Chapter 8: Chapter 8

“REALIZATION”

Gabriel was with Quazum paddling across the swamp in an old pirogue boat as the sun began to rise. Quazum appeared hot, wearing a heavy hat along with a specially cut shirt and pants. He also had heavy socks and boots on his feet. Grampa looked comfortable in simple shorts and a t-shirt. Steam appeared to be rising up from the bayou as Gabriel cast out his rod. Quazum sat motionless, holding a bamboo pole, and seemed to be deep in thought.

“Nothing’s biting today,” finally mumbled Quazum as he watched the motionless cork.

“Check your bait. Make sure you still got the worm on there.”

When Quazum lifted his line out of the water, he saw the clean hook. He then immediately moved the hook line over to Grampa who was sitting next to the can of worms.

Gabriel put down his rod, grabbed the hook, then leaned down to the jar of worms. He then thought for a bit and stopped. “You know? I think it’s time you learn to bait your own hook.”

“No Grandpa. That’s gross. I thought you liked putting the worms on.”

“It’s just something you need to learn how to do,” answered Gabriel as he pushed over the jar of worms.

“I don’t know,” answered Quazum as he stared down. “I guess I can slide the worm onto the hook. It looks easy.”

“My dad used to always say,” remembered Gabriel as he stretched his legs. “If you give someone a fish, he can eat for a day. If you teach him to fish, he can eat the rest of his life.”

Quazum looked confused. “I guess if my Great Grandpa said it, it must be true.” He then carelessly opened the can pulling out worms.

Gabriel nervously watched as Quazum carelessly pulled off the lid. “Careful now! Don’t just open the can! See what can happen?”

“How am I supposed to get one out without opening the can?” asked Quazum as he struggled. “I’ve got to get at least one.”

“Now close the lid! Quick! You just need one worm!”

Quazum struggled to put the lid back on as the worms continued crawling out. “I got it. I got it,” said Quazum as he tried to pick up worms and put the lid back. The worms broke in half and fell to the bottom of the boat. “How do I get ‘em back?”

“Just leave them out. And keep an eye on them!” said Gabriel. “When you open a can of worms, you gotta be careful.”

“And what do I do with them?”

“You can use those worms when you bait your hook again,” answered Gabriel as he watched Quazum struggle to put the worm on the hook.

“The worm keeps moving. I can’t get the hook in.”

“Just go slow. Now break off the excess worm,” said Gabriel as he pointed. “Now you got it.”

Without hesitation, Quazum then put the leftover worm in his mouth and began chewing.

“No! I said these worms are strictly to be used for fish bait. You can eat a hand full of roaches when we get home.”

“I’m sorry,” said Quazum. “I just think these worms taste pretty good.”

“Your Mom’s going to be frying up these catfish, and that would cost a lot at a New Orleans restaurant.”

“I guess.”

Gabriel cast out the rod and began to slowly and skillfully reel in the line as Quazum watched curiously.

“When can I use the rod and reel,” asked Quazum. “It looks easy when you do it!”

“Before you can start casting out your bait, you have to know how to snag a fish.” answered Gabriel. “And all those skills come from experience. And your experience comes from lots of practice.”

Quazum was hardly paying attention when his cork started to bounce in the water. Gabriel noticed and began motioning, “Now tug your line. Quick! Your cork is moving.”

“What? I didn’t feel anything. How do I know?” Quazum finally lifted his line showing the clean hook and pulled it aside. “I just had the new worm. What happened to it?”

“You’ve got to keep your eye on the cork. Concentrate. When you see or feel a motion, you can snag the fish with one simple tug,” answered Gabriel. “You’ve just got to concentrate.”

“I was in complete concentration. I think these fish just don’t like me.” Quazum then dropped his clean hook back into the water and looked disappointed.

“Come on now. Grab one of those worms running loose at the bottom and put him on your line. No fish is going after a clean hook.”

Quazum finally laid down his pole, pulled out his bottle and took a long sip. “Want some, Grandpa?”

“You know I don’t drink that salt water.” Gabriel then cast his rod out and began to slowly reel in again.

Quazum took another swig and thought about the flavor. “Mom made this for me this morning. It’s really good. You should just try it.”

“No thank you. I got some homemade drink in my bottle. I’m fine.”

All is silent again before Quazum mumbles, “How come I don’t like plain water? I only like it salty. And I don’t like your homemade drink. I just seem to like a lot of weird stuff.”

