5. Amma
Chapter 5
Amma
P ortals weren't really used in the modern world because of all the technology that could and would detect them. Amma and her family did all they could to keep the eyes of the world away. Amma had forgotten the disorienting feeling of being everywhere and nowhere. No sound. No light. No up. No down. She just was or was not. Amma feared her mind would snap before sensations returned. Then she landed on her back in the foreign forest. Two small furry bundles landed on her stomach, knocking the wind out of her.
"Ouch," Amma rubbed her stomach as Mike and Sam tumbled to the ground. "Maybe I need to put you guys on a diet."
You would starve us? Mike asked. Not let us eat?
"You know that is not what I just said." Amma sat up and looked around. The portal had closed, and only a few weak moonbeams trickled through the high tree leaves. The trees were massive, maybe even bigger than the largest redwood in the human world.
What do we do now? Sam asked.
"Explore," Amma answered. "Wherever this is, we have to find a way to survive."
The air smells funny, Mike complained. Can we go back?
"No." Amma stood and twisted her upper body to crack her back. Above her the portal snapped shut, leaving them with no way back. "This is where we are now, and we will learn to live." She took a deep breath. She placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the clearing, trying to figure out which way they should start exploring She wondered how far they would have to walk before they saw any signs of civilization or ran into someone from her family
Which way? Sam asked.
"Whichever way we want to choose." Amma helped Mike and Sam climb on her shoulders and then started walking.
Adventure! Sam squeaked. I love adventures.
"Do you?" Amma teased. "I would think your big belly would get in the way of any adventures."
I am ready for winter, Sam huffed in offense.
"Yes you are." She gave him a pat on the head. She loved how much winter weight the brothers were putting on. She just worried they were nowhere near winter in the world they had fallen into. Hopefully the brothers' bodies would adjust without too much trouble.
As they walked deeper into the forest, Amma found the active animal and plant life enticing. Some seemed to glow and dance as they passed. Even the colors were more vibrant than on earth. She stopped to watch a caterpillar as long as her forearm crawled along a branch. Its body glowed with stripes of blues and reds.
"Hello, beautiful." Amma stopped and gave the little insect a bow. "Your colors brighten up the forest."
You can talk to me! The caterpillar wiggled its whole body and the stripes changed to pink and white.
"Yes, I can talk to you. Do you mind if I touch you? Your skin looks so soft."
You can touch me.
Amma carefully stroked its back. "I love it. Where are you off too?"
It is time for me to change.
"I wish I could stay and watch over you." Amma said.
No need. I will find others like me, and we will cocoon together.
"I would love to see who you become," Amma said. "I'll be in the forest for a while. Come find me and my friends."
Thank you for the invitation. The caterpillar continued up the tree until it was lost among the leaves.
You can hear us?
Amma chuckled. She would have to hide her ability if she wanted to move through the forest without constant interruptions. "Where are you? I can't see you."
Under here . The bushes moved and a small kit stuck its nose out. Amma's heart melted as she gazed at one of the cutest baby animals she had ever seen. It had the basic shape of a rabbit, a massive rabbit, but with shorter ears and curly black fur. It stared up at her with beautiful blue eyes.
Amma knelt. "You are adorable. Are you old enough to be away from your mother?"
I do not know where she has gone.
"Poor baby." Amma could see their ribs and their fur was matted. "I don't have anything to offer you. We were just about to set out and find water and food. Want to come with us?"
We don't need more family. Mike snapped . This is our human.
Yeah, Sam agreed .
"Mike. Sam. You both know I have enough love in my heart for all creatures," Amma chastised the brothers. "What if I hadn't opened my heart to you when you were young? You want this poor creature to perish out here alone?"
We are sorry . Sam nuzzled her cheek.
"What's your name?" Amma asked the kit. "I'm Amma and these two are Sam and Mike."
I am Astro. Where are you going?
"Honestly? I have no idea. My mom sent my sisters, cousins, and me here to get away from an evil group in our world."
I have not seen anyone like you before, Astro said. I want to go with you. I do not like being alone.
"You are welcome into our group. Do you mind if I carry you?" Amma asked. "Your legs are short, and I don't want to leave you behind."
You can pick me up, Astro said.
Amma bent down carefully to keep Mike and Sam on her shoulders. Astro's fur was softer than it looked, and she took some time to admire him. He was also heavy.
You don't have any fur. Astro wiggled until he was comfortable.
"Humans have hair, but no fur," Amma said. "Your fur is soft. We will get you clean as soon as we find water."
If you want. Astro yawned, showing off his baby teeth. I do not mind.
Amma adjusted him until his weight was distributed enough for her to carry him comfortably before she started walking. If she was going to pick up many more friends on her journey, she would have to think of a better way of carrying them. "Keep a lookout for fresh flowing water."
There is a stream that way. Astro's nose pointed to the right.
"What a good nose you have." Amma praised the small animal. "I need to stay quiet now. I don't know this forest and need to watch and listen, so I don't miss any dangers."
You can talk to me in your mind, and I can hear you, Astro said quietly.
We can too, Mike yelled.