with a drowsy glaze; lips-smacking, tongue fishing for pieces inside her mouth, itis on her brain.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling sleepy now eh? Ready for bed, Like this?\u201d Vic acted out closing his eyes with sideways prayer hands\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201ca! lape pona\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! Laaape pona, Yaaaaaaaawn. I am feeling tuckered out as well you know. Wait, did you say sleep is tasty?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nala sleepily smiled eyes dozing out half-shut, wrapped the quilt around her like a big fat caterpillar and rolled herself into the couch, pillow nice and comfty, and drifted-off.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic hears Nala kick her unique snoring back up and feels like crying in eternal gratitude.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Old man Vic went into his stash drawer and stepped out into the glacial air outside, not knowing in what direction to put his thousand-yard stare into, eyes burnt up from the air-chill and exhaustion. He exhaled clouds of magic dragon steam. close eyes.
Vic didn\u2019t know how long he had been standing out there when he opened his eyes back up. He was returning from a blank drift. He took a deep breath of the freezing air to give him a small energy bolt. He went back inside and ate the cold leftover pork pieces from earlier and was able to scrape up a few spoons of bean residue Nala missed out on.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He gave the kitchen, pot and Fred an unenthusiastic clean and fixed himself a makeshift bed on the floor out of a few dirty clothes and two sheets.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He comforts himself asleep knowing nala is alive, the day is over, the best outcome happened.
That the world is spinning on.
Best birthday ever.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vic turned 75 today.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ARCH 1 \u201c\u2026for I was hungry, then you fed me\u2026\u201dThursday, 5 Nov 2026, 10:40ish am ESTOutskirts of NRQZ, West Virginia\u2026… The crisp blue winter sky and air was literally turning green. Vic finishes his sing-song recipe, \u201cBig boom ice-cream spoon! Scoopy, wavy, yumchius, cold and moist.Grounded Ritz, make it snow, choco-drizzle, take and go!\u201d, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

ARCH 1 CHPT 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026for I was hungry, and you fed me\u2026\u201d<\/strong>
Thursday, 5 Nov 2026, 10:40ish am EST
Outskirts of NRQZ, West Virginia
\u2026
..
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBig boom ice-cream spoon! Scoopy, wavy, yumchius, cold and moist.
Grounded Ritz, make it snow, choco-drizzle, take and go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

steps out with a bowl for two \ud83c\udf68<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow whAt we have hEy-er is a super snack, worthy of us royalty eh Naly-girl?
Little peace offering for anyth- now wait here just a minute ya little sass-mouth back on up a bit!
This be plenty enough for the the both of us, you can get some after I get some how\u2019s about that?
Besides, this chocolatey part\u2019s no good for ya anyway s0o0o\u2026
Mmmmmm-hmmmmm. Yup yup, that there be heaven alright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short snort<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh! OH, Of course, one moment, let\u2019s get the buggy to play us up some\u2019 of \u2019em jams we like so much,
nice and low this time though\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201d\u201d \u2026\u266a sloooww do0o0o0own you craazy child \u266a \u2026\u201d\u201d
\u201cMm, that\u2019s the stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

hoove clops
Leans back in next to her on their familiar wood fence meeting spot<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlrighty now, darlin\u2019, not trying to scares ya but, I gots some real talk for ya,
and from what I heard we ain\u2019t got much time left.
Pretty sure you done noticed that big ol\u2019 cloud over-yonder there already\u2026
\u201c\u2026 it\u2019s kinda pretty i s\u2019pose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new kind of panoramia engulfed them; the shed, the fields, the hills and mountains tinted overtones of olive,
shades of emerald and jades from a glowy light-soaked overcast.
Variable beams of sun-shine shone through and throughout the landscape in a slo0ow yellow light show.
Vic notes the familiar black specs as far as they have ever been in the distance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

have i been forgiven<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clouds shadow under it was a light show on the ground.
\u201cCan\u2019t believe our eyes right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rain soundscape was brilliant.
quiet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cthat\u2019s got to be at least, ten million fireflies out there under that cloud, haven\u2019t seen not even one in so long\u2026
\u2026we must be dreamin\u2019 together right now, right? That\u2019s a thing?\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming silence.
They stood awestruck, staring.
Nala\u2019s eyes and ears in attention.
The panoramia was unpausing in it\u2019s conquest over everything.
it communicated grace and mercy; it commanded fear and admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNaly ehm \u2013 I ain\u2019t have no answers for either of us on this here dilemma problem.
It\u2019s anybody\u2019s guess on how or why this is happening.
All\u2019s i can tells you is that them folks in town were ruffled up something awful \u2018bout;
armygeddon and the downpour that\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany folks and neighbors were holding hands out there, crowding together, hugging\u201d
and there were guns, yelling, and animals in so many makeshift cages<\/em>
\u201cOne feller says that before the big switches went out that no one knows what this rain is, they are saying so far that \u2013 that when the rain hits
it\u2019s going to be life or death.
For sure its got miracle powers.
can turn animals into people\u2026
\u2026or vanish bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c \u2026So it\u2019s\u2026 \u2026yeah. That\u2019s everythin\u2019 I could gather before\u2026
\u2026its all banana-nut muffins in picnic baskets out there I tell you what.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic\u2019s a senior. 
He woke up this morning thinking this was the right day to do his thing in town; spoil himself a little, maybe check out a new book.
He put on his best denim overalls and everything.  He was looking forward to this today.
He hadn\u2019t left his spot in months and was likely to see Dorothy again, and that would have been great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is it.<\/em>
This today may very well be your last, and if not, whatever comes after is gonna be another more unknown.<\/em>
keep it together ol\u2019 man. unknowns are always better than goodbyes. You\u2019re not done here.<\/em>
Keep it together. Stuff that integrity back in there.  stand up now.<\/em>
Nala needs you right now. Nothing else here, nothing more.<\/em>
It\u2019s just rain at the heart of it. You\u2019ve been through worse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026We all be like, little water buckets. Just trying to find gentle streams or ponds to mix in with. Nobody likes any turbulence and storms\u201d
Vic curled in a few more spoonfulls of chill-cream and sugar, while he mad-doggs the impossible element blooming in front of him.