“The stuff you like is normal,” insisted Gabriel. “That’s just the normal stuff all kids like.”

Quazum continued, “I also like the taste of worms and bugs. Something’s wrong with me.”

“You’re fine. Everyone’s taste for food is different.”

“And I don’t look like you and Mom either,” mumbled Quazum. “I’m just weird.”

“Hey! Don’t say that. How do you know it’s not me and your Mom that look different?”

Quazum then looked up at Gabriel and thought. “Y’all look just the same. I’m the only one that looks different.”

“Stop saying that! You’re perfect the way you are!”

Ben woke up when he heard Brenda talking to Mary in his dirty kitchen. “Just wake him up. It ain’t going to kill him.”

“I don’t know,” replied Mary. “Do you really think he can get me that kind of deal on a new car?”

“He promised, ‘Any car on the lot! You can drive it off with no first month’s payment, and a ‘special low interest rate’. That’s what he said!”

“Let’s just go see if there’s anything at his shop. It’s ‘New Used Cars’, isn’t it?”

Mary then walked over and peaked through the door at the motionless Ben, lying on top of the sheets. “But is he going to want something more? We already gave him a special one-night stand.”

“It’s time for him to step up, and pay up on his commitment,” mumbled Brenda. “Hey Ben?”

Ben finally climbed out of bed, made his way to the bathroom, and slammed the door.

Brenda then walked up and knocked politely. “Hey! Good morning to you too,” Brenda then whispered to Mary, “What’s his name again?”

“I think it’s Ben. Just ask him about the car promise.”

Brenda turned back and asked politely through the bathroom door, “I just wanted to know what hours we could come by that car store to look at the car trade-ins we talked about last night.”

There was no response from the bathroom as Mary turned back to Brenda who appeared confused. Mary finally asked politely, “Is there any time good for you that we can maybe come by the dealer?”

The sound of the flushing toilet suddenly echoed through the apartment before Ben walked out and back towards the bedroom.

“You know, there’s lots of salesmen down at the shop,” said Ben. “And they’re all looking for customers to dump those old crappy cars on. Just talk to one of them.”

“But you said these were for some top of the line used cars available at discount rates,” replied Mary.

“I want nothing to do with those crappy cars. Talk to any salesman.” Ben then lied back down on the bed and pulled up covers as Brenda walked up.

“Well, when are you going back to work at the shop?”

“I’m in no hurry.”

“And what you said last night? Was that all a big lie?”

Ben rolled over in bed before answering, “Yep.”

“Oh. It’s no wonder they fired you from Science Exploration,” replied Brenda as she grabbed her purse.

“You’re just a liar and a cheat! Let’s get out of here, Mary.” The door then slammed as the ladies walked out.

Ben lay motionless in bed and began thinking. He tried to close his eyes before he rolled over again and pounded on the pillow.

Quazum was trying to cast the rod while listening to Gabriel’s instruction when Lacy walked out. She was dressed in old clothes covering her body and a hat which covered her short hair. Lacy walked down to the side of the swamp and called out to the boys, “Hey! I’m going into town to do some shopping. Anything special I can get for y’all?”

“We caught a couple of fresh catfish. Get some cayenne pepper, spices, and cornmeal so you can fry up a hot spicy catfish dinner tonight!”

“I’m cooking some red beans right now,” answered Lacy with a smile. “They’ll be cooking all day, but I can hold that for tomorrow. Tonight, we can feast on that fresh catfish!”

“Oh boy! That sounds great!” announced Gabriel as he patted Quazum on the back. “Fresh catfish tonight and red beans and rice tomorrow!”

Lacy smiled and walked out to her clean car. “Oh! And I got some of my roast duck salad in the fridge. Y’all can make up a couple of sandwiches for lunch.”

Quazum suddenly yelled out, “Hey Mom?”

Lacy turned back and looked at the boys fishing. She began walking towards the boat before answering, “Yeah? What is it Quazum?”

“Can I come?”

“What? Why?” asked Lacy with a confused face. “What’s the matter?”

Gabriel began discouraging, “Strange people around this parish is the one thing you need to stay away from. Just be happy here with what you got.”

“I just want to walk around... See some stores... Maybe see the people I keep hearing about.” Quazum then turned and looked out towards the swamp. “And it’s just something I’ve never done.”

Lacy walked back down towards the boat. “Quazum, there’s nothing downtown you need to see. I promise you. All life outside this bayou is off limits. And that goes for you and your Grandpa. Y’all understand me?”

