A middle-aged man sat in a booth at a popular eating establishment in a small, traditional town. Signs of the daily specials were plastered across the front window. Shiny red leather benches, metal polka-dotted tables, and white tiled floors set the scene for all customers that were having a late dinner. The cook in the kitchen wiped grease off his spatula on his dingy white apron as he flipped more of the daily specials on the large flat grill in front of him. Waitresses wore faded blue outfits with plastic white flowers holding their nametags as they delivered orders with a nice polite smile.

            “Here is your order of Biscuits and Gravy, Harry,” said the waitress with the nametag saying Margie as she placed a large plate of grey sausage gravy drowning two buttermilk biscuits. Her voice had that southern twang that many had in this part of the world. “Never understand why you order off the breakfast menu when it is dinner time. Luckily, Mel doesn’t mind since you always leave a generous tip.” She gave him a wink. Harry gave her a smile as he noticed she was wearing very long false eyelashes. He had never noticed those before because there were other traits she had below the neck that drew his attention. “Do you want another beer?”

            He gave her a nod as he grabbed his fork and began to shovel thick sausage gravy into his large mouth. Drips of gravy began to collect in his large black beard. He grabbed his napkin, not wanting to dirty his tie-dye shirt and velvet vest. Margie placed another beer on the table, gave him a pat on his shoulder and went to serving other customers. He sliced into his biscuit with the side of his fork and took a large bite. He savored the taste of tender, flaky bread soaked in the drippings of sausage, flour, and milk accompanied with greasy sausage bits. He closed his eyes and sighed knowing he had been waiting all day to taste what he thought was heaven on earth. He took a swig of the beer to cleanse his palette, excited to continue his very late breakfast. To his surprise, he saw a young woman with long blonde hair sitting in his booth on the bench across from him. Her sparkling blue eyes widen as her thin red lips smiled. Her pure white dress seemed to glisten like newly fallen snow. The design of the ornament on her necklace caught Harry’s eye. It appeared to be diamond shaped where the top and bottom were rotating in different directions. Harry rolled his eyes and sighed.

            “Hello, Harris,” said the young woman. Her voice was soft and pleasing. “It appears that you are not happy to see me.”

            “The less I see of you the better,” replied Harry. “Only time you come to see me is when you don’t like what I am doing.”

            “Well, Harris. That is my job.” She shrugged her thin shoulders. “Someone has to keep an eye on you. Warn you of coming events.” Her eyes narrowed and the smile disappeared. “You never make it easy.”

            “If our conversations didn’t feel like you as a military general and me a lonely private…then maybe I would enjoy these wonderful visits. If you threw in a strip search once in a while, I would not complain as much.” He took another large bite and smiled with gravy slowly oozing from the right side of his mouth.

            She slowly shook her head and smiled. “Oh, Harris. I do not know how we put up with you.” Harry returned the smile. “Oh. By the way, Harris.” She slowly leaded forward and whispered, “I am invisible to everyone except you.”

            Harry’s eyes widen and his face went pale. He slowly turned his head towards the other customers in the diner. He saw many stares, while others slowly smiled or quickly looked away. His face turned red as he quickly turned back to the young woman and whispered, “You could have warned me.”

            “Where is the joy in that, Harris.” Her smile was much bigger now. “I love your outfit by the way. So stylish.”

            “A gift from my son,” whispered Harry while giving a side glance to nosy customers.

            “Harris. I always can tell when you are lying,” she quietly scolded while slowly shaking her head. “You have had that outfit for years. You were desperately waiting for the perfect opportunity to show it to the people of this small town.” He saw another large smile. “You are so hoping someone compliments you.”

            Harry slowly shook his head while taking another bite. He scratched his nose with his middle finger long enough for her to notice.

            “I see you have embraced some of the crude local customs.” Harry saw her eyes narrowed, but her lips showed a small smile. “Now that we are all caught up, let me tell you the reason I am here. With me being invisible to all but you, hopefully you will not interrupt.” Harry shrugged. He saw her face turn serious. “You know that little secret that you said would never be discovered. Well, we believe it is about to be discovered.”

            Harry gave a snort and then quickly coughed. He took another drink of beer and then a quick bite while shaking his head.

            “Your reaction tells me you do not believe me, but Harris…we are almost certain.”

            “That is impossible,” whispered Harry while pretending to look out the front window.

            “Yes, Harris. You have told us numerous times, but we believe that a certain…let’s say unique…group of nine are about to stumble upon your secret.”