\u2026At least we gots\u2019 some kind of heads up for goodbyes; that\u2019s more than others get.<\/em>
make the most of it, for all it\u2019s worth.<\/em>
He sees some dark ground fluttering in the distance. Shadows coming. Running. Bopping. Bumping. Hiding. wanting.
scurrying. crying. Getting closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, they didn\u2019t stay back. Not now please.<\/em>
Please i\u2019m begging you. I\u2019m sorry, i\u2019m always sorry, please know i\u2019m sorry, i\u2019ve always been sorry.<\/em>
please not now.<\/em>
calm down, look away<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looks away from everything, instead to Nala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solid.
Majestic.
Breathing.
Alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She always made things better just by being there.<\/em>
You have to say something.<\/em>
Don\u2019t screw up another last goodbye moment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He tries best he can to keep himself together and mood up, but his hands tremble and remind him that the situation is serious.
Vic presses the bowl to his chest, lowering the risk of it falling down; crashing; spilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know what they sayin\u2019 makes no sense, but being under green clouds makes no sense either yet here we are ain\u2019t we\u2026
\u2026this may be our last snackety-snack together and.
\u201c\u2026I\u2019m uh, scared Naly-girl\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNiiiiiiiiiiicker!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cO\u2019 Dang it you right! Can\u2019t go on and eat all this all by myself now, that wasn\u2019t the plan. \ud83d\ude05
Here\u2019s ya go ya big girl you, yummeny yum yums\u2026 you enjoy this now, take your time now\u2026
\u2026s0ooo guooud, yeaah!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic rub rubs pat pats her neck as she chows down the little sugar hills in delight.
She made quick work of the sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat hits the spot now eh? Haha, Good treat ain\u2019t it?  One moment, you\u2019s got some.. \u2026you\u2019s got some mess on you there.
There there ya go now ya big baby face, a little wipetty-wipe make it all better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic wiped Nala\u2019s rubbery mouth, gave her an affectionate shoulder-to-shoulder bump, and brought the empty bowl back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does this rain really put us down at random.<\/em>
Why is it here.<\/em>
Doesn\u2019t matter.<\/em>
Nala has to make it, she just has to. No time for nothin\u2019. Why you washin\u2019 this now. We\u2019re all there is, not these plates, go back outside and say goodbye.<\/em>
Was this morning real. You here right. I don\u2019t know whether I\u2019m alive and dreaming or dead and remembering. Nothing you can do about this.<\/em>
Nothing matters. Sleep-walking, that\u2019s what\u2019s happening. Hope. Night terrors is all.<\/em>
All\u2019s gonna be okay, because this is not really happening. It\u2019s kinda cold out.<\/em>
She may need to make it out there. without you.<\/em>
\u2026This world\u2026<\/em>
She\u2019s going to need help. Guidance and protection.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crisp frost water flowed over his hands, biting into him harder at the tune of the soft breeze coming in from the tiny window by his tiny sink.
Vic feels it, unable to mind it, as this is really happening.
He finished cleaning the bowl. Splashes his face but nothing changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That quilt on the couch is big enough, it\u2019ll do the trick.<\/em>
Can Keep her warm\u2026 \u2026please be safe<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlley oop! Nice and comfy for ya dear\u201d
Vic smiles warmly to himself as he adjusts the quilt, making small pulls and tugs here and there to cover her better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo I gaves it all a lotta thought on my drive back\u2026
\u201cBucket kicking for me is no big whoop, by all means I shouldn\u2019t still be here but, here, i\u2019m still here right?
That\u2019s a good thing to reckon.  That has to be for something.
It\u2019s you getting hurt, or turning into a person with no one there for ya that\u2019s sloshing my boots.
we gots\u2019 no idea what to expect. Don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen.
I want you to be okay, I.
I won\u2019t let this rain hurt ya, I promise.
There\u2019s no need to be worried, it\u2019s all going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

making promises you can\u2019t keep isn\u2019t you. what\u2019yer gonna\u2019 do\u2026<\/em>
to fix this<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head down, ashamed. Vic rolls dirt over the tip of his boot with his other foot.
draws hanky, blows nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala nudges her head onto Vics shoulder and beard for scratchies to her face and ears.
\u201cYeaaaaAh so guooooud, you like that after snack scratchy-scratch don\u2019t ya?\u201d
Vic livens up and chuckles in delight at being in the best of company here and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201clook at you, so guooooooud scratchy-scratchety-scratches, thAt\u2019s a happy girl!\u201d \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vik stairs @ pawcet wtch, futilitie commcts; wurds und cl0ck-workrs none longer melts sensei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

snappo atit. snap outta it.<\/em>
wake up. Breathe. Wake up.<\/em>
Wake up now, back to reality ol\u2019 man.<\/em>
A goodbye proper comes first, it\u2019s a good thing, the right thing<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow now, pay attention Nala dear. Don\u2019t know if you can hear me or unders-. Listen, before that rain hits us, this is just in case ok?
Whatever happens happens, so don\u2019t be scared.
In that there shed are books and stuff, some clothes, a gun, and all the food and money I have left.
Cash is under a corner floor board, should be enough to get you by a few weeks.
Them solar panels and buggy batts in the back are going to be important to keep tip-top for the fridge and water-pump. 
Treat the system right and it will be kind right back at ya.
Plenty of tools and scrap stuffs around here, and throughout the area deeper in the tree-lines you\u2019ll see a few mini-gardens and fruit shrubs and things.
You know some of them already\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026 I guess maybe, maybe I shouldn\u2019t leave you the gun? I don\u2019t want you hurting yourself.
I left it extra high up on the shelf.  Be careful, that thing is dangerous, always point it away from you.