“But Mom... Why can’t I see everything for myself? Just once.”

“I’ll take some pictures with my phone,” replied Lacy. “You can see those when I get back. I promise.”

“Fine,” answered Quazum as he tried casting his rod.

Lacy thought for another second, and then walked back towards the swamp again. “Why don’t you fix those solar panels you put up on the roof? Maybe we can turn on the A/C this afternoon.”

“The panels are fine,” replied Quazum. “And if it rains, there won’t be enough power for air conditioning today.”

Lacy interrupted, “I don’t think we’re getting the electricity we used to get when you first built them.”

Quazum mumbled in response, “That’s because it's the rainy season. We just don’t get the same charge under the clouds.”

“Well, then maybe just clean them! Make them shine good as new.”

“That’s what the rain does, Mom. I told you,” replied Quazum. “Every afternoon now, they’re getting a good rinse.”

Gabriel and Lacy looked at depressed Quazum as he continued reeling in the baited rod. Lacy then made one last attempt. “Quazum, just start looking for something new you can take on. There’s gotta be something around here.”

“We’ll think of something,” answered Gabriel. “Go on into town. I’ve got some ideas for a new game.”

Lacy then turned and walked to her car. She started it up and drove down the dirt road leaving Quazum and Gabriel deep in thought.

Ben was lying in bed thinking before he finally climbed out and walked over to the computer on a messy desk.

With one finger, Ben typed in “S E A” on internet search.

Quickly, a million advertisements popped up with pictures of beaches and ocean vacations around the world.

Ben, then with two fingers, carefully typed out “Science Exploration Agency”. News articles began flashing on screen about the new mission planned in just a few weeks.

Computer voice began speaking up, “Science Exploration Agency is currently planning a new mission to the fourth moon in the Kepler Solar System, a return mission to Quazmopolis.”

Ben moved his finger across the screen and pushed on another picture. The computer continued, “Quazmopolis is a moon with a rare nitrogen, oxygen and water based atmosphere. Daily temperatures range more than one hundred seventy degrees. The space body cannot support life.”

Editorial news articles began popping up, and as Ben clicked on different pictures. The computer voice continued, “New mission is expected to cost forty-seven million dollars. Science Exploration will be making a second attempt to plant a form of life that can survive varying temperatures. Dr. William Palmer also plans to bring back traces of element combinations in a variety of colors and tones.”

Screen showed aerial photos and video which Ben remembered from exploration years before. The computer continued, “Explorers first discovered the nitrogen oxygen based atmosphere thirteen years ago but have never found signs of life. It is reported that strange unexplained mysteries have occurred on various missions near Quazmopolis.”

Ben clicked on photos and typed in more names. Computer continued, “In recent years, new aerial videography has shown unexplained motion among the rocks. Some scientists explain that winds and steam rising from the heat are the source of this motion on Quazmopolis.”

SEA pictures then popped up, and the computer continued, “On the last mission to Quazmopolis nothing new was discovered. A crew of scientists flew in a rechargeable Solar Jet and were able to land on the rock surface, but natural salt waters proved unable to support life. The mission lasted seven days, and SEA scientists continued examining evidence from the mission when the scientists returned.”

Ben was curious and continued studying on the computer screen when the clock next to the bed spoke up again. “Good afternoon, Ben. It will be a beautiful sunny afternoon in Southern California, and you should be reporting for work at New Used Cars in the next half hour. Temperatures will hit highs in the lower eighties. We’ll have clear skies and light winds blowing in from the west. Meetings you have scheduled today are for Chevy Impala, and...”

“Shut up!” yelled Ben.

Clock voice was then quiet, and Ben continued studying the computer. When Ben clicked a photo of Chris, the computer voice continued, “Chris Evans studied Geographical Science at Northwestern University and began working at Science Exploration Agency after graduation. He received a Master's Degree in Scientific Research.”

Ben touched icons on the screen causing more information about his personal life, “Chris Evans is married to June Evans, and they have three children living in Southern California.”

Pictures of Ben’s wife, kids and family then began popping up. “The Evans wedding took place nine years ago and Chris’s children go to schools near the Science Exploration Agency Headquarters. Chris will be taking part again in the new mission to Quazmopolis.”

