Oasis Chapter 2 Part 2

By: Mani Michelle McCarthy

"I guess I'm just curious. But, uh...what's her job, anyway? She seems like she travels a lot, huh? Someone like that has probably been to a lot of places, seen a lot of things. probably even-" - Milo

"Yes, Milo. The guide is my mother. What's the problem?" - Nanai

"Not really a problem it's just...I don't know Nanai. Do you think she'd be okay with taking us? Pretty sure she thinks I was the one that punched you earlier." - Milo

"Nah, it's fine. You're friendly, she'll probably like you more than others. Besides, we're heading across the desert too." - Nanai

"oh...what a coincidence. But...Maybe this could wait until tomorrow? Won't she be asleep by now?" - Milo

"eh, she'll be awake. She doesn't sleep much." - Nanai

"If you say so...I just hope we can persuade her." - Milo

"Yeah, just let me do the talking." - Nanai

They finally arrive outside and are waiting for the perfect way to enter without making too much noise.

*whispers*

"Yeah, she's still awake. Remember, let me do most of the talking. You ready?" - Nanai

"Ready" - Milo

Nanai walks up the stairs carefully while Milo follows closely behind. As soon as Nanai reaches the top, he makes direct eye contact with his mother who is sitting on her knees with a paper in her hand. Curious she asked Nanai why his head is still popping out from the stairs suspiciously when there is no real reason for doing so.

"Nanai? What are you doing?" - Niraya

"Oh, um...Nothing. I was just-" - Nanai

"And who is that with you?" - Niraya

Nanai was startled by that question and so was Milo but now that his mother knew about this the boys walked up the rest of the way and made their way to Nanai's bed which was on the left to the stairs.

"Um, its...Milo. From earlier." - Nanai

"Hello." - Milo

"...Hello, Milo. Whhat brings you here at this time of night? I'm assuming this isn't about his bruise." - Niraya

"Oh, yeah- Nanai's cheek is untreatable. He'll probably need the whole thing removed at this point." - Milo

"..." - Niraya

*Cough*

"Anyway...We, uh...have a question. So, mother. I ran into Milo at the night market. He and his friend...they were looking for an escort. And I just thought...I was hoping we could help them." - Nanai

"...And where do they need to go?" - Niraya

"Well, It's kind of a coincidence. They're wanting to cross the desert too. So I was thinking it would be easy for them to come with us. Since we're going the same way anyway. And Milo's a healer, so if we have any trouble he can-" - Nanai

"No." - Niraya

There was complete shock from both Nanai and Milo when Nanai's mother declined to escort Milo and his friend despite having to go the same way.

"...Is there a reason why not?" - Nanai

"Crossing the desert is complex, and isn't something just anyone can do. You and I are both familiar with the journey, and how to handle different situations. Milo and his friend...Are not. They would slow us down and make things more difficult. And it's difficult enough as it is, given our situation. Forgive me Milo. You'll have to-" - Niraya

"You didn't even think about it." - Nanai

"...I did consider it." - Niraya

"No, you didn't! You don't know if they would slow us down. You just refuse to trust anyone enough to-" - Nanai

"And if you do trust them then you're a fool!" - Niraya

With that said, Nanai became quiet and his mouth couldn't find any words to say after that.

"...Why do you want this so badly?" - Niraya

Hesitantly Nanai starts to reply almost with sadness and like talking was ripping his guts from his stomach.

"...I hate when you leave. I hate when I always get left behind. I hate... I hate that you're always sheltering me. New places...New people. It doesn't matter. You're always against it. You have every excuse as to why it isn't a good idea. And I'm tired of it. You get to see everything. You tell me all of these stories of the places you've seen, and the people you've met. Why can't I? The only reason you won't let me is because of this stupid condition I have. You care more about whatever this...disease Is than you do about me! You've never actually paid attention to what I want. But then...how could you? You're never even here. When do I get to chose what i want to do? If you don't want to take them across the desert, then i will." - Nanai

"NANAI. That's enough!" - Niraya

An awkward silence between the two fell out and Milo couldn't help but feel uncomfortable and guilty of how this was partially his fault since he was the one who needed Nanai's mother to be their escort.

*sigh*

"I'm not gonna pretend to know what's going on, and i wont ask. It's none of my business, but...what i so understand is that you're sick. And you have been for a while. " - Milo

"...Sort of. I was born with it, whatever it is." - Nanai

"And it's not something that healers can explain?" - Milo

"No one has been able to. We've tried different medications and techniques, but...his heart is weak. And it's gotten worse as he gets older." - Niraya

"If that's the case...Feiji de is advanced in all sorts of different medications and practices. I know the basics, and maybe I can help along the way. We're all going there anyway, right? It just...makes sense...I known I'm just some random guy you ran into on the street. But I've seen what sickness and disease does to people. People that I was powerless to save. People that I could have saved, if I had acted sooner. But you're not powerless." - Milo

"If I say yes...how will I know you'll actually keep your word? That you won't misguide me once we reach the border? How can we trust you?" - Niraya

"I guess there's really no way of knowing for sure. But when you're out of options, and running out of time...what other choice do you have?" - Milo