Also, the propane tank adapter sticks sometimes, but if ya hold it bye the-\u2026\u201d
Oh dear, she might not know how to use a can-opener, those lids can be wick\u2019d sharp if she does it wrong or is careless. Would she even be able to start a fire safely.<\/em>
No way of knowing right. trust that she\u2019ll be okay if you are not there is all. No more advice.<\/em>
Love and goodbye. That\u2019s all there is when there simply is no time left\u2026<\/em>
\u2026Time enough to tell her you care about her. No matter what happens that\u2019s simply the right thing, the best thing, likely last thing\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draws hanky again; more snot.
looking down<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026Nevermind all tha- I mean, if I don\u2019t make it dear, just know that the shed and buggy are there for you.
If it helps in any way, then that would make everything worth it.
Be careful, always be careful. Careful of what you are doing and why, and careful with who you meet.
Just make sure to lay low and not get any attention until you\u2019re ready to leave, the shed\u2019s not suppo-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

vvvPitter pattervvv<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pitter patter is here. It\u2019s over. 
If one of us has to draw the short straw, be me.<\/em>
be me.  You hear me rain.  me for her.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGotta tell ya Nala.
You\u2019ve rescued me more times than you\u2019ll ever know.
I mean to say.
You mean the world to me.
Thank you for being there, for being you.
I hope you remember me, that would be a nice thing.
I hope it\u2019s good memories you have and keep, that I did right by you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man Vic hugged Nala\u2019s neck and chuckled nervously.
Sadfully. Fearfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala scratched her forehead on his, bumping Vic slightly off balance with a gentle lovey-dovey headbutt.
\u201cwhoah now\u201d, Vic chuckled awkwardly over his stifled tears, petrifying himself tighter into their embrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The terrible thought.
of losing his bestie<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026It\u2019s all gonna be okay\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vvv Pitter-patter vvv pitter-patter vvV
vvvv\/\/\/vvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvvvvvv\/\/\/vvv\/\/\/vvv\/\/\/\/vvvvvv\/\/\/\/vvvvv
Vvvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvv\/\/\/vvvvWwhereareyounowWvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/vvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/vvvV
\/\/\\\/\/vvvvvvvvv\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvv\/\/\/vvvvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvv\/\/\\\/\/
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\/\/\/\/vvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/\/vv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvv\/\/ \/\/\/\/\/ \/\/\/vvvvvvvvv\/\/\/\/ \/\/\/\/\/\/ <>  [   11:11 am<\/strong>   ]  <> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/vvvvvvvvv\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pitter-patter enveloped and penetrated over everything in, under and around it.
Countless drops rendered all reality to a saturated lemon lime, every tap ghostly, bright and warm.
The crash aura around all outlines were riddled with micro-bursts of thunder rumble, leaving a surreal,
light powdery static that drowned out all noise and tickled the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A breeze with the reserves of tornados cleanly separated the embrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The storm was its own environment, the harder you fought, the more you felt it.
Old man Vic fought it, he resisted, he gave it all his might.
Mighty as he was, he couldn\u2019t do anything past being locked down on his hands and knees
as he struggled viscerally to protect Nala from the supernatural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The greenery around him cementing him in place, he heaved like a bull-moose to no gains nor avail whatsoever.
His weathered arms failed him.
He finally gave out to the air forces engulfed on him, he was pinned to the earth,
stuck helplessly under the fire-fly rain in a balasana until finally this impossible show of force began to dissipate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vvv Pitter-patter vvv pitter-patter vvV<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026
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VvvPitter-pattervvv<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panoramia cleared away.
The local ambiance returned, the ground was not wet, nothing was wetted, and it was getting cold again.
The pitter patter awayed itself and the green scene and clouds it brought let up their anchors on this reality.
he tried calming breaths to work his energies back up as he soldier-prone crawled over to Nala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh dear it happened, it\u2019s over. this is her, it\u2019s her!<\/em>
She\u2019s\u2026<\/em>
no no no no\u2026 Nala, no.<\/em>
\u2026she is not moving. Not breathing! What is this!? no no! Please no. be alive please<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala was stiff, frigid cold, eyes closed, sideways face down on the dirt, human; with horsey ears, large mane for hair, fur with freckles speckled throughout her body and legs; feathering on her writs and ankles, and a literal ponytail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic\u2019s forearms were impossibly heavy and light.
\u201cOh dear no, please this isn\u2019t true, this ain\u2019t right\u201d
Vic adjusted the quilt to cover her better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo no this ain\u2019t happening come on now Naly-bear, you got this. Let\u2019s get you up. You\u2019re okay. Get up now.\u201d
He patted her shoulder for attention, then tried to shake her awake, gently at first, shaking harder the harder as the desperation inside him grew to a quiet crescendo of total unacceptance.
And then came the shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding himself so rudely imposing on Nala\u2019s sacred moment, invading her space, shaking her body.
Naly girl is at peace now. She is at peace now. peace is good. leave her be. rest is good.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic continued to deteriorate physically and mentally into a decrescendo of futility, sobbing apologies, and crushing nihilism over her lifeless mound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201d\u201d \u2026\u266a aaand the microphone smells like beeeeeeeer \u266a \u2026\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Couldn\u2019t protect her. Can\u2019t protect anybody. That was my everybody.<\/em>
alone now. You\u2019re in shock. Calm down. no, they are coming.<\/em>
They\u2019re gonna come for me. They gonna bring her with \u2019em and I can\u2019t handle that. you know, them empty eyes.<\/em>
I can\u2019t change the past.  I can\u2019t change anything. You\u2019re in shock. Calm down.<\/em>
What are you doing.  Leave her alone.  She\u2019s at peace.  take your pain elsewhere.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At his own incessant scolding to respect his dearly departed friend, he toddled himself up and struggled to find balance, lifting with him the soaking wet sacks of cement in his chest.  He stumbled over to the buggy and cut the ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCheers buggie. Cheers Billie, you\u2019ve been good to us\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man Vic isn\u2019t there anymore. Grenades and mortar and napalm lungs surrounded him again. Scorched earth, cooked death.
Shooting. Screaming.  Killings after killings of vulnerable humble folks in sandals and sunhats, small, elderly, defenseless.
panic and chaos.  The worst of all feelings, the helplessness, the treason, the plot\u2026 of killing and being killed by your own in a shared world.
Total complete utter horrors.  zombieland, blood everywhere like cranberry floods.
