One Day in a Small-Town Desert, chapter 18, page 8

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Zhíno Zhudıro heard someone talking. With all his might, he concentrated on the very familiar voice. It was the only other thing in his universe besides himself.

“. . . Zhíno? How did . . . you helping him?”

The slightly nasal, soft voice was now unmistakable. It was Fírí.

“Fírí!” Zhíno called out into the void. “Where are you?”

This wasn’t like when he talked to her before. Her swirling essence was nowhere to be found. He couldn’t dive into her colorful maelstrom to communicate. He obviously couldn’t communicate at all, since he got no response.

Another voice appeared, deep and male. “. . . Zhéporé-spawn god . . . heal Zhíno. And then Zhíno . . . afterlife and gave me his energy, his . . .”

Zhíno was exuberant. It was Pí‘oro! The old man was talking to Fírí, which meant he was alive--and even though Zhíno couldn’t hear all of it, it sure sounded like Pí‘oro knew that Zhíno had sacrificed himself for him.

Pí‘oro was still talking. “. . . back to life. I must . . . assist my brother.”

If there were anything to float on, Zhíno would have been buoyed by his sudden happiness. His soul brother was alive, and Pí‘oro considered Zhíno his brother, as well. Zhíno no longer regretted his actions in the slightest.

“Pí‘oro! Brother!” he shouted.

But there was no response. The voices had stopped.

Nevertheless, Zhíno’s soul smiled. He may not be able to communicate with them, but he at least knew that Fírí and Pí‘oro were safe and nearby.

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