Echo

retrieve his pet turtle the boys were holding over his head. One ass in the group took the turtle and set it down on the ground, ramming a walking stick down on the shell. It split the shell through, blood and guts, geee-ross. Kimir went bonkers. The turtle was probably not going to survive. I chased the big kids away. Honestly, I absolutely didn’t plan to do anything else. Before I knew what was happening, my tail was having a field day, the turtle was healed and you guys were glowering at me.”
    “I noticed the bad cut on Kimir’s arm. Why didn’t you heal that?” Abby asked.
    “Don’t know, Ab. I had no control over anything.” While they were talking, Echo climbed up on Jose’s lap, showing interest in their conversation. Jose looked pensive.
    “Abby, did you have any desire to heal the boy after we got to the mailbox?”
    “No, I didn’t. Did you?”
    “No, I didn’t. Don’t you find that a bit strange? Echo, I think it is time to fill us in on a few things.” Echo remained silent. Abby and Jose looked at each other, wary and a little fearful. Tipping Echo’s soft golden head up so he could gaze straight into her eyes, he just glared. The golden rainbow swirls were hypnotizing but unreadable. Jose felt Echo’s presence in his mind.
    “My Brothers and Sister will not understand.” Echo sounded tentative. “It is against the law to heal a human. But it is compulsory to heal a creature.”
    “But you healed us. And Scotty healed Abby. Are you trying to say God’s creatures come before humans?”
    “My Brothers, my Sister. The creatures do not belong to God. They belong to themselves and to the Womb.” Jose felt bewildered. Unconsciously, the creeping wariness began to worm its insecure way under his skin.
    “What the heck does that mean? The creatures belong to the Womb? You have got to be kidding me! And what about us, Echo? You’re part of our family now. We love you! Barney loves you,” cried Abby, her passion taking everyone by surprise. Echo turned her face down. She leaned back against Jose, crushing her tiny wings and snuggling in as if to ask for protection. The now very familiar auras flashed pressure. They could feel emotions warring in their minds; human emotions from Echo; frailties and imperfections.
    “I am sorry to say, I have defied the Womb. But the Womb has forgiven me, just as it forgave my Brother, so long ago. We are not here to heal the human population. That is not our mission. But we are a lonely species. I picked you for myself. I have been selfish. And I could not live without My Barney (Barney whined, as if he had heard his name). If I am able to stay part of the family you will be very happy. I will make sure. You have been chosen.”
    “Of course, you’re going to stay, Echo. We all belong together; protecting one another. What is this mission you’re talking about?” Abby appeared appeased and relieved. Perhaps this was not the time to bring up Echo’s mission, Jose thought; especially since Echo clearly did not feel inclined to answer the question. He watched her climb down off of Jose and curl up inside Barney’s tummy.
    Echo said a final, “ Good night, family,” and was fast asleep with Barney as her pillow.
    “Well, I guess that’s that. I don’t think we’re going to get much more out of Echo tonight.” Scotty said. “I’m beat. Do you mind if I go to bed? I know we have a big day tomorrow.” Scotty looked really tired. It had been an emotional day. No one really cared why Echo healed them or what her mission was about at this point. They were just happy they were the chosen ones. It felt good to be chosen; real good. Kissing Abby and mock punching Jose, Scotty took off to bed.
    Abby rose, looking after Scotty as he walked down the hallway.
    Turning to Jose, she smiled. “Thank you. What would I do without you, Jose? He looks up to you. You make us both feel safe.” She put her hand on the side of his face, patting his cheek, softly. “See you in the morning.”
    “Night, Ab.” Jose smiled to himself as he followed her down the hall to his own bedroom. At least she noticed him as a grown man, instead of a kid. It was a start, a real good start.
    ###
    In the diminutive white Volkswagen they looked at each other with astonishment. “What the fuck was that?” Armoni jived around in his seat so fast Tomas thought he would wet his pants. Yeah, the little fucker, Scotty revealed himself to be a freak show.
    “Things are get’n