A liquid spear dome pulls Vic from the breastplate back inside to safety from the bullet whizzes and silent explosions outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026Vic drags his step-stool in place.
That\u2019s it. Safe space.<\/em>
At least I got a heads up and said my goodbyes.<\/em>
No more of this. No more of that. No more of anything no more no thank you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reaching around the top shelf he patted around.
The dust is dry, where\u2019s it at.
Too much hurt. No more hurt.
dang pez dispenser is up here somewhere, gotta hurry up and-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic takes pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re timing this wrong. The right thing would be to bury Naly-girl first.<\/em>
Can I even bring myself around to do it. So tired of all this. Can\u2019t bury my bestie.<\/em>
you can. I can\u2019t. you will.<\/em>
She shouldn\u2019t be\u2026 Vic moans in pain. despair.<\/em>
\u2026it should\u2019a picked me. I didn\u2019t have to stay. The world made a mistake.<\/em>
She belonged here. She belonged\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sobs. Snot. Sleeve-wipes.
More hurt. More sobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She never hurt a soul. You remember her running around, rolling in the grass, fun in the sun, fun in the mud\u2026 \u2026Nobody else out here to bury her.<\/em>
Nature will come.<\/em>
The vultures will rip her to ribbons. The field mice will steal chunks of her away. then there\u2019s the maggots and flies\u2026<\/em>
\u2026You cared about her.  You care about her.  You can\u2019t keep running from your job as a person.
No excuses. i just cant do it. just do it.<\/em>
stop walking away from dignity, and honor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

victims everywhere. The finders, seekers, hunters, predators, rapists were let loose, made a show of it and then took a lunch break.
shoot more, more shooting. So easy, just aim and squeeze.  Brutal fire slaughter, sends a message, a loud message.  You can hear it.
Why isn\u2019t anybody helping them.  The tools are being used wrong here.<\/em>
Why aren\u2019t I helping them?  When\u2019s the stop-gap coming?  I don\u2019t want to be here.<\/em>
If they kill them all, who\u2019s going to bury the bodies.  we never bury bodies, we bury the evidence.<\/em>
Kill them in ditches.  BAM! Their butchering them ALL.<\/em>
BAM BAM. \u201cRUMBLE\u201dS, trees shaking, sky\u2019s shaking. helicopters. is this what hope sounds like? chop chop chop chop woot woot woot woot. copter\u2019s comin\u2019.<\/em>
somethings happening. World\u2019s shakin\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can\u2019t just leave Nala like you lef<\/em>-BAM!-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShneeeeeoooooooooouuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man fell off his make-me-taller and crashed onto the floor in happrise.
Hurt like an egg drop, elbow and thigh badly bruised, he tried to get up and there was an ugly sounding back-pop.
knife pains in it. No matter though. His ears weren\u2019t tricking him.
Those weren\u2019t wishing-bullets overhead, that wasn\u2019t what death sounds like.
something else, something strong and lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was hit with the loudest snore he ever heard and that\u2019s just fine by him any day any lifetime.
he paused in disbelief.
there it was again.
\u201cRumble grumble \u2013 Shneeeeoooooouuuuurrr.\u201d
Keep \u2018em coming. strong snores is strong lungs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic Joyfully skippity-limped his way outside to celebrate his friend.
He sees her there. There she is. Alive! Alight! She took deep breathes and breathed and rested beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was\u2026 \u2026completely un-wakeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a few minutes of asking, prodding, shouting, and footsy sole-tickling to no avail, he had to take her inside to shelter her from the outside sun.
With her being kinda bigger than himself, the challenge for Vic was that she was as heavy as she looked.
Undefeatable and as motivated as he has ever been, Vic rolled her onto a makeshift dolley he put together and wheeled her inside, wrecking his old joints to his limits trying to get her as gently as possible onto the couch.
It took him a lot of discomfort, sweaty-slips, loud grunts, a few cuss words and experience in exercising leverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the couch he picked out, brushed off and washed clean the dirt and grime off on Nala; and crash dusted the quilt against the fence and then put it back over her. Helped her head onto the pillow, the work was done only when she looked nice and comfty. \ud83d\udc4c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A global miracle. and the whole world was in on it.<\/em>
Will more rain and miracles come. Is this over. Is there more rain coming. No time to worry about that now s\u2019pose.<\/em>
Best hurry up and see what can be done for clothing for her, some of my bigger clothes might just fit, and they are already clean.<\/em>
She\u2019s a guest, have to make the place more presentable.<\/em>
Hope she doesn\u2019t wake up scared. Will she remember me. Will she ever wake up?<\/em>
She sure can snore up something fearce.<\/em>
She\u2019s wonderfull. Best go get them clothes for her.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic got to anxiously sewing.  Wiped the place down.  Picked the place up. 
Re-organized and re-decorated a smidge here and there.
He fetched some dry branches for the wood-stove.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 9pm\u2019ish that evening Nally woke up sheltered and warm to a well lit room and the sound of cackling fire nearby.
She rubbed the buggers out of her eyes and stretched out wide. 
Satisfying stretchies out of the way, somewhat awake, she held her covers as she sat up, looked around lost, hazey, timid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man Vic tried his best to restrict his excitement, suspense and jitters at seeing her awake.
As non-threateningly as he could with his palms out and gentle gestures he sat down across from her, lightly bumping the metal coffee table between them along the way.
He tried to speak and act as clearly as he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey Nala dear, hello, can you understand me? It\u2019s okay, I\u2019m a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala wakey-drunkenly perked herself up in the couch keeping her body covered, and quickly began gaining alertness. 
Blurs became more solid.  Muffles; distinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI, I don\u2019t know if you can understand me in any way\u2026 \u2026, emm-hem, good morning Nala?
I mean, good eve, i mean eh- yeah, good morning Nala, can ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJan pona?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWowsers, you can talk!
Okay okay that\u2019s good! but eh, I\u2019m sorry Nala, I don\u2019t know quite what ya sayin\u2019 there.
Emmm, havla la espaniol-o? ohio-go-zamas-toyota? Sin chow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala smiled politely and in confusion.
