by Louise Klodt
“Mikey! Mikey!” a voice shattered the silence.
I’d have known that voice anywhere. “Andron,” I screamed. “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting forever.”
We ran toward each other and practically fell we hit so hard.
“Glad to see you,” I said, as we high fived. “I was wondering when you’d come back.”
“Had to wait,” said Andron. “I’m eleven now, and old enough to pilot the transport by myself. My brother wanted to explore other parts of the universe, so I had to wait for my parents’ permission. I wanted to come really bad.”
“The first time you came was almost like a dream,” I said. “Once I realized it really happened, I could hardly wait for you to come back. Come on. I want you to meet my dad.”
Dad was shocked. “You’re Andron,” he said without waiting to be introduced. I guess he just knew. ”I’ve heard a lot about you—all good, of course.” Then he smiled and held out his hand to Andron. I was glad my dad approved.
“Thank you,” said Andron. “I know I’m intruding. I hope it’s all right to come unannounced.”
“Of course,” said Dad. “There’s no way you could have told us ahead of time, but what brings you to earth when you have paradise on Kandalaura?”
“Actually, it’s Mikey,” he said. “I feel as close to Mikey as I do to my own brother. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, sir, and I have something important to ask you.”
“I can’t imagine what you could possibly want to know from me, but go ahead, Andron. I’ll do my best to answer. You seem intent on whatever it is.”
“Yes, sir,” said Andron. “You see, I want Mikey to come back with me to Kandalaura for a few days.”
Dad’s mouth opened wide, and he almost fell out of his chair. Andron had come right to the point, and it left my father in utter shock.
I was shocked too—shocked and excited at the same time. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought of visiting another planet. I felt special just having Andron come to visit.
Finally Dad got a hold of himself. “Well, young man, you don’t waste any time saying what’s on your mind. You really took me by surprise. But the things is, even if I said Mikey could go, is it scientifically possible. I mean, how could he survive a trip like that? Even if Mikey survived the trip, would he be able to breathe on your planet? It seems out of the question considering the risks,” he said, shaking his head in astonishment at Andron’s request.
“Yes, sir, I understand,” said Andron. “However, I wouldn’t have asked without first investigating the matter thoroughly. You see, our transports don’t run on your kind of fuel. They’re constructed to attract huge masses of light. We travel at excessive speeds on pathways of light, actually much faster than the speed of light. Our people have fashioned a special helmet for Mikey to wear. It’ll insure proper breathing. To be honest, Mr. Steelman, he may not even need it. It’s just a precaution. I have all the scientific information. He handed dad a folder. “You’ll see,” he said. Andron spoke with such confidence that it seemed like he hadn’t even considered being turned down.
“Yes, sir,” he continued. “There’s absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Our atmosphere on Kandalaura is similar to earth’s atmosphere, only the air is purer. Mikey will be able to do things there he can’t even do on earth. Only good can exist in our country. There’s no evil, sickness, or death. Nothing bad can possibly happen.” With that he flashed a huge smile and gave my dad a proper military salute. I think he even clicked his heels together.
Dad was totally surprised by what he had just witnessed. But I could tell he was quite taken with Andron. Finally he spoke, “I have to admit I hadn’t expected someone so young to be this knowledgeable. It’s both refreshing and scary. I never imagined having to make a decision like this. And don’t get any ideas because I’m not anywhere near ready to give my consent. I’m only considering the idea of considering your offer. And, of course, Mrs. Steelman will be just as much a part of that decision. Mikey’s mom left for the store. She’ll be back in a few minutes. She’s very protective of him. This is a weighty decision. It’s going to require some heavy thinking and a lot more time.”
“I understand, sir. Please take all the time you need.”
“You just handed me a thunderbolt, and I don’t know what to do with it,” said Dad. “On the one hand it’s my duty to protect my son. And yet I don’t want to keep him from the experience of a lifetime.”
“I’m prepared to wait as long as it takes, sir,” said Andron.
I couldn’t believe it. Dad was actually considering Andron’s offer. I could hardly breathe. This meant that going to Kandalaura was actually a possibility. I hardly dared think of it for fear of losing it.
Finally Dad said, “Why don’t you boys go outside and run off some energy?”
That was a good idea because I was pumped. I was so excited I felt like I could fly. “Come on, Andron,” I said. “I can’t just stand here. I gotta move. Let’s go outside. Have you ever seen a pogo stick?”
Andron shook his head. He was beaming. His eyes were bright with excitement. Yet he was calm and confident. I’d be jumping out of my skin about now if I were him. But he’s not like us. After all, he’s from Kandalaura!
Chapter 4
DAD, CAN I GO?