            “Well, that is just plain bull—”

            “Harris. Look at me.” Harry looked directly at her eyes. “Does it look like I am joking? When have you ever found us to be wrong?”

            Harry felt his temperature rising. He began to scratch his beard showing his nervous habit. He then took the last bite of his very late breakfast and then finished off his beer. He slammed the bottle hard against the table which frighten the customers at the next table. He then stared at the young woman. The ends of her lips curled while her eyes grew twice their size. Harry then pulled a wad of money from his pocket and placed a couple of bills on the table and then stood up.

            “Harris, I know you do not believe me, but there is a certain Dagon that we believe will—”

            Harry quickly bent down with both hands on the table and looked directly at the invisible woman. “A talking fish! You cannot be serious!” Harry stared at her for a small moment and then rolled his eyes, smirked and then proceeded to walk towards the exit.

            “Harry!” said Mel who was now out of the kitchen and standing at the front counter. His dingy white apron had many more grease stains. “Man, are you ok?”

            Harry waved him off. “Just been a long week. I am practicing for the fight that I am expecting to have with Julie later.”

            Mel gave a large smile while shaking his head. He removed his small white chef hat and rubbed the top of his bald head. “If you need to practice in here…maybe, you should do it quieter. You’re scaring my customers.”

            Harry gave a kind smile. “Sorry. I think it was the beer talking.” He looked back at his booth and saw the young blonde hair woman was gone. He looked back to Mel. “Thursday night, right?”

            “Every Thursday is poker night,” said Mel with a nod. “It is your turn to bring the beer.”

            Harry started walking towards the exit once again. “I will only bring Olympia beer. None of that Bud crap.” Mel gave him a wave and a smile. As Harry was coming to the exit, a young brunette woman gave Harry the once over.

            “I love your outfit,” she said with what Harry thought was a flirtatious smile.

            Harry returned the same smile and then recalled what his invisible visitor had said which quickly removed his smile. He then exited the diner and found himself face to face with the same young blonde woman.

            “Harris, we need to talk.”

            Harry removed a pair of bright white framed sunglasses and placed them on his face and gave her a large smile and then walked away. The warm night made for a pleasant evening which had drawn crowds of people to the downtown area of this small town. With the many different activities happening, no one seemed to notice the stylish, tall, slender man walking confidently the downtown sidewalks at night with heavy shades, a tie-dye shirt, velvet vest, bell-bottom pants and white sparkling boots. The grand opening of the K-Mart was too much of a distraction for people to notice the unique individual walking with a definite pep in his step. As he came around the corner, he was met with a crowd of people, all carrying shopping bags with the big “K”. They were all talking excitedly about their purchases and walked around Harry without even noticing him. He slouched as he watched them pass. He then saw the same young blonde woman standing directly in front of him.

            “Harris. Please.”

            He gave her a small smile. The bright white lights of the city streets shined into his sunglasses. He stepped closer to her and spoke to her in a whisper, while looking around, “I am not talking to you while you pretend to be ‘Casper the Friendly Ghost’. Make yourself visible and we can talk.” He then walked past her in the same confident attitude.  

            “How is this,” she yelled to him, while holding out her arms.

            Harry turned around to find the same young blonde woman, now dressed in a t-shirt that said, “The Beatles” and a pair of tight blue jeans. He stepped back towards her and looked her over. “Not my first choice in music, but I love how low-cut it is.” A smile appeared on his lips. “Nice rack.” He lowered his sunglasses and gave her a wink. He turned and began walking in the same direction.

            She rolled her eyes and looked down at her shirt. Like magic, she increased the size of the shirt to her neck with a simple brush of her finger. Then her eyes narrowed, and her lips frowned. She then brought the collar of the shirt down half-way from its original position. She then ran to catch up to Harry. “Harris, there are events happening as we speak that is crucial to you and your…secret.”

            “There is always stuff happening in this wide-open Universe,” said Harry as he continued walking down the street. He was seemingly giving little attention to his tagalong. “You guys are always too worried about these tiny, little, inconspicuous events happening.” He turned and looked at the young woman. “The secret is safe.” He then continued the same path. More crowds of people passed them, all with similar shopping bags.

            “Harris, we believe this is very different,” said the young blonde woman. She was having a hard time keeping up with him while dodging all the people. “We are seeing that current events will lead to your ‘secret’ being discovered which will lead to something catastrophic.”