Nala was unable to understand this animated character\u2019s words, he seems nice, it feels safe in here.
She looks in silent awe around her, focusing on everything that is here and now.
Nala begins to get the realization that she does not know where she is,
who she is, or what is what, and starts paying attention to the only other alive thing in the room.
Nala felt vulnerable, and was beginning a little anxious for guidance on what to expect next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing eh? Um, maybe you know french? Like Bon-appetit\u2019 cherries?
Oh dear! eh, oh boy, yeah, this is your first day here.
I mean, your first day here like this, ummmm.
Chucks, what am I gonna- ah! I know! Of course! You must be hungry, you must have worked up an appetite after all that sleeping, let\u2019s start fixin\u2019 us a hot meal for ya just in case, see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic gets up and with gentle expressions makes his way to the kitchen a few feet away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hope you like beans and some coffee maybe?
No no, water would be best for you I mean, you just came to life and all.
I mean, became a person and all\u2026 Or maybe you need milk like some kind of newborn?\u2026 \u2026I don\u2019t have any milk\u2026 \u2026I \u2026 don\u2019t think you know what that is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

have no idea what she can eat or drink, she could even be allergic. are we over-thinking.<\/em>
Just, play it safe, waters good for now, beans should be fine. It\u2019s got that nitrogen, that\u2019s a good simple thing. Simple things.<\/em>
simple is always good.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala looks at herself in her quilt, exploring, and looks at Vic and notes Vic does not need his hands to hold his quilts up, its shaped differently.
Vic was sensitive to her confusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yikeys, pause the beans! the clothing! Maybe that\u2019s what she was asking about. Where\u2019d I put em again? Ah, right<\/em>
\u201cHere\u2019s some clothing for ya friend. It ain\u2019t much in fashion shows, but they\u2019re clean and should do for now for coverin\u2019 you up.
Heres ya go now, I\u2019ll turn aroun- gah! Nala! Wait just a second!  Sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala had went to receive with both hands the offering and dropped her quilt, Vic push-dropped the clothing on her while shying away and hopped a 180 in embarrassment and Nala reset herself back as well in surprise and uneasiness, worried, noting the open shed door behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snap out of it old man, don\u2019t shame the poor thing, you 9 years old or something?<\/em>
Naly-girl must be hungry and scared and going through a lot right now herself so grow up, she needs ya jack-ass<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic calmly turned back around to face her and went back to slowing his speech and hand movements down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo sorry shug, it\u2019s okay, it\u2019s okay go on now and get dressed.
This is how you do it. You can do it this way also. oh, and also, if you do this that way, then this does that and viola would ya look at that! 
If I pull or tug it stays there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic did some goofy charade instruction while speaking and made exagerated gestures for getting dressed.
He took off and put back on his jacket, emphasizing his button\u2019s and how they interacted with the slit on the other side.
He then put on a towel he had at the ready and mimicked that it had buttons, making a happy exclamation face clapping and cheering when done.  He then took another towel and showed how to tie a quick know without buttons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic gestured for her to get dressed while he covered his eyes with his hands as he turned around to face the kitchen space, with sing song \u201cone missississippi-sippi dove, two missississippi-sippi bugs, three missississippi sippi frogs, four\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala let out an amused smile and laugh at the old man\u2019s charades and games, and worked on getting herself dressed with renewed interest and ease.
She took on the red flannel shirt first, made sense of the sleeves and openings, using her memory of Vic\u2019s show for reference, played with the buttons until she finally got the concept and made short work of the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving on to the next article, Vic had sown two cream colored bath towels in such as way that it acted like a full coverage cotton skirt with two huge buttons that held together on the side within slight stretchy tension against her hips. Nala beamed at the thoughtful gifts; the complexities and transformation coming from the button locks, the feeling of the fresh fit and different soft cloth textures on her short fur skin and finger tips.
She clapped, at first taken back at the impact of her first clap, and then practice soft to louder and smiled as loudly as she could to get his attention. 
Nala was triumpant, proud and confident in her participation and that she did something for herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026and twenty-five mississippi-sippi bats\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic turned around.  Nala wasn\u2019t much larger than Vic, but her physique was imposing.
He was stunned by her presence for a moment, quick to recover and applauded her achievement in makeshift sign-languages, bouncy energy and celebratory vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was happily relieved that the fit was good, and even happier she was happy about it despite how modest it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

she\u2019s being nice to me\u2026 \u2026bless her. Getting dressed was not an issue for her, she learns pretty fast, only took her \u2018bout a minute or so, she\u2019s not a baby. Don\u2019t think she remembers me\u2026 Would be nice if she does. Going to be tough learning to understand her. What language could she be speaking? Is it some kind of outer-space language.  Did she say pony.  I don\u2019t think she said that, don\u2019t ask her that.<\/em>
Uh-oh, this is goin\u2019 to be awkward.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She gestured she felt uncomfortable, as if she needed to go to the bathroom.
Vic showed her the small clean bench-toilet-shower space in the rear of the shed behind a curtain as well as a zip-locked bag of baby wipes.
He made simple gestures of going to the bathroom, relief, and highlighted the cleaning wipe purpose.
After the second repeat of this she nodded in understanding and he stepped out of the shed completely to give her space and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air is brisk and dense outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not a cloud out here. Wanin\u2019 crescent. stars are all up as expected.  How can so much have happened in just one day?<\/em>
The entire world must be off its atlas right now out there. Nala is a person now. Can\u2019t believe it<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic rubs his sore arm from his fall earlier, doesn\u2019t think anything was broken today. 
The excitement and shock is wearing out and the reality of age old back and body pains is creeping back in.
He meditated on the situation, staring off into everywhere contemplating what was going on and what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m so glad Nala\u2019s ok. Those poor folks and animals in town. Hope Dorothy is okay out there. will I ever see her again<\/em>
Nala walked out next to Vic, arms crossed against the cold.
She was star-struck from above, the mountain and hill horizons towered over her.
Her truths to that point were simple for her to appreciate.
It was small and cozy inside, it is cold and scary outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They quietly kept each other company as they had done for years before while looking out.