ANDRON DIDN’T TAKE long to master my roller blades, skateboard, scooter, and bike. He had the most fun on my pogo stick. His agility and coordination were amazing. Ben and Mary joined us. Ben told Andron how well Herby was doing. He even showed us his new aquarium. Andron loved watching Herby. It gave me a feeling of pride to see how much he was enjoying himself on our planet.
When Mom came home, she saw Andron and gave him a big hug.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she exclaimed. “It’s been way too long.” I could tell she was as attached to him as Dad and I. That gave me hope. I don’t think Dad told her about Andron’s request till after we were all in bed that night. At one point I thought I could hear her crying.
“Don’t worry,” said Andron. “I know they’ll let you go.”
“I wish I could be so sure,” I said. “You already know how emotional Mom is. My parents love me, and they want to protect me.”
“That’s just it,” said Andron. “Their love for you will outweigh their fear. They won’t want to deprive you, especially after your father studies everything I gave him. I know you’re going. Just trust me.”
“Andron, you amaze me. You’re a kid like me one minute, and the next thing I know you’re talking like a grown-up. You have so much confidence. I sure hope you’re right.”
The next morning Dad said he wanted to talk with me alone.
“Son, I need to know how badly you want to go. We can’t be sure of how much his scientists really know. We don’t know what kind of tests they’ve run concerning our planet and our DNA. And what if it’s a trap? Andron seems sincere and truthful. But there’s still enough risk for your mom and I to say no. I need to know. Are you willing to risk your life for this? Or is this just a whim, like sort of a fun thing to do? Tell me how you really feel.”
Tears came to my eyes. “Dad, it’s like a fire burning inside of me. Ever since Andron came, it’s all I think about. I feel like it’s something I have to do. And yes, I’m ready to risk my life for it.”
“All right, son,” he s
aid, putting his finger to his lips and his thumb under his chin. Then he looked at me intently. “We love you more than you know. You’re our only child. This is the most difficult decision we’ve ever had to make.”
“I know, Dad,” I said. We hugged. “It’s hard for me too, but I trust you and mom. You’ll make the right decision.”
Mom made her monster waffles with ham and eggs for breakfast. Nothing was said about the trip. That would come much later.
Even though Andron told my parents to take their time deciding, I thought I was going to burst. Then two days later, after lunch, Dad looked at Andron intently.
“Son,” he said, “you’ve asked us to entrust to you the one thing that’s most precious on this earth.” I could tell the big answer was coming. Dad continued, “You’re a strange mixture of boy and man. You look like a child on the outside, so young and innocent. But on the inside, you have the wisdom, integrity, and knowledge of a grown man, perhaps more than any man I know. I guess that’s why Mikey’s mom and I have decided to let Mikey go with you.”
Andron and I were stunned. For a few seconds no one spoke. Then I jumped up and down and shouted, “I’m going to Kandalaura!” I ran over and hugged my parents. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said. “You won’t regret this. I know I won’t.”
Andron shouted, “I knew it! I knew it!” He ran over and hugged mom and dad too.
I was still so excited I thought I’d burst. “Yes!” I screamed. Then I ran and did cartwheels all the way down the hall. Andron was close behind me doing the same. We high fived and hugged, laughing till we thought our sides would burst. Mom and Dad were laughing too. This was the happiest day of my life.
Finally when we were all so wilted we could barely move, mom began asking the practical questions.
“So, Andron,” she said, “what should I pack for Mikey? I have no idea what he’ll need.”
“Not much,” Andron replied. “Maybe just a toothbrush, toothpaste, and that sort of thing. I have plenty of clothes he can wear, and we have lots of food.”
So I grabbed my toothbrush and a few other items and put them in a small bag.
“When can we leave?” I asked.
“What?” exclaimed Mom. “Hold on there. I’m not anywhere near ready for the two of you to leave. I’m still adjusting to your going at all. We need some time together. After all, it’s not as if you take a trip like this every day.”
So we compromised and set our departure for two days later after breakfast. I wasn’t sure I could wait, but Andron wanted to try out my pogo stick and roller blades again. Ben and Mary joined us when they saw us outside. I didn’t have a chance to tell Ben about the trip. Mary had no idea Andron was from another planet. They usually share everything, being twins and all, but we decided to wait till the time was right before telling anyone else.
Though the wait seemed long, I was actually glad that we had the extra time together. We were like a family of four instead of three.
The morning of our departure still came a little slowly for me but way too fast for Mom.
After breakfast Andron showed us all my special suit and helmet. “These will protect him from any danger and allow him to breathe normally,” he said. “When we get to Kandalaura, he’ll eat our fruit and drink our water. He’ll be fine. You’ll see.”
Mom was comforted a little, but she took my leaving harder than I thought she would. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I put on my special suit and helmet, and hopped into the transport.
The inside of the cockpit didn’t seem nearly as complicated as all the instruments in our commercial planes. Andron knew exactly what do, and it was just like before. We waved goodbye and shot into the sky like a bullet.