            “Listen, lady who shows up to yell at me almost once a week,” Harry said while admiring a young group of women. One of the women looked his direction. He returned a smile and a wink. “You are the ones who told me that I could stay on this lonely little planet so many…”

            “Harris, I know what we said and may I say it has been wonderful having to take care of you all these…”

            “I know sarcasm when I hear it,” Harry said as he turned towards the young blonde woman and immediately swung his head around upon seeing another woman smile at him.

            “Harris, please try to pay attention,” said the young blonde woman as she dodged more people. “This is extremely important.”

            The woman who had smiled and a friend had stopped and were having a conversation with Harry. He was giving them a tour of his outfit. “I created these boots myself. Quite easy to do. So, you ladies from…”

            “Harris!” yelled the young blonde woman. “I need to talk to you now!”

            Harry swung around with his eyes twice their size. The two women and a few of the surrounding crowd gave her the same look. He saw the young blonde woman’s face and knew he had no choice. He gave the two young woman a shrug and a smile and then approached his tagalong. “You are ruining my night.”

            “Harris, please.”

            He extended his hand, and she followed his lead. After a few moments of awkward silence Harry asked, “So…what is so urgent?”

            “Harris,” she said sternly. “We believe it is going to be discovered and the likely events will be that…”

            “Everything is safe,” said Harris as he quickly turned and looked directly at her. His eyes were narrowed, and his jaw clenched. He tilted his head and scratched his beard. “You have to trust me on this, whoever you are?” His brow furrowed. “Why don’t I know your name? Did you do something to me that made me forget?”

            “No, Harris. It is probably because I am not one of your many…what do you call it again? Oh, yes…conquests.” Harry gave a small smirk. “I have told you numerous times. My name is Helena.”

            “I knew it started with an ‘H’,” said Harry while shaking his head. He began walking down the sidewalk. “I knew your name was not Heather, because there is no way I can forget Heather,” he placed his hands out in front of his chest and smiled, “if you know what I mean…”

            “Damn it, Harris! Will you just listen to me for one minute.” Harry thought he actually saw smoke coming from her ears.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

            He walked back to her and leaned down so his face was inches from her. “Listen, Helen,”

            “Helena,”

            “Helena. We worked on this plan for years. We made it impossible for anybody to find. The secret is safe. No one is going to be able to find it in that gigantic cloud of dust.”  

            She held out her hand. His eyes narrowed. “Do you want to see them?”

            “You can show me?” Harry gave her a smile. “That is impossible. The nebula is clear across the Universe. Way too far to leap.”

            “It is actually only seven quadrants away,” Helena said with a crooked smile. “All you have to do is take my hand and I will show you the nine individuals that are to discover your secret.”

            “You’d do anything to hold my hand,” Harry said as he turned and walked away. “But I am not that easy.”

            “Harris, you need to see them. You need to know who they are.” She began running again to catch up with him. “Harris, please.”

            He immediately stopped and began walking up a flight of stairs. “Sorry, Helen. But I have other plans. The Season Premiere of the Mary Tyler Moore Show is tonight.”

            “Harris!” she yelled up the stairs. “Why do you have to be so difficult?!”

            Harry opened the door to his apartment. “Thank you, Helen. I had a great time. Maybe next time I will let you get to first base.” He gave her a wink and shut the door. As he turned around, Helena was directly in front of him. “Holy Hell!” He jumped back and slammed against the door. “You do not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

            “Harris,” she said with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw. She slowly shook her head. “You do not understand how important this is.”

            “How long have I been on this planet?” Harry asked with his noted smile.

            “It seems like forever,” said Helena while rolling her eyes.

            “Yes, it has been a long time,” said Harry as he walked past her and stood in the family room of his two-bedroom apartment. The carpet was a light blue with many beer stains found throughout. A large couch with bright orange flowers sat behind him with a thirteen-inch big box television to the side. “That is my point. It has been forever, and nothing has happened. Why do you think that this time will be any different?”

            “Harris,” she said with a smile while shaking her head. “Time is not important.”

            “It is important to me,” said Harry while he fell back on his couch. “I have been stuck in this hell for years.” He reached over and grabbed an empty beer can. He shook it and slammed it down.

            “You really think this place is hell,” said Helena with a smile and tilting her head.

            Harry grabbed the receiver of the rotary phone sitting on the side table next to the couch. He stretched out the cord to show how far it reached. He reached over to the base of the phone and placed his finger in the number “9” hole. He then rotated it and then let go. He gave her a smile as he waited for the rotary to return to its original position. “How can you say that this is not hell?”

            “So, it is the phone that makes you mad?”

