“You’re annoying. I told you, I’m not in danger. He’ll be like this for days—completely powerless. Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled.”
Powerless? Me? Just kill me now.
“I’d feel better if he wasn’t here with you.”
“And what exactly do you suggest? I dump him in the middle of nowhere and let him die slowly?”
“I didn’t say that,” my father replies weakly.
No surprise there. I’m pretty sure the old man would rather see me dead than weakened.
“Maybe you could take care of him then?”
“Absolutely not!” he blurts out, horrified.
See? What did I tell you? The man loathes weakness.
“That’s settled then. He stays here, and I’ll look after him until he regains a bit of strength. Then we’ll figure it out.”
“You’re not serious! How do you plan to do that? He’s gonna need feeding, cleaning, help with his... basic needs.”
“Are you suggesting I’m not capable of taking care of him?”
“That’s not what I said, but... he’s naked!”
“Oh, come on. Is that what’s bothering you?”
“But Neela, he’s not a baby or an old man—he’s a grown male. This isn’t like usual!”
Neela?Wait... that’s not my mother’s name. So who the hell is this Neela, and what’s she doing in the house with my father? If my mother finds out he’s cheating, she’ll tear him to shreds—literally. Sadjims may be flirty until they bond for life, but once that bond’s forged, nothing can come between them. At least, in theory.
“Ohhh, I get it!” the female teases. “Is this about my patient’s... masculinity?”
“You’re being ridiculous! That’s not what’s bothering me.”
“Then what is?”
“Okay, fine! You’re my little sister, and this guy is... extremely well built. Did you see that?!”
“I most certainly did. Nothing to complain about, if you ask me…”
“Neela, stop! I don’t want to hear this coming from my twelve-year-old sister!” he snaps.
“Twelve and a half!” she protests sweetly.
Oh, for the love of—this is a disaster. I’m at the mercy of a twelve-year-old with roving eyes, and I’m so sick I can’t even lift my head. I vaguely remember leaving Sadjim years ago… or was it yesterday? I’m completely lost—adrift in time and space.
Flashes of my father, my uncle, my cousins... their brutality, their rigidity. I remember fleeing Sadjim on a whim in the ship I won in a dice game. Then meeting Bully, teaming up with him.
Bully... I can still picture his cruel grin as he sent me crashing onto this red planet. Is that where I am now?
I black out before I can answer the question.
***
A cool, damp tongue on my burning forehead pulls me from whatever hell dimension I’ve been drifting through. I’m lost again. I have no idea where I am, how I got here, or how long it’s been. My nose tells me it’s been too long. And if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s poor hygiene. I reek.
“Mom, help me take a shower, please,” I murmur toward the gentle hand tending to me.
