meeting mother

Emerging from behind the corner was a spectacle that captured my still-forming imagination, a sight both wonderful and strange. A blue flying orb of light danced in the air, its luminous glow casting ethereal patterns on the walls. Following close behind was a towering figure, an entity so massive it dwarfed both the creatures carrying me and the mysterious blue light.

The giant's approach was accompanied by a sense of gravity and authority, every step a testament to power and presence. "Hey, what are y'all doing with Alexander?" it demanded, its voice rich and resonant. "Y'all are holding him wrong also, I think?"

The response from the creature carrying my head was a series of unintelligible sounds, an exotic melody that seemed to carry meaning and intent. "Ooga ooha agooh," it chirped, its voice filled with innocence and confusion.

"If he is crying, you come to us. You don't bring him to us. Or at least go tell his parents he is crying. Anyways, where is Thea?" The giant's voice took on a softer, more patient tone as it towered over us, eyes filled with concern.

"Agooha hooga," the creatures replied in unison, their voices a harmonious blend of the strange and the wonderful.

The conversation continued, a dance of sound and meaning that swirled around me like a mesmerizing symphony. Names were mentioned, Thea, Mark, individuals who were part of this strange new world, but still unknown to me. References to training and day-to-day activities added layers to the narrative, hints of a broader story that was slowly unfolding.

"I swear twelve years isn't enough for me to remember everyone's day-to-day activities. Well, just set him on this couch," the giant finally instructed, pointing to a large structure barely shorter than the creatures carrying me.

With a grace that belied their bizarre appearance, the creatures complied, gently placing me on the plush surface. The feeling was a new sensation, a luxurious embrace that cradled me in comfort.

I looked around, taking in the room with eyes that were slowly adjusting to the wonder and complexity of this new reality. The blue ball of light hovered nearby, its glow a comforting presence. The giant settled into a nearby chair, its enormous frame a study in contrasts, powerful yet gentle, imposing yet kind. Its eyes, filled with wisdom and understanding, met mine.

"I'm guessing you're curious about who I am. You can call me Uncle Cyrus," he rumbled, his deep voice imbued with warmth, his eyes twinkling with a knowledge that seemed to span eons. It was as if he could see into my very soul, deciphering thoughts and feelings that were still beyond my own understanding.

"I can tell you are going to enjoy your stay here," he continued, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Welp, I'm going to go find your mother." With those words, he unfolded himself from the chair, his movements graceful and measured, and began to make his way towards the labyrinthine hallways that beckoned beyond the room.

I watched him go, entranced by the sway of his stride, the quiet confidence that marked his every step. He was a figure of mystery and benevolence. The creatures who had brought me, Eleos and Koe, remained nearby, their strange and endearing faces watching me with an inscrutable curiosity. Their connection to Uncle Cyrus, to this place, and to me was still an enigma, a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Left to my own devices, I found my infant curiosity drawn to the grandeur of the elegantly adorned room. Its massive expanse was filled with an array of fascinating objects, an eclectic collection that teased the senses and begged to be explored. From the luxurious softness of the furniture to the gleaming surfaces of intricate ornaments, the room was a treasure trove of sensory delights.

The "couch" I reclined upon was but the beginning. Around me were other objects, some resembling the soft embrace of my resting place, others more rigid, more mysterious. Some small and delicate, others large and imposing. My mind, still fresh and unburdened by the complexities of life, ran wild with ideas and imaginings. The possibilities seemed endless, and I was caught in a whirlpool of wonder and delight, a dance of discovery that was as joyous as it was profound.

In my excitement, I let out a giggle, a spontaneous expression of pure joy that escaped my lips as a soft squeak. The sound, so innocent and unassuming, seemed to reverberate through the room, its echoes touching something deep within my otherworldly companions, Eleos and Koe.

The reaction was immediate and unexpected. They recoiled, their strange faces registering shock and bewilderment. Their eyes, wide and unblinking, fixed upon me as if I had uttered a sound unlike anything they had ever heard before.

A new voice, strong and resonant, echoed through the halls, pulling me from my reverie. Another tall giant appeared, rubbing their face and yawning, weariness etched into their features. They were not just any giant, though. This one was different, special. Something about them spoke of strength and grace, of love and warmth. I knew, without knowing how, that this giant was connected to me in a way that transcended the ordinary.

"Cyrus, it's too early! Why are you waking me up? It better not be about that raccoon again. We aren't keeping a raccoon," they said, their voice tinged with exasperation.

"It's mid-day. Anyways Crazy how you won't let me have a raccoon, but you would pop out this thing," Uncle Cyrus replied, a teasing note in his voice as he gestured toward me.

"What thing did I pop out?" the new giant questioned, confusion creasing their brow.

"You already forgot about Alexander? I know you fell asleep as soon as he came out, but damn, you carried him for almost a year," Uncle Cyrus said, his voice filled with amusement.

