The Magic Flute

by J. J. Park

  “The buck started it!” Joe blurted out.

  The police led them to the station and questioned them one by one. Afterward, the police officer produced a report which made Dyami and Gopan reel.

  The policeman made them the culprits, not Joe. Dyami and Gopan protested, but it was no use. Joe and his gang left triumphantly boosted by police favoritism.

  “Can you believe this?” Dyami said, walking out of the station.

  “It’s as bad as your Grandpa said.”

  They had swollen lips and bruised eyes, but they brushed it off and walked to the ocean for fresh air. The ocean breeze was refreshing and healing. Nature never failed to heal and renew.

  ***

  The incident deeply affected Dyami; he felt utterly violated, still worse helpless. The police handling was unjust and wrong, yet he had no recourse.

  He realized his Grandfather and Taza’s ideas and sayings were not as far-fetched as he sometimes thought when he heard their endless diatribes. What was second-hand experience up to this point was now personal.

  Dyami saw how things operated in society and had a sense of what was in store for him.

  When a long weekend came, he headed home for a short visit. He needed the comfort of home, the reassuring words of his Grandfather and father, and his mother’s nurturing love.

  He took the bus in the early morning and arrived at his hometown station in the evening. His father met him at the station and drove him home without any questions.

  When he saw the warm glow from the lighted window of their house, his heart leaped with joy. His mother, Grandfather, Chenoa, waited for him in the living room with their faces overshadowed, concerned about his unexpected visit.

  “Let me fix you dinner,” his mother said after a long hug.

  “I scored high in SAT, and Ela did too,” Chenoa boasted, hoping to brighten the mood.

  “Good for you,” Dyami didn’t know what to say, knowing what he knew about the college.

  The next morning, his Grandfather, father, and Dyami went into the teepee. He told them about the incident and the police note, and now he realized how bad things were out in the world. He voiced a need to understand more and learn how to deal with it.

  Kuruk deeply pulled in and puffed tobacco in silence for a long time, contemplating and searching for the right answers. He missed his old friend Taza who would know just what to say in this situation. Finally, he broke the silence and said,

  “Our people were content roaming the land and hunting buffalo. We had a good life until these intruders came, robbing and killing. The biggest genocide happened in America, not in Nazi Germany. Even now, we live under their systemic oppression,” he raised his voice and fists in fervor.

  His bitterness augmented as he felt sympathy for his grandson, Dyami, dealing with the ugly side of life at a young age. As Kuruk searched for words to comfort Dyami, Nantan stepped in and said,

  “This society unjustly favors whites, but remember, you are a son of this land. You heard enough about the situation in this society. Just keep looking ahead for goals that you had set for yourself. They can’t keep you from becoming who you want to be.”

  It was clear that there was no other solution than to accept it as it was for now. It was a hard and bitter pill to swallow for a young man and a difficult task to achieve. What his elders had been saying all along seemed to smack him right in the face.

  CATHARSIS

  One Sunday morning, Dyami went downtown alone, hoping to divert his gloomy and oppressive mood. He struggled with anger, resentment, and subsequent sadness, generated by the incident with Joe at the pier.

  Dyami wandered through the almost empty streets in the commercial areas. It was quiet, with most shops and restaurants closed. He walked toward the periphery of the city.

  When he reached the town’s outskirts, his eyes captured a cross framed against the blue-grey sky. A small church and its low steeples emerged under the cross in the blue backdrop.

  As he approached it, he heard an organ playing. He liked the tune. He hesitated at first but entered the church and sat in the back pew.

  The hymn moved him deeply, and as he listened to the organ, suddenly tears welled up, blurring his vision. A wave of uncontrollable sobbing overtook him. He continued sobbing until his tears dried out, then let out a big sigh. It felt as if a heavy burden had lifted from his chest.

  Soon he became aware of his surroundings and noticed a middle-aged man and woman near him paying attention to him.

  “Are you okay?” the woman asked after he calmed down.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. It’s a wonderful thing to have a good cry sometimes,” the man said.

  “Thank you. The music is beautiful,” Dyami tried to explain his sobbing. They appeared to have a genuine concern and interest in him.

  “Are you new to town?” the man asked.

  “Yes, I am a freshman at the college.”

  “Fantastic. There is a youth group in the church. You might want to check out,” the man said enthusiastically.

  ‘Thank you, but I am not Christian.”

  “That’s okay. Everyone is welcome.”

  “Thank you. Maybe I will.”

  “The fact that you have walked in here and that the music touched you is something to hold onto,” the woman said.

  Dyami left the church feeling much better than when he walked in. The stress of starting college, resentment, bitterness, and helplessness all dissipated for the moment.

  He was amazed at how the church music and strangers eased his sadness and discouragement. It provided a glimpse of hope for his situation.

  On the following Sunday, Dyami decided to investigate the youth group at the church. At first, he felt uncomfortable about being among people who might be harboring hatred toward him. Still, something about that extraordinary experience on the previous Sunday made him persevere.