            “That and that I have do that six more times to make a local call!” He slammed down the receiver. “And look at this beast that they call a television!” He held out his hands toward the television. “I have to wait ten minutes after I turn it on for the vertical hold to fix!” He stood up and grabbed the long-extended antenna sitting on top of the television. “And who in the hell thought this was a great idea? Look at this!” He grabbed both ends of the antenna and moved it up and down, while shaking his head. “What moron thought this was great technology? I have to move it every time to catch the shows I want to watch. And…”

            “Harris…”

            “Guess what they say is their greatest achievement in the last fifty years.” He stared at her waiting for an answer. She only stared back with a smile. He threw up his hands in the air. “They landed on the moon!”

            “Harris…please”

            He began to walk around the room and talk with his hands. “I come from a world where we traveled to thousands of galaxies and here, I am on a world with humans that celebrate that they were able to travel two-hundred-thirty-nine thousand miles and land on a rock floating in space.”

            “Harris, you are being ridiculous.”

            “These humans are taking forever to catch up with the rest of the Universe.”

            “Harris,” she said while shaking her head with a tiny grin. “You are the one that came to us.” Harry rubbed his forehead. “You asked for our help.” He walked back to the couch and laid down hard on the couch. “You needed a place to hide, and we were more than willing, and I believe we have been more than generous.”

            Harry rolled his eyes. “I know, I know.” He placed his hands over his face. “But, hiding on this lonely planet in the middle of the…’three musketeers’ galaxy,” Helena rolled her eyes once again, “is not what I expected.” He extended a hand towards Helena. “And then you are always coming back to check on me.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you recording everything that I am doing? I find that an invasion of my privacy.” He gave her a smile. “You may be rewatching some of it for your enjoyment.” He gave her a wink.

            She gave him a blank stare and then rubbed her eyes. “Harris. This is not the reason why I came here.” She walked over to the couch and stood above him. “Your secret is going to be found and there is nothing anybody can do about it.” His eyes narrowed. “You need to be ready.”

            “Ready for what?” She sighed. “The end of all life in the Universe.” He sat up. “Because that is what is going to happen if anybody finds it.”

            “Harris,” she said as she sat next to him. “There is a lot going on that we are not sure of, but…” She looked at him. A large smile appeared across her face. “But this may be for the best. A way to make right…all the wrongs that have been done.”

            He sat forward and placed his hands over his face. “Please do not remind me.”

            “Harris.” She held out her hand. He gave a heavy sigh. “Please Harris.”

            He reached out and grasped her hand. She gave him a smile. Then she closed her eyes, and the room went dark. Harry could hear wind circling them. Suddenly, he saw that he was standing, but still holding Helena’s hand. The room around them was not his family room anymore. They were on the bridge of a starship.

Harry’s eyes sunk as he saw what was found out the main window of the space vessel. The Skonis Nebula. A gigantic mixture of gas and dust particles that created vivid colors upon the backdrop of space. Nicknamed “an empty giant cloud of dust” by the explorers of this infamous nebula that ran for billions of miles. Harry’s jaw clenched as he scratched his bushy black beard. He bowed his head and gave a heavy sigh.

“Must be difficult seeing this sight again,” said Helena. A smile appeared across her rosy lips. “I would only bring you back here…”

Harry shook his head and waved her off. “Let’s get this over with.” He ran his hand through his thick hair. “I am not wanting to be here any longer than needed.”

Helena’s smile turned to a frown. “Harris.” Harry looked at her and sighed. “You need to see them.” Harry’s jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed. She held up her hands in an apologetic gesture. “Just tell me what you see.”

He looked out the main window again and shook his head. “Approaching hell it appears.”

“Not where we are heading,” Helena said with a smile. “But of the crew.”

Harry looked around him and jumped. His eyes grew twice their size. “When you said unique…you were not kidding.” He gave a small laugh. “Can they see us?”

“No.” Helena smiled as she looked around. “Only our minds are here.” Her smile grew bigger. “I think they are remarkable.”

“Well after living on that tiny blue planet for thousands of years among all those…humans, you would think that.”

“Harris,” she said in a somewhat stern tone. She rolled her eyes and smiled. “Tell me what you see.”

Harry gave a sly smile. He looked in front of him and saw a large creature that was twice his size with large green eyes that appeared to be glowing. “First thing I see is a big hairy beast with freaky green eyes that would split open by stomach with one swipe and strangle me with my own intestines.” Helena’s brow furrowed and her tongue hung out. “Not to mention what he would do to my nether region.”