Ben seemed confused as he clicked on pictures and read about other scientists. Computer continued, “Pilot Paul Jenkins was pilot of Solar Jet on the first mission, and Jenkins will be co-pilot on the new mission riding in a new optimum powered Solar Jet. Dr. Oliver handled much of the testing of scientists and explorers after the return of the first mission.”

Original scientists' pictures began popping up showing all were still working at SEA and involved in the upcoming mission,

“Scheduled mission will be testing colors and element combinations of stone with new attempts to sustain life on Quazmopolis surface by planting a new bonding composite base.

Numerous articles and news packages flashed, before Ben finally saw a picture of Lacy standing in the back of the crew of scientists taken before the last mission to Quazmopolis. Ben touched Lacy’s face and zoomed in to see details.

Computer spoke out, “Scientist, Lacy Meaux, grew up in South Louisiana and was seriously injured on the second day of the Quazmopolis first exploration. Lacy Meaux claimed to see motion and possible life forms, but doctors concluded all visions were caused by unnatural heat and possible brain concussion.”

Ben was amazed with the new information and zoomed in on more photos and information. Computer continued, “Lacy Meaux spent one week in confinement after the mission, as scientists performed tests. Lacy Meaux left Science Exploration one week after the first exploration, and has no records of communication since the mission.”

After more searches and clicks, the computer announced, “No further documentation of Lacy Meaux activities are in archive since leaving the Science Exploration Agency.”

Curiously, Ben then clicked on maps and phone book information around the city and about the Meaux family in Louisiana, but nothing was coming up. The computer then spoke out again, “No records of Lacy Meaux in California or family in Louisiana can be found.”

Ben typed some more, touched the screen and clicked the mouse. “Gabriel Meaux and wife were married in Louisiana and had one child, Lacy Meaux. No further records or documentation can be found.”

Ben looked at the clock and finally got up from the computer and walked around the bedroom picking up old clothes. As he walked by the mirror, he reluctantly turned to see the unshaven face and messy hair. Ben thought for a beat, pulled on pants and shirt, then rushed out the door towards his old dirty car, parked in the driveway.

“Ben Thomas?” Ms. Reed, the landlord said as she stepped out blocking Ben’s path to his car. “You’re late on your rent again. You’ve got an unpaid housing debt, late electric and phone bills, and a dirty run-down car sitting in my driveway.”

“Sorry Ms. Reed,” replied Ben as he opened the door. “I should have all the rent money by this afternoon. And I’ll get a car wash too. Nothing to worry about.” Ben then climbed in.

“I told you. It’s not something we’re willing to put up with anymore. It’s been going on for a long time, and we got lots of successful families looking to rent.”

“It’s not a problem, Ms. Reed. Gotta go!”

Ben quickly backed out of the driveway in a hurry and waved when the car computer began to talk, “Good afternoon, Ben. Interstate ten is backed up, but an easier route through the streets of Southern California can get you to work a lot faster.”

“Shut up!” Ben yelled at the car speaker. “Computer suggestions stop.” Ben then raced up the street self-driving before noticing his car was running low on power.

Ben drove onto the crowded freeway, then sat motionless in traffic, looking at the clock and banging his hands on the steering wheel. He continued thinking about and reliving the nightmare from a decade ago.

“Do they look dirty to you?” Gabriel yelled up to Quazum who was climbing across the roof examining the solar panels. Before going out of sight, Quazum carefully took one of the panels apart and began measuring angles and making minor adjustments.

“They look fine.”

Gabriel seemed nervous, “What are you doing up there?”

“I’m just adjusting the tilt on the photovoltaic angle,” answered Quazum. “It’ll draw a stronger charge in the morning.”

“Is that the problem? Will that bring us more power?

“It’s just a small adjustment. The power will continue to be high through the sunny day and slow down under afternoon clouds and rain.”

“What about the dirty panels?” asked Gabriel. “Do you need some window spray? I can get some soap from under the sink!”

“Not a problem. The panels are fine. And it’s probably going to rain again this afternoon. The rain will clean debris from the solar module, and we’ll then be receiving full power again.” Quazum then crawled across to the other side of the roof and began making adjustments to the satellite dish.

“What are you doing now?” asked Gabriel as he watched the moving side dish.

“It’s just the satellite I set up for the computer. I’m just going to make another adjustment.”

“What will that do?”

“It just allows for greater internet reception,” replied Quazum. “Faster computer games.”

“I can do without computer ‘recession’. That’s not important,” answered Gabriel impatiently. “As long as we’re getting power for your Mom’s cooking, that’s good enough.”