  He invited Gopan to join him. Gopan did not have any strong feelings either way about Christianity or the church. However, it mystified him that the church had such a life-changing effect on Karl and now Dyami.

  He accepted Dyami’s offer, mainly driven by curiosity. After all, it was the religion their hero, Geronimo, had embraced.

  When they first appeared at the church, some people seemed curious and others uncomfortable. The Smiths were a comforting presence with their open and welcoming disposition. They led them to the youth group and introduced them.

  The group had a bible study class every Sunday, and when they read Romans 8:31, it struck a chord with Dyami.

  “What shall we then say to these things?

  If God be for us, who can be against us? “

  Dyami felt more at ease at the college after the mysterious experience at church. Mastering the layout of the college campus helped him to relax as well.

  The study was rigorous, taking most of his free time. He and Gopan spent much of their time at the library, studying even on weekends.

  On rare occasions, they went downtown to see a movie and have pizza. Sometimes they strolled along the boardwalk and played video games at Neptune’s Kingdom.

  The unpleasant memory of the encounter with Joe resurfaced from time to time, but the final exam preparation and papers occupied their mind for the most part. The semester ended without any further incidents.

  NEW FRIENDS

  Some of the youth in the group attended the same college. The group had various activities and the Sunday brunch after service was popular. It was a way to get to know group members.

  One of them was a local girl named Susan, a history major at the college. She lived in Monterey, her birthplace.

  “How did you come to the church?” Susan asked when they first joined the brunch.

  “I was in town one Sunday and heard a hymn coming from the church. It moved me, I walked in to hear more, and that was it. Oh, I almost forgot, there was a nice couple who encouraged me to join the group,” Dyami omitted the part about his sobbing.

 
“That’s great. Who was the couple? Do you know the name?” Susan asked.

  “Smiths.”

  “They’re very nice people. I know them very well.”

  “What about you, Gopan?”

  “I am with Dyami. I am just exploring.”

  “Welcome to church, both of you. I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

  The following Sunday, the group presented them each a bible.

  “After we talked last Sunday, we thought the bible would help you two understand what Christians believe,” Susan said.

  Dyami, Gopan, and Susan became friends. Dyami felt more kinship with Susan than Gopan, and Susan reciprocated it. She seemed to have a genuine interest in him.

  As they got to know each other, they shared stories of their families and of growing up. They discussed classes at the college and exchanged information.

  Susan was a cradle Christian and told them about some of the Christian traditions. In turn, Dyami told her about Apache customs. Thus, their friendship began.

  As the group progressed in the Bible study, it arrived at verses in Acts 17:22-24.

  Apostle Paul addresses Athenians at the Altar of an unknown God:

  “…..Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

  For as I passed by and beheld your devotions,

  I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

  Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

  God that made the world and all things therein,

  seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

  dwelleth not temples made with hands;”

  It took Dyami and Gopan back to their vision, their wanderings in Agora, Athens. When they imagined the Apostle Paul expounding Christian God at the Altar of an unknown God, their hearts swelled in admiration for his courage and conviction. It moved them deeply.

  Time passed quickly. It was now almost at the end of the semester, and everyone was looking forward to summer vacation. Dyami and Gopan wanted to find summer jobs in town for the latter part of the leave after enjoying few days with their family and friends.

  In the meantime, they continued to attend church and became fixtures in most group activities.

  “By the way, are you, two, busy this coming Saturday? I am hosting the group at our house. Can you come? It’ll be nice to have you two there,” Susan asked them one Sunday in early May.

  “We spend most of our Saturdays at the library, but it will be a nice break. Right, Gopan?” Dyami accepted the invitation wholeheartedly.

  “Of course, it’ll be a pleasure,” Gopan agreed with enthusiasm.

  ***

  There were several people already gathered around the food and drinks on a large table in the garden. Susan was busy helping her mother but came over when she saw Dyami and Gopan. She took them to the table and introduced them to Bill.

  “He is knowledgeable about many things in the area,” Susan said, then returned to the kitchen. They all began to converse naturally.

  “I am Dyami, and this is Gopan. We are freshmen at the college.”

  “Where are you from?” Bill asked.

  “Arizona,” Gopan answered.

  “How do you like the ocean? It must be quite new to you.”

  “You’re right. We are very new to the ocean, and we like it,” Dyami responded.

  “We do a lot of water skiing and surfing here. Have you tried that yet?” Bill asked.

  “No, we’re all about the forest and mountain. We like to ride on our horses and go fishing,” Dyami said.

  At this point, Susan returned and joined in the conversation.

  “What is your plan for the summer vacation?” Susan addressed Dyami and Gopan.

  “We’re thinking about finding a job in town for the latter part of vacation after spending some time with our family. We rarely see them now,” Gopan said.

  “Try Wilder Ranch State Park. They are flexible. They are always looking for people for various summer positions. You know this town is a tourist attraction during the summer. Lots of families visit here with children,” Bill informed.