At first earth’s gravity pulled hard on my face and body, but that only lasted a few seconds. Sky, earth, and clouds whizzed by so fast, I didn’t even have time to think about it. Suddenly we were no longer in earth’s atmosphere. I was seeing amazing colors of galaxies as we travelled rapidly through space. Our speed was so extreme that I couldn’t really get a good look. So Andron stopped the transport midair at one point.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he replied. “Take off your helmet.”
“Are you crazy?” I asked.
“It’ll be all right,” he said. “Trust me. I want you to listen.” He flipped on a switch.
Slowly I removed my helmet. I was puzzled, but I listened. Then I heard it—music, but not like anything on earth. It wasn’t like singing. Yet there was harmony. It reminded me of the frogs in Grammy’s pond. First one frog, usually a bullfrog, would sound out. Then slowly all the others would join until there was a whole choir of frogs.
It was a little mechanical sounding compared to our singing voices, but still very sweet. Sometimes it would start with one low note like the frogs; other times it would start with a high duet. The notes covered far more than eight octaves. I learned about octaves in band, so I was pretty sure I was right.
“Is that what I think it is?” I asked Andron.
Andron knew, of course, what I was thinking. He nodded.
“I never dreamed that stars could really sing. It’s just like the Bible says,” I remarked.
Andron smiled. I was pretty sure he had been reading my Bible. We gazed at the beauty of pink, purple, and gold galaxies. I doubted that my little camera would do the scene justice, but I took a few shots anyway. Then Andron had me replace my helmet, and we sped on to Kandalaura.
Even Andron didn’t know for sure how much earth time this journey would take. Did Kandalaura even have time? I didn’t know, but I was soon to find out.
Chapter 5
ADVENTURE ON KANDALAURA
WE LEFT EARTH shortly after breakfast.
When we arrived on Kandalaura, it was early afternoon. My trip in space had been spectacular. If this had been all there was, it would have been more than enough. I was completely taken back by the size and beauty of the universe. Who could have guessed it? I felt a little guilty that I was the one Andron had invited.
My adventure on Kandalaura was about to begin, and I could hardly wait.
We landed close to a grassy area as big as a football field. Andron told me to remove my helmet and suit. He said I could also take my shoes off if I wanted to. So I did.
When I stepped out of the transport, my feet touched the greenest and softest grass I had ever felt. I reached down and ran my fingers through it. Instantly I noticed that colors here on Kandalaura were more vibrant than on earth. The sky was bluer.
“Come on,” said Andron. “I’ve got a lot to show you, and I can hardly wait. First you’d better eat some fruit.”
He pulled what looked like a peach off a tree nearby. The moment he pulled it off, a fruit immediately grew back in its place.
“How did you do that?” I asked.
“I didn’t do anything,” he said. “It just happens. Nothing dies on Kandalaura.”
I was amazed by that. And the fruit was delicious, like one of our own very juicy and sweet peaches.
“Thanks,” I said. “I needed this.”
“I don’t want you giving out on me for lack of food. I promised your father I’d take good care of you. Just let me know when you get hungry. Our food is always just a few steps away.”
As I was e
ating, I thought I heard a low growl behind us. When I spun around, I saw a lion approaching.
“Is he stalking us?” I asked Andron, hiding behind him just in case.
“No, of course not,” said Andron. “Remember, we have no ferocious beasts here. Like I told your dad, nothing can hurt you here on Kandalaura. It was only after your first man and woman sinned, that some of your animals on earth became dangerous. Your Garden of Eden was much like Kandalaura is now, and both much like your heaven.
“How do you know about that?” I asked.
“I have a lot of questions when I read your Bible,” he said. “So I ask Jesus.”
“And he told you about our heaven?” I asked.
“He said that when He creates, He puts things He likes on His planets. It’s His taste. So that’s why Eden and Kandalaura are much like His heaven.”
“That makes sense,” I said. By this time the lion had caught up with us.
“I told my people and some animals that you’d be coming. Now they all want to get a look at you. It’ll be kind of like your zoos back home, only you’ll to be the main attraction,” said Andron.
“Oh, wonderful. Thanks a lot!” I said sarcastically.
“You’re welcome,” said Andron, not catching the tone of my voice. He had no idea that I wasn’t looking forward to that part of the visit.
“Come,” he said. “I want you to meet Ian, my lion. He’s been anxious to meet you.”
Ian extended his paw toward me. I felt a little silly, but I put my hand out and shook his paw. As I did so, I looked right into Ian’s eyes. They were the kindest, most gentle eyes I had ever seen in an animal. I had an idea.
“Ian,” I said, “this may sound crazy to you, but I’ve always dreamed of someday being able to hug a lion. Would you mind if I gave you a hug?”