Nala could feel herself as a small speck, belittled by everything around her except Vic, who has been so nice and makes her feel attended.
The outdoors is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She could feel the earth slowly dull it\u2019s way up the soles of her foot. She curled her feet to minimize this cold touch effect, occasionally lifting a foot off the ground to slow this feeling down.
Nala is hoping he will go back in and welcome her to follow him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything is so different and new to her. I feel she is the same Nala, but if she can\u2019t remember me, then maybe she can\u2019t remember herself before the change also. If so then who is she. Is her name even Nala anymore. Is she a new person, the same person or another person. Will her memory return if it is not there. She is definitely a person even though she looks a little different, how else would she have know how to nod, quickly do things\u2026 \u2026her words earlier were deliberate, she hasn\u2019t said anything else, but she can definitely speak, so she does have a language, she communicates perfectly\u2026 \u2026She always did nodds before, but, no, that\u2019s wasn\u2019t the same. Maybe she\u2019ll start getting her memory back. Are there even any memories at all for animal people. do others also have the same language. does she\u2026 \u2026It\u2019s only been one day. You\u2019re doing it again. Stop forgetting what\u2019s important.<\/em>
Keep it simple or your going to burn out the ol\u2019 wick. Nala is our friend. We care about her.<\/em>
She is in need, has nothing, help her, don\u2019t let her down. All these questions, imagine how she must feel and how much she must be thinking.<\/em>
This is another chance, you wished for this, this is all good things.  Do right by her and keep your focus on being the best dang host mi\u2019maw raised you to be.  Speaking of which.  Better start getting that food ready.  Ah dang it!  She\u2019s shivering.  You didn\u2019t prepare her any shoes!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic blew some dragon steam in the air for Nala\u2019s quick amusement, and kindly invited her to go back, pointing out that the floor must be ouchies so they needed to hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrrrrrrrrr.   It\u2019s colder than a popsicle divorce out there.  Now now Naly-girl, can\u2019t go to the bathroom and not wash your hands after, that ain\u2019t proper now. Gotta play it safe with them germs and, here\u2019s a fancy word for ya, hygiene.
Getting sick out here in the boonies can be difficult, so we gotta keep them bugs at bay\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic showed her to wash her hands in the foot-pump sink with the fast orange and water.
Nala was enchanted by the smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic gifted her a yellow hand-towel to keep and dry herself with. He invited her to be at ease on the couch and she gladly complied, returning to wrapping the quilt around her shoulders and she tucked her feet into herself to fight off the frosty lingers from the outside world.
Old man Vic placed a full cup of luke-warm water in front of her, motioned to her on how to drink it and that it was ok and tasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic excused himself with Nala and turned around to the kitchen and got on his humble routine of preparing the cookware, pulling a can out the shelf, and matching alight the stove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala was impressed for a moment by the light hiss and blue flames floating and waving sharply on the stove-top.
Quick to get back to the silver cup in front of her, she grabbed it with both hands but in a surprise tumble she spilt some water on the table, floor and herself. Vic pretended not to notice as she clumsily landed the cup back onto the table, splashing more water out.  Alarmed, and armed with her personal yellow hand-towel and firsthand experience in its water removing powers, she went on to rub the puddles off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing signs of success, she felt calmer in her nerves and begins testing and rationalizing what happened. She practiced picking the thin metal cup gentlier up and down on the table, fascinated that even though it was so small it was noticeably heavier than the shirt she had on, which was way much bigger.
The way it varied in noise when it hit the table; the more careless she was, the more offensive the sound to her ears.
More quiet means more careful. Being careful sounds better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala more confidently took back up the cup this second time around, switching to holding it one handedly on each hand to show-off to herself that it can be done and she\u2019s got this.  She gave it a small squeeze and the cup was starting to bend and deform under her grip, and she quickly let go not knowing what could happen if she tried squeezing it further, it felt a little delicate in her hand. She remembers Vic\u2019s lesson from a few moments ago on what to do, to bring it to her mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water went in, her breathing inside the cup was more audible, she then felt the glug glug glug.
She relaxed and instinctually drank with paused rhythmic breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unique smell, eyes closed, lips on the edge; control; all her other senses melted with and into the flows and enjoyment of water.
She thought to herself, this is telo.  Telo washes her hands outide.  Telo washes her center inside.  Telo is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She stopped after a few small satisfying sips, she didn\u2019t want to risk finishing it all at once, there was only a little left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flame had gone out in the kitchen and Vic had swapped out the propane canisters while Nala was on her water adventure.
Seeing an opportunity to acclimatize Nala to some nouns around him, Vic began showing and telling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow Naly girl this here is a can-opener, this particular one is called Fred, you just hold it like this, apply some of this here lieverage, and then work your way on and around like so. And there!\u201d
Vic emphasized while pointing and tapping.  Nala observed attentively Vic\u2019s use of ilo Fred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can now get the food out this can, just be careful though, these edges can get mighty ouchy if you\u2019re careless\u201d
Naly listened to the elder bro in front of her, his actions, how they matched with his words, trying to follow and understand, amazed at how he used Fred in his hands to do things that looked complicated and evidently dangerous\u2026    \u2026her mind wonder, sneaking in the sights around her, what other curious ilo things are out here in this tomo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMi\u2019maw always said, we all \u2018Always gotta make the most of what we got\u2019, every last drop. 
So we gotta make sure to scrape off every bit we can and not let anything go to waste now.\u201d
Vic worked the wooden spoon around the can, getting as much into the pot as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sliced up an onion next to add in, he popped a raw sliver in his mouth and offered another one to Nala as an appetizer.
She gave a little nibble at the edge, from there she slowly marched her way through crunchy town until there was no more kili lili left.
She could taste bits of telo inside of it. Little odd kick to it in her mouth. Felt good. Vic noticed the positive reception and gave her another bigger sliver to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201dMoku!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHa! Yeah! That\u2019s an onion! I mean, Eh, maybe? Unless that means food? That would make more sense probably right now, sure sure!
Moku! Mooooookuuuuu is fooooooood. and Fooooooood is mooookuuuu.\u201d
Vic balanced imaginary words in his hands while sounding out his point.
