He continued working at the Orphanage throughout the month. Christophe’s need for more volunteers, especially early risers, was greater than even he had expected. Orphanages were always understaffed, similar to the Rec centers that Julius worked at in a previous life. The one in this town was particularly bad.
He’d arrive at 5:30 and start preparing for the day. Since he taught the kids how to make kites, that’s all they ever wanted to do – kites were in short supply anyways, the kids ended up breaking them within a day.
By two in the afternoon his shift ended. Working with kids can tire someone out. The constant alertness was mentally draining. Even after years of ranger training, he had trouble concentrating after an arduous shift.
Today the sun was out and the breeze whistled through the branches. The kites were flying higher and longer than most days. The park ringed with the laughter from the kids. The air was still hot, but at least moving. Extra help showed up today. Even the working people noticed the day and decided to call in for the day off.
With the extra help, he was able to sit down and just supervise. No running around helping what seemed like 100 wants. Just sit and watch. The warm air and the breeze brushed over his face and hands. The blooming flowers enveloped his sense of smell. Tranquility came and brewed a drink of drowsiness. He started to nod off on the bench....
The sun was just rising above the mud and stucco wall. Everyone had a film of sweat covering their foreheads. The marketplace was just stirring. Vendors opening shop and mothers out ready to barter, hackle, and buy food for the week. Two figures sat on the wall, backs to the town. One about 6 inches taller than the other and much broader. They greeted the morning.
A diamond shape rose into the sky. Shortly followed, another diamond.
“I have to go,” he said.
She said nothing. Just looked at him.
They descended the wall. He walked out the gate and into the haze. Greeted by sweeping dunes and three figures in between them. The dunes and his team opened their arms to him.
“Julius” shouted a boy.
He went over to see what was wrong. His kite had broken.