“Harris!” She shook her head. “You don’t have to be so crude.” Harry rolled his eyes. Helena looked at the creature that Harry was describing. The creature looked forward without any knowledge of being so closely studied. “I believe they call this handsome fellow a Lykos. On earth…I believe they call such creatures a werewolf.”

Harry put his hand through his hair. “Yes, that is the technical name,” his tone changed, “…and they are actually very nice creatures…as long as you don’t make them angry.”

“Harris, your sarcasm is not needed,” she said while studying the grey furred beast. “I can feel the hurt from this beloved creature.” She quickly turned towards, Harry. Her eyes narrowed and her rosy lips thinned. “Great pain brought on him from an enemy known throughout the Universe.”

Harry looked away and sighed. He slowly looked towards Helena. A small smile appeared on her lips. He looked around at the rest of the crew. “Are they all running from them?”

“They are being chased as we speak,” said Helena as a large blast shook the ship. Harry and Helena did not feel the effects of the explosion, but the rest of the crew were in a panic. Harry scratched his busy beard was again as he saw Helena give her crooked smile and shrug. “Who else do you see, Harris?”

“I see complete fear,” said Harry as he watched another creature grab tightly the armrests of his chair as another explosion was seen. “You want me to keep talking while…chaos is exploding all around.”

“To understand ones greatness, is beholding their actions when in peril.”

“Please stop with your philosophy nonsense!” said Harry while shaking his head. “Just tell me why the hell we are here!”

“Your future, Harris!” said Helena while the space vessel shook again. “These creatures will be in your future, and you need to understand who they are!”

“You are crazy!” screamed Harry while the bystanders watched their vessel head directly towards the nebula. “How are these weak…insignificant…fools going to do what you say there’re going to do?!”

“Just tell me who you see!”

“Fine!” yelled Harry while shaking his head. “I see a huge ass Lykos, a cunning looking tiger creature, and what looks like a very large rat!” Another explosion and the crew appeared to be in full panic mode as the ship shook and sparks flew across the bridge. The two invisible guests continued to argue among the chaos.

“Harris, why can’t you be serious about this!? These creatures are your future!” Helena’s face had changed to slightly pink, and her eyes appeared red. Her jaw was clenched. “I am tired of trying to help you! This is all your fault!”

“I never asked for your help, Helen!” The creatures of the bridge ran past them both. More sparks flew. “Everything is completely in control!”

“You are impossible!” Helena gave a heavy sigh. “This Lykos creature, that you do not want to know about, is named Dyamion. He lost his family when fierce, monster-like creatures called the ‘Kraken’ attacked his home planet and annihilated it by removing all of its resources.” Harry’s eyes sunk. He began to scratch his bushy beard. “You remember the Kraken, don’t you Harris.”

Harry looked around and saw the crew clutching onto arm rests, hiding under chairs and desperately hoping their pilot will lead them to safety. “Are they all…victims of the…”

“Yes, Harris.” A smile appeared on her rosy lips. Harry put his hand through his long hair. “They are being chased right now by these abominable creatures.” She looked around and saw the fear on each of their faces. “All of them were prisoners and now they have escaped.” Helena turned to Harry. He saw her kind eyes. “They will be coming to you for help in time.” She gave a sigh. “Please, Harris. Tell me what you see.”

Harris shrugged. He looked at the Lykos in the chair in front of him. “I see a Lykos…hoping for freedom and a better life.” Helena’s smile grew. “I see a noble Mati, wanting to live in a Universe how it was once before.” Harry turned and saw the creature that looked like a giant rat. “I see a brave Trok…wanting to help and prove his worth.” Helena’s eyes glisten. Harry turned and saw a snake-like creature. “I see a creature known as a Fidi. She once felt lost and now as found a purpose.” Harry turned and saw a giant horse-like creature. “I see a powerful Centaur. Humble and brave in every way.” Helena gave a laugh. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Harry gave a large sigh as he turned and saw a giant spider huddled in the corner of the bridge. “I see a misunderstood Arachne. Friendly and helpful, but scary looking.” Helena placed her fist under her chin. Her smile was huge. Harry turned towards the front of the ship and saw a lizard-like looking creature. “I see a creature known as the Abas. A loyal friend to the end.” He looked at the Eagle-like creature sitting in the co-pilot chair. “I see a courageous Aetos. A leader for all to follow.” He then looked at the pilot of this starship. Helena walked closer to Harry. She lifted her chin and placed her fingers over her rosy lips. Her eyes grew as she waited for Harry to speak. For a long moment, Harry could only stare at the weird looking creature desperately trying to pilot the ship out of danger. The creature’s large transparent eyes darted in every direction as he moved the ship’s controls with his large, long fingered hands. Harry could tell that he was nervous. Then for a small moment, it appeared that this creature was looking right at Harry. A small sly smile appeared across the creature’s face. “I see an obnoxious…” Helena’s eyes closed, and she bowed her head. Harry then continued, “But very wise and intelligent Dagon.” Helena’s eyes opened and her giant smile returned. “I have a feeling that he is the key to the…disaster that is about to happen.”