"Alexander?" they asked, rubbing their face before pausing. Our eyes met, locked in a moment of recognition, a connection that went beyond mere sight. Time seemed to stand still as we gazed at each other, two souls reaching across the void to touch something profound and eternal.

"Alexander! Eleos, Koe, get out of here! Wait, why is he in here? What happened?" the giant asked, their voice rising with concern.

Uncle Cyrus began to explain, his words a gentle flow of reassurance and information. Eleos and Koe, the curious green beings, shuffled nervously, their strange noises forming a soft background to the conversation. They had heard me crying and had tried to help, but their actions had only led to more confusion.

As the words washed over me, I realized that the new giant was my mother. The knowledge settled within me, a truth that was as natural and as comforting as the soft glow of the blue ball of light that still hovered nearby.

My mother's touch was as soft and delicate as the first rays of dawn breaking over a slumbering world. Her eyes, filled with an immeasurable tenderness, looked into mine with a depth of understanding that transcended mere words. I felt her warmth enveloping me, a nurturing embrace that resonated deep within my very soul.

"You sure it's mine? It's so soft, delicate, and so cute," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe and affection.

"It sure is yours, Thea. I should know, only you, Mai, and Areia were in that room, and I don't think they were as fat as you were," Uncle Cyrus responded, his tone playfully teasing, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

A brief moment of silence filled the room, punctuated only by the soft rustle of the curtains and the gentle hum of the blue orb. Then, quick as a flash, Thea's hand shot out, connecting with a resounding bonk to Uncle Cyrus's head.

"Hey, watch it!" Uncle Cyrus exclaimed, rubbing his head and feigning a pout. "I was merely observing the facts."

Thea's eyes narrowed, a mock glare taking form, but the corners of her mouth twitched as she fought back a smile. "You better watch your facts, or I might just have to teach you some manners."

A ripple of laughter filled the room, a joyous sound that brought a smile to my lips. The mood had shifted, and the tension dissolved, replaced by an atmosphere of love and camaraderie. A ripple of laughter filled the room, a joyous symphony that was both welcoming and warm. It bounced off the walls, each echo resonating with a shared sense of joy and contentment. For a brief, shining moment, everything was perfect. The tensions of the day had dissipated, replaced by an atmosphere of love and camaraderie that suffused the air with a gentle glow.

But just as quickly as the laughter had spread, a new sound emerged. It was a low, rumbling noise, primal and insistent. It was my stomach, voicing its discontent in no uncertain terms. I was hungry, and the more I thought about it, the more the realization grew within me, expanding like a balloon that threatened to burst.

My eyes widened, and I looked up at my mother, my Uncle Cyrus, my strange new family, hoping that they would understand, that they would know what to do. But the noise continued to grow, an insistent demand that refused to be ignored.

And then, as the pressure became too much to bear, I began to cry.

It was a cry that started deep within me, a wail that was both a plea and a protest. It was a cry that spoke of hunger and need, of confusion and frustration. It was a cry that demanded attention, that called out for comfort and care.

The room fell into silence, the laughter abruptly cut off, replaced by a look of concern that spread across my mother's face. She looked down at me, her eyes wide, her hands reaching out to me.

"What's wrong? Why is he crying?" Thea's voice, gentle and full of concern, filled the room as she looked at me, tears streaming down my face.

"Might be hungry," Uncle Cyrus replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Ok… Well, what do I do?" Thea asked, her eyes wide with confusion.

"Feed it milk like what a cow would do. You know," Uncle Cyrus said, nudging her playfully.

"No, I don't know. I never learned anything about this…" Thea's voice trailed off, uncertainty in her eyes.

"Well, Thea, you know. I'll turn around to give you privacy." Uncle Cyrus said, his voice filled with nervous laughter.

At this point, Eleos chimed in, "Ooha oga hoo."

"What did they say?" Thea asked, turning to Uncle Cyrus.

"Well, you know how your things have been growing. They are used on Alexander. Eleos was just explaining how you have to use them to feed him, you know," Uncle Cyrus explained, his face turning red.

"Oh…"With those words, she scooped me up, holding me close to her chest, her warmth a comforting presence. As she moved towards a more private space, I could feel her heartbeat, steady and strong, a reassuring reminder that I was safe, that I was loved.

We entered a new room, adorned with the gentle touch of tranquility. Soft, comforting colors painted the walls, and the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air. My mother, Thea, settled into a plush chair, nestling me into her arms with the grace and care only a mother could muster.

The door closed behind us, Uncle Cyrus, Eleos, and Koe departing to give us privacy. Their absence left a silence that was at once both peaceful and profound, a hush that spoke of the intimacy of the moment.

Thea looked down at me, her eyes brimming with emotions that seemed to dance between joy, trepidation, and an overwhelming sense of love. She brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead, her touch feather-light. As I began to feed I drifted into contented sleep, lulled by the rhythm of my mother's heartbeat