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Pulling open a barn door, I almost kick a chicken as it dashes outside. “In here, we keep the hay for the cows. We also store grain for the winter.”
My calico cat Puff ambles out of the barn, stretching her front legs while scratching with her claws. In a leisurely stroll, she rubs her body against Tekil’s leg.
Tekil’s face is unreadable as he stares down at the kitty.
“Don’t worry, she won’t hurt you,” I tease.
He smirks down at my furry baby. “With her small size, there is no way she could hurt me.”
Why is everything a challenge to them? First Henry, then the pigs, now Puff!
“Come here, Puff.” I reach down and pick up my kitty, holding her at eye level. “Leave the grumpy man alone.”
“I am not grumpy,” Tekil says defensively.
Setting Puff back down, she runs off, leaving us alone. I watch her until she’s out of sight before announcing with a shrug, “Well, that’s it.”
“You miss your home,” Vi’del says, reaching out to take my hand.
“A little,” I reply guardedly, not wanting to admit how much I actually do miss Earth. “I just wanted to show it to you.”
“It is a very nice place.”
I really don’t believe him, but what can I say? “Thanks.”
Zeno steps forward and takes my other hand. “Maybe we can check with Moak and the others, see if they have a program for Kintuke.”
My face beams. “I would love to see it!”
“Are you ready to go?” Tekil asks.
Glancing over my shoulder, I take another look around. I’ll miss my family home, but maybe someday, we can all visit. Or maybe I can persuade Mom and Dad to visit me.
My eyes find Zeno’s and a sad little smile tips my lips up. “Ready.”
As we walk out into the ship’s corridor, I realize that this project has been enlightening. Seeing their reactions and knowing how unhappy they would be here only made things real. I had to choose—even though there really isn’t a choice. Somewhere, somehow, these three have become important to me; I now understand more than ever that I could never, ever leave them.
18
____________
Myla
“Well, what did they think?” Tia looks up expectantly as I slide into a vacant chair opposite her.
It’s busy at the bar today; both Kintolf and Humans alike take up most of the tables. The noise level of laughter and buzz of multiple conversations forces me to raise my voice a little.
Tia waves at Jax, signaling for him to bring her a drink before focusing her attention entirely on me.
“I don’t think they were too impressed.” I sigh; I wish things could’ve gone more smoothly.
“I figured. If you could see the technology on their planet…” She shakes her head. “It blew me away.”
“I can’t imagine.”
Two drinks suddenly appear. Jax sets one down in front of me and slides the other over to Tia.
“Thanks, Jax,” she says with a smile.