Helena rushed forward and hugged Harry. This surprised him greatly. “Oh, Harris! You do not know how happy I am that you can see them for who they really are.” They were now back in the Harry’s living room sitting on the couch with the bright orange flowers. She reached up and turned his head towards her. Her smile grew larger. “You have made me very proud.” She gently kissed him on his forehead and then messed up his hair. She then stood and then walked towards the door leading outside. She then stopped and turned. Harry saw that she was now wearing her original outfit. “I will be back with more news from your friends. Trust me. You are wanting to know what happens to them. It sounds like it is going to be an exciting adventure.” Suddenly a small boy appeared from the back bedroom of the small apartment. Helena turned and looked at the boy. She gave him a huge smile and waved. The small boy waved back and gave a tiny laugh. He adjusted his “Winnie-the-Pooh” pajamas and then walked briskly to where Harry was sitting and buried his face against Harry’s knee. He then peaked out to see Helena’s face. He immediately buried his face again upon receiving another smile and a wink. “They are going to want to meet him as well, Harris.” Harry nodded. “A truly exciting story for you to tell.” Helena then opened the door, gave a final wave and then she was gone.    

The young boy raised his head and gave Harry a crooked smile. “I like her,” he said with a tiny voice.

“Well…that is because you are young and don’t know anything,” said Harry. He pressed his lips together and shrugged.  The little blond headed boy shook his head. “I promise you. She is evil.” He leaned back on the orange couch and his mind went back to see the faces of the creatures. He gave a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. “This cannot be happening,” he thought.

The young boy tapped his knee. “I am hungry.”

Harry opened his eyes and turned towards the boy with narrowed eyes and a frown on his large lips. “You are very capable of making your own dinner.”

The boy slouched. “But I can’t reach the knobs.”

“Why did I buy you a stool?”

The young blond hair boy gave a frown and then dragged his feet towards the kitchen. “Other dads cook for their children.”

Harry leaned back on the couch again and closed his eyes. “Well, you are not like other children.”

“Fine,” said the young boy. “If I cook, then I watch my show.” He ran to the TV and while stepping on his tippy toes, he pulled on the “on/off” knob. A glitchy picture began to appear. Hard clicks sounded as the boy turned the large channel knob with his tiny hands while continuing to do a balancing act on his toes. When he heard the theme song to “Laverne and Shirley”, the young boy backed away from the TV with a giant smile.

Harry opened his eyes and looked at the television with a frown. “I was wrong. I am not living in hell. Hell is much better than this place.”

The young blond boy clapped his hands and ran to the kitchen. He set up his stool and carefully climbed to the highest step. Then with careful precision, began to cut up ingredients for a beef stew. A tiny giggle came from his lips as his eyes leaped from the TV to the cutting board.

Harry rose from the couch and walked to the front window of their small two-bedroom apartment. It was now raining outside, and the cold air had fogged up the window. Harry looked up at the sky and saw a full moon through the rain clouds.  One side of his mouth gave a quick smile. He traced the moon on the foggy window. He then placed a dot in the middle and then a dot above and below the middle dot, but on the outer circle. Lastly, he drew a figure eight, starting in the middle. Each loop of the figure eight went around the two outer dots. “It seems you are about to be discovered,” he whispered. His eyes closed as many memories came flooding back. Another heavy sigh and he sent his hand through his thick long hair. He then turned and saw the young boy beginning to cook the now chopped up ingredients on the stove. Another giggle, as another funny line was heard on the TV. “Oh! You are not adding onions, are you?” The young blond hair boy rolled his eyes as Harry shook his head. “You know I hate them.”

“When I cook, I put in what I like.”

Harry walked to the kitchen and stood over the pot now full of all ingredients for beef stew. The young boy was still standing on his stool. His eyes glued to the television. “You know…most children in Kindergarten…don’t like onions.” Harry smiled and gave the boy a sideways glance.

“Well…I am not like most children.” The boy crinkled his tiny nose with another smile and gave a tiny shrug.