Nala reciprocated with giggles and imitation, she playfully looked at one hand and said \u201cfooooooood\u201d and in the other said \u201cmoooooookuuuuuu\u201d.
They were mutually amused at the balancing scales of food and moku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smell of moku food filled the tomo shed; competing for Nala\u2019s attention over Vic\u2019s unintelligible masterclass in life-hacks and warnings in using fire, sharp things and cooking.  Closed eyes she sighes out unnoticed from her scent trip \u201cpona kon\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She popped the entire onion slice into her mouth at once and enthusiastically chewed away, little pieces settled everywhere, this was a biggly mistake, she caught a much stronger singe experience than she was expecting and didn\u2019t know what was happening.
She tried to breathe it out roughly with her nose and mouth, looking silly as she did so.
Scared and worried if the taste will ever settle down or if she is doing something wrong can get worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHa! Poor little gus-gus, it\u2019ll get better soon, it\u2019s alright now\u201d. Vic smiled and motioned it\u2019s alright and rubbed his belly and fanned his mouth with his hand.
Nala felt better at his response, made her feel that this was normal if not careful with this kind of moku.
She was further calmed by the prickling on the inside of her cheeks and tongue receding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic started simmering things down, turned the stove off.
\u201cAand here we go! 0ut the fire sizzley pot, fresh m0kuuuu, careful it\u2019s h0t!\u201d
He delicately presented the pot to Nala in front of her, resting it on the coffee table.
Steam steaming out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victor gave quick taps to the hot pot with his finger, theatrically wincing with pain on contact; \u201cOuch! Ouch! Hot parts means OUchies! No touch here ok?\u201d. He then waved his hand over the steam coming from it, expressing caution with it, and a big cheek blow over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala laughed with the show he put on, but quickly went from entertained to curious to the dangerous ilo palisa in front of her.
When Vic turned around to look for a spoon she went for a quick tap on the pot, but rather than tap she touched, burned her finger, winced in pain and squeaked \u201cOUchies!\u201d immediately before putting her finger in her mouth.
She squints and smiles, satisfied in confirming it\u2019s all about speed and she needs to be much faster next time to be at Vic\u2019s level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThem ouchies is right! and we appreciate them now a little better don\u2019t we? No better teacher than pain is what i\u2019ve heard\u201d.
They both smiled and giggled at each other. Mutual communication was happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere Naly-bear, use Fred\u2019s s-p\u2019ooooooon end for your moku.\u201d
Vic presented the spoon side and then fished onto the spoon a solitary bean, following with blow expressions on the steam over it, and carefully handed it to Nala\u2019s receiving hand. \u201cThere you go, now you try\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bringing the spoon to her face, Nala blew repeatedly over it, to which Vic corrected her with hand signals and words to blow lower and slower onto the bean itself, then gave her an encouraging smile, wink and thumbs up.  Nala laughed at the expression combo, almost dropping her bite, but recovered somewhat gracefully and went on to explore her first hot bean. She scrunched her shoulders and face in appreciation of the squish-smwoosh and light burning sensation to her tongue and the roof of her mouth, getting a little nervous as the bean got hotter to the point of borderline pain.
The taste was suwi and she enjoyed it, but there was a nuanced bitter trace she was not fond of that wasn\u2019t enough to ruin it.
She eagerly tried for another bite, investigating a piece that looked a little different from the one she just had. She picked it up individually and blew on it until there was less steam, then put in her mouth but found the taste overwhelming and bitter. As quickly and as gently as she could, and ashamed, spit it into her hand. She desperately tried to wash the taste out by putting the plate back down and getting some water, but as she poured water in her mouth she ended up choking on it, coughing, getting scared.
Vic reacted by gently moving to her and gave her small pats on her back, \u201cit\u2019s alright, it\u2019s alright.
There there\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala appreciated this and felt cared for as she recovered her breath. She did not know what to do next, it didn\u2019t feel right having this bad tasting food bit in her hand, this was the first wrong thing Vic had given her and she didn\u2019t know how to give it back.  She didn\u2019t want to give it back to him.  If she didn\u2019t like it, he probably wouldn\u2019t like it neither.  But if he doesn\u2019t like it, why would he give it to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic offered his hand to take the spit-bit from her and with embarrassment on her face she nodded and allowed it.
He then comforted her, did a quick clean up near her, and pointed as a suggestion that she use her hand-towel to wipe off while he took her water cup.
Vic threw the chewed up piece out the shed window by the sink. He washed his hands and refilled Nala\u2019s cup of water.
Having Learned where the ike taste came from, she avoided those bits and went back to the beans, contemplating to herself how much better this moku would\u2019ve been without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She tried the familiar looking onion pieces next, this time it is seli, playing with the texture getting crushed between her front teeth, amazed that the feel and flavor are not exactly the same but still enjoyable in it\u2019s own way. She continues to eat with gusto, experimenting with the percentages of bean vs onion ratio in her spoon, increasing in size and shovel speeds proportionally to the decrease in heat and pleasure of taste.
Nala finds herself getting taken away in feelings of delight; of being aware, and of being aware of being aware, and mixing stuff up.
Nala felt, cozy, protected, and overtly comforted with a mouth full of hot moku and a new cup of telo.
Bite after bite and swish swish was more bliss.
Nala joyfully stuffed her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man Vic gave her her space to take it all in, both of them in continued awe and wonder of their new realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cmmmmmmmm Pona moku! Pona moku!\u201d.
Nala smiles and claps in playful appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright alright, I see what you\u2019re sayin\u2019, you like it so pona must mean tasty. What about that there pork you skipped?\u201d Vic points closely at the leftovers, \u201cwha\u2019dya think about those pieces?\u201d
\u201cIke moku ike moku\u201d she exclaimed with disagreement face and hands ex\u2019ing. \u201cporkyuskipt ike moku\u201d
\u201cRoger that roger that, yeah, I kinda gathered the porkyslipt didn\u2019t sit so well with you.
Ok, so Poooonaaaa is taaaaastyyyy and ikeeeee is yuuuuuucky.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala points at the pork she left over and declared \u201cJuki!\u201d and shook her head with disagreeable toad face.