“Every little bit helps.” Quazum then walked back across the roof to the side ladder.

“I didn’t have power. And I didn’t know what a computer even was, before your Mom moved back home.”

“Pow!” Lightning suddenly struck in the sky, making a loud crashing sound. Quazum raced down the ladder at the side of the house and headed for the cabin door.

“That’s it? You think that’s enough?” asked Gabriel.

“That’s enough for now, Grandpa. We’ve got a thunderstorm on its way in. We should go inside before the rain starts.”

Gabriel and Quazum then ran onto the porch as the rain began to fall. Quazum turned and looked up at the sky, “Mom’s going to have a hard time driving that car back in the mud.”

“She’ll be all right,” answered Gabriel. “These showers should be done in about an hour.”

“Maybe we should just lay down some fresh gravel.

“She’s fine. Let’s just go in the house,” said Grampa as the rain began pouring down.

Paul, the sales manager at the car dealer was out discussing cars with patrons on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The main lobby area looked crowded, with the old couple asking questions to Paul. The two ladies, Brenda and Mary, stood alone.

When Ben walked in, he looked sloppy, unshaven with the messy hair, and headed right over to the kitchen area. “What are you doing?” asked Paul as he ran over to see Ben pouring his big cup of coffee. “You’re late again! And we’ve got customers just waiting. I can’t continue putting up with this.”

“Sorry I’m late,” replied Ben as he took a sip from his coffee mug. “I got backed up in traffic on the freeway, and I’m just a little late. Won’t happen again.”

“I don’t want to hear excuses! You’re over an hour late. Just start selling!” Paul then turned and walked back over to the waiting customers.

Ben looked around before noticing Brenda and Mary and thinking about last night. He then reluctantly walked over and pretended to be sincere. “So do you see the car you were looking for? We’ve got a wide assortment of unique automobiles perfect for the everyday activities around Southern California.”

“We want to know about the classic Volkswagen we talked about last night,” answered Brenda. “Can you tell us about the unique style and historical value?”

“And why did they change the classic shape that made them so special?”

Ben rolled his eyes, and continued the rehearsed speech, “The Volkswagen changed style and shape in the nineteen eighties, but that simple change dramatically increased the value of that original design, of the curved shape, with the engine in the back. That’s something that has not been duplicated since, and just makes this original design priceless!”

“So what kind of deal can you get us?” asked Brenda.

Ben thought for a second, before changing the subject. “I want to ask you girls something. What else can you tell me about Chris?”

“Who?” asked Mary. “What are you talking about?”

“You said you knew one of the scientists at SEA last night, Chris Evans. I looked him up, and the computer said he was married with kids. Is that true?”

“Yeah! Chris has been married a long time!” replied Brenda. “Since that last mission!”

“How do you know?” asked Ben.

“I used to baby-sit for him when he and his wife had their babies,” said Brenda with a confused look. “I was friends with his Mom.”

“Did he ever date a girl from Science Exploration? A scientist named Lacy?”

“I don’t know,” answered Mary. “Chris Evans had the same girlfriend... since they were in college! We used to double date.”

Ben stood deep in thought. He then pulled out his computer phone and scrolled down looking at mail and searching the Science Exploration website.

“So, what about the Volkswagen?” asked Mary again. “What kind of deal can we get?”

“I don’t know,” mumbled Ben as he was reading. “Just look around. I’ll be right back with you.”

People around the shop continued standing around waiting for help. The older couple was looking at the Toyota again, and Ben was being bombarded with questions from other car shoppers.

Ben ignored the confrontations and was reading from his phone, when Manager Paul walked over again asked politely, “Ben, can you help this experienced couple looking for information on the Toyota?”

“I’m sorry,” replied Ben as he turned and walked towards the entrance door. “I’ve got some important business to attend to now.”

“Ben?” said Paul. “If you walk out that door right now, you’re never coming back. Did you hear what I said?”

Ben looked back when he got to the door. “I gotta go.” Ben then turned and continued out pulling the door closed behind him.

Gabriel and Quazum were sitting in chairs in front of a chess table. Gabriel was deeply concentrating on the chess game, while Quazum had a lot on his mind.

“Grandpa, do any other kids have skin like mine?” Quazum examined his strange colored, partially invisible hands and fingers and compared them to Gabriel’s hand.

“Your hands are just normal,” answered Gabriel. “Stop thinking about that stuff.”