  “Yeah, in fact, I know the place. My father took us there last summer. It would be a perfect place for us to work because we are accustomed to nature activities,” Dyami said.

  “You can also try surfing with us since you’ll be in town for the summer,” Susan suggested.

  On the following Saturday, Dyami and Gopan visited Wilder Ranch State Park to feel for the place again before going for the interview.

  They took the Old Cove landing trail to the Ohlone Bluff Trail as they had done with Nantan. The spectacular ocean view charmed Dyami and Gopan all over again.

  They agreed that they should take whatever job offered to them. They knew working at the park was an excellent opportunity to get acclimated to the world outside their community.

  Soon after visiting the park, Dyami and Gopan went to Wilder Ranch Park’s personnel office. They interviewed for Assistant Park Ranger positions and got hired immediately.

  Their experience with horses, knowledge of nature, and enthusiasm for environmental conservation impressed the park personnel officer.

  They also accepted their request to start work two weeks after school recess. Elated, they looked to an exciting future.

  ***

  The semester was over, and Dyami and Gopan joined the church group for brunch before heading home.

  “How is it going with the summer job situation?” Susan asked them.

  “We had an interview and got the job on the spot,” Gopan proudly answered.

  “That’s so great. Congratulations,” Susan said.

  “We had a good time in the company of otters and pelicans,” Dyami added.

  “I love otters. They are cute and smart. They are endangered animals, as you probably know,” Susan said.

  “Yes, we’re aware, but we had never seen otters before, and they were pretty amazing,” Gopan said.

  “What about you? What will you do for the summer?” Dyami asked.

  “My family is going on a trip to Europe for three weeks. Other than that, I will be hanging out on the beach surfing and sunbathing. It’s a lot of fun. If you want to try surfing, let me know.”

  “I don’t know. I am only used to lake water. No big waves in the lake,” Gopan said hesitantly.

  “Nonsense, if you know how to swim in the lake, it’ll be much easier in the ocean,” Susan said.

  The conversation finished with the two young men promising Susan that they would get together when Susan returns. The church group took a recess for summer, with plans to reconvene in fall.

  ***

  The young men returned home to rest and to play before beginning their first jobs. They spent a few days frolicking around with Chenoa and Ela as they had promised. They swam in the lake, caught trout and let them go, and hiked up small mountains.

  One day, remembering how Karl had changed his view of the world, finding peace in God, Dyami wondered what Karl would say about his experiences. He and his family again invited Karl to spend some time with them.

  Karl became part of their summer activities. They swam in the lake and creeks and went fishing with Kichi and Donner at their side. Karl thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Dyami and Gopan and their family.

  Karl was in a much better place, spiritually and emotionally. He had adjusted to his new life in the 21st--century. Karl now expressed himself freely in English, no longer requiring an interpreter. Nevertheless, Karl and Mila continued their relationship as friends. When he came for a visit this time, Mila accompanied him.

  Moreover, he got cleared by the psychiatrist for community living. He was looking for a job in the construction and architecture field, as he planned previously. He was also looking for an apartment in Wickenburg.

  Dyami and Gopan’s family heartily welcomed the news. It also brought them a sigh of relief, who felt weighed down by their responsibility in Karl’s di
lemma.

  Dyami waited for the right moment to talk to Karl about his cathartic event. One day when they were fishing at the lake, Dyami casually brought up his experience.

  “Something happened to me one Sunday,” Dyami said to Karl and explained his visit to the church.

  Karl lightened up and began to talk, drawing on his own experience. He recited verses from the Bible that had helped him in his situation:

  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”-Hebrews:11:1

  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”-John 15:13

  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”-Proverbs 3:5-6

  Dyami and Gopan marveled at Karl’s transformation, and they kept it in their hearts and thoughts. It was an inspiration to witness his phenomenal changes.

  Later, when they became familiar with biblical verses themselves, they found Matthew 19:26:

  “….with God, all things are possible.”

  ***

  Two weeks passed quickly, and Dyami and Gopan returned to the college town to start work. They rented a small room downtown in a private home that had an electric range and a refrigerator.

  Their day started early. The first thing they did on the job was to report to the Park Ranger. He was a quiet and reserved man. He provided a general orientation and specific instructions for particular duties. After that, they were on their own to work things out.

  It was a busy season at the park. Summer vacation brought many young children as well as adults for a variety of nature activities.

  The Park Ranger assigned them to oversee the six park’s horse camping sites. The park had a stable for horses, and they rode horses to worksites daily. It was a pleasant ride; it brought back memories of riding on Lato’s back in the reservation to Dyami.

  On weekends, they resumed attending church services. Group activities were on hold for summer.

  When they returned home on some weekends, their mothers fed them well, imagining their sons had not eaten well while they were away from home. Their mother’s imaginations were not far from reality. The two young men rarely ate healthy, nutritious meals on their own. Fast food was their usual fare.