\u201cAh! Yes, that is yucky, maybe lets point at stuff and follow along\u201d, Vic points to another can, \u201ccan you say fooooood?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFffoooooood\u201d \ud83d\ude03
\u201cThat\u2019s right! Very good! now can you say taaaaaaasty?\u201d vic smiled and rubbed his jolly belly making yum yum noises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFffoooooood!\u201d \ud83d\ude03
\u201cNo, can you say \u2013\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c-Moku? Fffooooooood?\u201d \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh dear! Yes yes, of course, should\u2019a known that lil\u2019 bit wasn\u2019t going to fill that tank up. Lets get ya a heartier plate now shall we?\u201d
Vic took Fred and the pot back to the kitchen space, picked out the pork, set em to the side and then cooking silently this time to allow Nala some peace and zen\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gonna have to pull my gabbing back as she learns. Don\u2019t be overwhelming.<\/em>
After all, she\u2019s a person now, can\u2019t get away with talking her ears off like you did before ya geezer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He chopped up his last onion and threw it in the pot with the beans, stirring and picking out any pork bits he could find while cooking.
If she doesn\u2019t like the pork taste, maybe some cilantro will offset a bit. <\/em>
ah. right on.  We haves a potat\u2019er here, lets add that up right quick. she\u2019ll enjoy that one for sure. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala remained in the couch, looking at her hands, tracing her fingers over with her other fingers, measuring amount of fingers and comparing her hands to Vic\u2019s hands, and reasons that if Vic shares the same fingers as her she also can do what Vic was doing, and began imagining herself cooking and made believe with her hands she had a pot over a flame, and it was dangerous and seli, and in her mind she was smooth with her clanging and scraping and was stirring the pona moku inside it with the long wood spoooooooon ilo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAaaaaaaaaand out the fire! sizzley sizzle poppety pop, fresh fooo000eehhemmooooku pona and hot! Alrighty then, there ya go ol\u2019 girl\u2026 \u2026I mean, Nala.\u201d
Nala greedily looked at the pot of delicious steamy beans and onions, bubbling, hot, and a slightly more attractive smell.
 She then saw Vic\u2019s soft and weathered face sitting across from her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala understands he is a jan like her, everything she feels he must also, she is here and has no idea what is going on, but he makes her feel like she is welcome there. He had eaten a little peace before, while she had eaten bigger size mokus.  He has moku here because it is his tomo place, and he likes what is here. She was bothered by the thought that Vic was not able to enjoy because she was enjoying, that he was not eating because she was eating, maybe they could both eat together.  She imagined if they both blew on the big steam together, the food would get colder faster, and they could eat more and enjoy more faster, and that would be a good thing for everyone.  She didn\u2019t know how to express this to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala realized that this was a problem to not be able to understand his gibberish, she needed to prioritize the link between the noises he makes and its cause and effect on reality.  She improvised, like he would do, with her hands and gestures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Careful not to burn herself, she gently pushed the pot towards Vic using the hand-towel to shield her fingers, expressing with her open palms and body to him that he should have some and eat. Nala wore worry on her face as she looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo no, its fine, eat up Nala, enjoy please. please, bon appetite dear.\u201d
Vic smiled, inflated his cheeks and patted his gut as if it was larger that it really was.
Nala eased into a smile and nodded her head and brought the pot back to herself, blowing the thick steam off desperately like you do a trick candle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as she wanted and tried to hurry up and eat, the blowing efforts were not as effective as she had hoped.
Nala slowed her role as she ate, fascinated by this extra nuance and surprise ingredient that wasn\u2019t there before.  The moku cans must be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope the world doesn\u2019t end anytime soon. So happy my friend is alive and ok, she seems comfortable and really likes to eat. I wonder how everyone else is dealing with everything in town. And Dorothy. Can\u2019t leave Naly girl alone for now, it\u2019s scary out there. this space is not setup for two people. we should be good on cans for a lil\u2019 while. No telling what\u2019s going to happen after today. She doesn\u2019t have a home. Is this spot still safe? It\u2019s all we have though, have to be ready for anything. Focus. Get ready to help Nala. Pass on what you can about surviving this world she is now in. We are now in. The world isn\u2019t the same anymore.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYaaaawn\u201d, Nala bellowed sweepy like and hovered over the empty pot with a drowsy glaze; lips-smacking, tongue fishing for pieces inside her mouth, itis on her brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFeeling sleepy now eh? Ready for bed, Like this?\u201d Vic acted out closing his eyes with sideways prayer hands\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201ca! lape pona\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! Laaape pona, Yaaaaaaaawn. I am feeling tuckered out as well you know. Wait, did you say sleep is tasty?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nala sleepily smiled eyes dozing out half-shut, wrapped the quilt around her like a big fat caterpillar and rolled herself into the couch, pillow nice and comfty, and drifted-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well that was easy. She really tuckered out there. Guess I should be glad she didn\u2019t ask for a toothbrush, completely forgot to find her one earlier. I should have a new one in the bug-out bag\u2026 \u2026dental hygiene is very important\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic hears Nala kick her snoring back up and feels like crying in eternal gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old man Vic went into his stash drawer and stepped out into the glacial air outside, not knowing in what direction to put his thousand-yard stare into, eyes burnt up from the air-chill and exhaustion. He exhaled clouds of magic dragon steam. close eyes.
Vic didn\u2019t know how long he had been standing out there when he opened his eyes back up. He was returning from a blank drift. He took a deep breath of the freezing air to give him a small energy bolt. He went back inside and ate the cold leftover pork pieces from earlier and was able to scrape up a few spoons of bean residue Nala missed out on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He gave the kitchen, pot and Fred an unenthusiastic clean and fixed himself a makeshift bed on the floor out of a few dirty clothes and two sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019s alive. I can help her. Everything is going to be okay, the world is spinning on\u2026<\/em>
Best. Dang. Birthday. ever<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic turned 78<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"795","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2620","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2620"}],"version-history":[{"count":558,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20729,"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2620\/revisions\/20729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tokitopia.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}