Gaia

by Jeff Gardiner

  Sports have become hilarious, fascinating and a horribly complex mess of new rules and gamesmanship. Some humans now prefer to walk on all fours. Many have developed lungs that can breathe underwater, or ways of climbing that humans could never have considered possible just a few years ago.

  I look up from the screen on seeing my friendly neighbourhood magpie. Pica pica. Could Guy have come back? But this one wasn’t communicating to me. Not yet. I often let him into my apartment, though, and I know he appreciates the companionship and the food I provide.

  But the wasp is still there and I can’t help thinking that it’s watching me. Is it harmless? Should I leave it there or try to get it out of my apartment?

  It’s only then that I notice another has joined it, beginning to create a white papery nest in the corner. Does that mean others will join it to create an entire colony? I shake away this ridiculous paranoia.

  Then my worries are interrupted by the most wonderful sound.

  My falcon.

  These are the words I’m always waiting to hear in my mind. Ala appears shimmering on the balcony. I’m always at my best when we’re together. I greet her in human form before we change into birds together and fly across land towards the sea.

  I am drawn to the ocean. Ala and I sit in the waves as they curl around my legs, and then recede.

  Are you happy, Ala?

  Yes. Are you?

  I am when I’m with you.

  I feel calm, fulfilled and at peace with myself.

  Something about the ocean makes me feel content, I add. Complete.

  I agree.

  Ala takes my hand in both of hers and pulls me closer.

  I break the silence with my next words.

  I have been dreaming about the ocean. I’m underwater. With you.

  I’ve been dreaming that too.

  She stands up, her feet covered by the white foam of the sea’s edge.

  Come with me.

  She holds out her hand and walks in deeper. I follow her until I’m standing next to her, my hands on her hips. But she disappears and a common dolphin splashes water into my face.

  Follow me. She dives under and is gone from my sight.

  The dreams have been so powerful that I trust them and dive under.

  As I swim I suddenly gulp loudly and begin opening my mouth underwater. I try to breath, but I can’t through my mouth any more. I become aware of my body as bulky and larger than most of the other fish around me. In my dreams I’d expected this and seen my own form. I’m not a fish. There can be no doubt – I’m a dappled narwhal. My unicorn tusk pierces the waters before me.

  How weird not having legs or wings. Instead of flying, I have to get used to floating and propelling myself through the water by using my tail and flippers. I feel powerful and packed with muscle. One twist or quiver pushes me rapidly onwards.

  So now I have three bodies with which to explore the world around me. Land, sky and water. And all was good while I had Ala with me to share that fun and excitement.

  The End