The treehouse was crowded. Shunati had brought his family up. They were using his boyhood home for Pisha’s healing. It stood empty most of the time, but Shunati used it as a getaway for his family periodically. He also brought up Ruzi so Thailyn could help him talk to his mom. Tears came to the boy’s eyes when he saw her. “Vaila, let’s go spear fishing,” Ann suggested. “What’s that?” The boy asked. “Something Andy told me about. I’ve never done it,” Ann said. “I’ll come too,” Sinta offered. The house was only built for three people. If Shunati’s parents had more kids, they would’ve needed to add on. “Tell Pisha I said hi.” Thailyn led Ruzi into the valley in his mother’s mind. He stood outside the cabin and called to her. She came to the door. “Thailyn, I said you could come right in.” Then Ruzi moved out from behind him. “Mom?” She frowned, glancing inside and the image of Ruzi at the table disappeared. “Ruzi?” She asked, unsure. “Mom.” He ran up the steps and hugged her. “Mom, I missed you so much.” He was crying. “You’re real. It’s really you.” She hugged him. “But how are you here?” She looked to Thailyn. “You brought him to Erilu?” “Shunati did,” Ruzi told her. “Just for a little bit.” “I’m healing your cheek now. Once I have it done, Shunati’s going to extract the fluid and add it to the potion I made for Ruzi. Then we’ll put it in his eyes.” “You found his father?” “No. I used fluid from Vonnie’s eyes. It’s close enough to give us time to find his father.” “And if this doesn’t work, and I go blind, I get a chance to see Erilu first,” Ruzi added. “Blind?” Pisha asked. “Ruzi!” Thailyn hissed. “That’s what Andy said.” Thailyn frowned. “He told you that?” “I overheard him tell Nim.” “What did I tell you about eavesdropping?” “I wasn’t. They were in the next room. I couldn’t help but hear.” “This potion won’t make you blind. At the worst, it won’t help,” Thailyn insisted, glaring at his son. “It won’t sting?” “Oh, it will sting. But it’ll do that anyhow.” “Why do you always avoid telling me that?” “Visit with your mother. You don’t have a lot of time.” Ruzi nodded and sat with his mother talking. Thailyn smiled. He was glad to see the two so happy. He was aware of what it was like to have one’s mother leave and not return when expected and not know what happened. He listened to them talk, wanting to give Ruzi as much time with Pisha as possible. He’d talk with her later. His cheek had a strange almost burning sensation. He did a quick check of himself but didn’t find anything wrong so he shrugged it off. “You’re awfully quiet,” Pisha observed. “I’m just giving you two a chance to be together.” She smiled that sweet smile again. “Thank you.” It wasn’t long before Shunati showed up. “Pisha.” He nodded. “Shunati.” “How are you doing?” “The best I’ve been in ten years.” She grinned from ear to ear. Shunati smiled too. “Good. I’m ready for Ruzi.” “I’ve got a go mom. I’ll see you soon.” Ruzi stood and hugged her. “I love you.” “I love you too, baby.” “Mom,” Ruzi groaned at the nickname. Thailyn stood too. “I’ll be back tomorrow.” She nodded. *** In the real world, Thailyn stood to stretch his legs. His cheek felt fine now. He still could find no cause for it. He pulled out his gloves and put them on. “It would be best if you lay on the floor,” Thailyn told Ruzi. “This is going to hurt, isn’t it?” “I told you it would. Lay down.” Shunati followed Thailyn’s lead and put on his own gloves. They each knelt by the boy, one on either side of his head. Shunati gave Thailyn half the potion. “On three, quickly put three drops in his eye,” Thailyn instructed. “Only three?” “More shouldn’t cause any problems, but we may need to repeat it in a few days so don’t use all of it.” Shunati nodded. “One, two, three,” Thailyn countered and quickly put three drops in one eye before he could blink. Shunati did the same. Then Ruzi screamed and clawed at his eyes. Thailyn moved to restrain him, glad dragons were naturally stronger than elves. “Did you know this would happen?” Shunati asked, helping keep the boy’s hands from his eyes. “I didn’t know the extent of the pain, but it was expected to be severe. It shouldn’t last long. Usually, I strap down the patient.” “I’m surprised the others didn’t come running.” “I warned Ann. It’s why she took Vaila outside.” Finally, the pain subsided. Ruzi stopped struggling. Moments later, he sat up, rubbing his red, watering eyes. “Shades of night. You said sting. You breathing fire in my face couldn’t hurt worse.” “You might want to talk to Ti about that,” Shunati said. “I did. You need to learn the difference between a little sting and serious pain, Dad.” “I didn’t want to worry your mother.” “How are your eyes?” Shunati asked. “I can see okay. The pain’s almost gone.” “Let me check you. This shouldn’t hurt,” Thailyn said as he took off the gloves. Thailyn nodded a moment later. “No harm done, which is what I said. And it is doing something. I think this will help.” “How about we go see what this spearfishing is before we have to leave?” Shunati suggested.