“How ‘bout my short arms and my skin changing colors? Does anyone else look like me?”

“I told you. You’re just like kids ‘round the world. Everyone’s different in some way.”

Quazum then slid his chess queen across the table, and asked, “Do the other kids talk like me? I mean do they have a big mouth like mine and a long tongue?”

Gabriel was deep in thought and stared down at the table. “Is it my move?”

“Yes, it’s your move,” answered Quazum as he leaned back. “I want to meet some of these other kids like me. Maybe I can go to a school? Or maybe just have some friends come over.”

“No. You can’t be having friends over. Stop talking like that.”

Gabriel then moved his bishop and took the queen. “Ha! You didn’t see that coming, did you!”

Quazum then quickly slid over his castle in line with Gabriel’s king. “Check mate.”

“Wait. You never said ‘check’?”

“I didn’t have you in check. Just checkmate,” replied Quazum as he got up and walked over to his container of live roaches. He then opened the lid, reached in and grabbed a one.

“I want to go into town,” said Quazum. “I want to see what stores look like. Maybe meet some people on the streets. Maybe I can go shopping? I just think it’s my time.”

Thunder and lightning crashed outside as Quazum walked around the room chewing on the roach. “The next time Mom wants to go into the big city. I’m going to ride with her.”

Gabriel continued studying the chess board trying to figure out what happened. “No Quazum. It’s like your Momma told you. She doesn’t want you off of this property.”

“I think it’s my right. I can head out into town with or without you and Mom. I’m ten years old.”

Gabriel then got up and walked into the kitchen. “Walking ‘round a big city may sound like a lot of fun, but it’s not. You go into run-down stores. You look at silly stuff. You sit in a restaurant ordering stale food that’s been sitting in dirty pots and pans. You see all kinds of people doing all kinds of stupid things. It’s all a waste of time.”

“Yeah?” asked Quazum with a curious face. “So why can’t I do it? I got time to waste.”

“Because,” answered Gabriel. “When it’s all over, you’re going to want to come right back here and be with your family. You’re going to want to have the same life you grew up with. But you’ll be stuck. It’s just like opening that can of worms.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Once you open that can of worms,” said Gabriel. “The worms will be climbing all over, and there’ll be no way to ever get them back in. Like what happened in the boat.”

Quazum looked confused, “How do you know I can’t get them back in?”

“That’s basically what happened to your Mom. She went off exploring all these crazy places around the universe and found nothing new. She went to some moon in another solar system. And it was all just a waste of time and a lot of money.”

“It was called Quazmopolis with an extreme hot and cold climate. I did some reading.”

“Yeah, well she went out on the big exploration, but in the end, she...” Gabriel stopped to think about what he was saying. “In the end, she just wanted to move back home to Back Bayou, the old Louisiana swampland where she grew up. She just sealed back up her can of worms and came home. And that’s not easy.”

“So, who’s my father? Does she know?”

“What? What business is that of yours?”

Quazum looked confused before he replied, “I have a right to know. Who’s my Dad? Do you even know?”

“I believe he was some scientist, her boyfriend. But only your Mom knows that... And she’s the only one that has the right to know.”

“Which scientist was he? Am I even allowed to ask?”

“No,” answered Gabriel as he got up. “She had a boyfriend and got pregnant on her last mission. Now she doesn’t want to talk about it, or relive it... And that’s her right.”

“Honk! Honk!”

Suddenly, the small car of Lacy was honking as it came driving up in the rain. Gabriel and Quazum got up and walked over to the door.

“Hey Quazum?” mumbled Gabriel. “That little conversation we just had... about Lacy, and your Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“That’s to be kept between you and me.”

“What’s the big deal?” asked Quazum. “I can’t ask questions about my father, and questions about life outside of the Back Bayou.”

“No. it’s none of your business,” answered Gabriel. “Now let’s go help your Mom.”

The rain was storming down as Gabriel and Quazum walked out to help Lacy carry in bags of groceries. Thunder and lightning continued to strike as they stepped around puddles.

“What did you get?” asked Gabriel.

“Mom, did you take some pictures?”.

“I got everything we need. And yes, I took some pictures. Now help me carry this stuff in.”

Quazum and Gabriel carried bags as Lacy closed up the car in the rain. She then watched Quazum wearing the hat, jacket and boots and his color changing body from behind. She stood in the rain thinking before she grabbed the last bag and rushed back to the house through the rain.