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Kitu Kama Hatma
J. A. Rothberg
Chapter One
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The class went mute as the Animal Behavior
instructor, Mr. Witherbe, entered with his overly
large magnified spectacles and regularly ironed suit
and tie. Lately it had become next to impossible to
read the expression on this older mans face for he
had so many wrinkles on his cheeks and around his
eyes. Many of the students who knew him assumed he
must be past retirement age, but this teacher was
the sharpest of them all. His posture was that of
someone in their thirties and he must have a well
toned body underneath his overdone outfit. Sure he
worked within the walls of a private school, but hischoice in daily wear was the opposite to the English
Literature teachers polo shirt and pants. Anyhow,
aside from his attire no one spoke in the presence of
Mr. Witherbe unless spoken to or asked an open
ended question in which you were given the opportunity
to speak as much as you wanted.
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He took his place, standing behind the table at the
front of the classroom and cleared his throat. It is
evident, ladies and gentlemen, that you are all seniors
this year and will be graduating tomorrow at three
oclock pm. Therefore I expect that you all have your
final exam to turn in to me on this day since I have
given you the option to do this test outside of the
class. Anyone who hasnt completed the final will not
receive a report card until it has been e-mailed to me
and viewed by my very own eyes. One at a time you
may come up and hand it in.
And so as instructed, all twenty five of the studentsstood up and made a perfect single file line, each with
their own paper in hand. Winnie Brielmann flipped
through all five typed pages before her to make sure
everything was perfect for Mr. Witherbe. Of course,
that was impossible. Nothing ever qualified as worthy
of deserving a solid one hundred in this mans mind.
Winnie knew that, but she was hopeful that this last
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time would be different. She had after all managed to
keep a B+ average in this course despite her lack of
interest in the subject.
Winnie hated animals, especially ones who roamed
around in dirty habitats and didnt often take to
water to clean themselves off. It was only to gain
enough credits for graduation that she took Animal
Behavior. It was a much better choice than
Marketing, her boyfriend had confirmed that just in
April. She had no more time to ponder this though, it
was her turn to hand in the final exam.
What have you got for me, Miss Brielmann?The final sir, like you requested.
No silly girl, he chuckled. I mean, what was your
topic?
Grassland Animals.
Very good. Thank you and good luck to you next
year, Winnie.
Thank you, sir.
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Winnie returned to her seat and let out a breath she
had been holding while she placed the exam in Mr.
Witherbes frail hands.
~
The day was over, high school was officially done
with. Students were hollering out in the hallways and
the seniors were grilling it in the faces of
underclassmen who tried to avoid the rampage and
tear their stuff out of their lockers so that they
could escape the chaos. Winnie was one of the few
seniors who contained her excitement and weaved her
way down the hall toward her own locker which hadbeen near the front of the school all four years. She
hadnt realized that with each year she had less and
less school supplies to empty out and take home.
On the inside of her locker she had a mirror. It
wasnt hers. The previous owner must have left it
behind, but Winnie took advantage of it and the days
that she hadnt had time to apply her foundation she
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did so before class began. Now she contemplated
whether to take the item along with her or be just as
generous and leave it for the successor of this locker.
She looked at her reflection a few moments longer but
then a male figure appeared behind her and he was
half smiling at her from inside the mirror.
Winnie giggled and turned around. She threw her arms
around her boyfriend then looked up into his soft blue
eyes. They were more somber today and his red hair
was untidy, like he himself had no time to get ready
for school this morning. Hey babe, whats the
matter? Cat got your tongue?I thought you hated cats, he gave her a
smaller smile this time.
I do, with a burning passion, she put her school bag
over her shoulder and slammed the locker shut,
forgetting about the mirror. Come on now, whats
your deal? Are you happy? Sad? Ive known you eight
months, Spencer.Winnie attempted to give him a
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kiss on his cheek and then his lips, but Spencer
stepped back and Winnie almost tripped.
WinnieI cant.
Youre making no sense, she said now becoming
agitated. Are you having another Bipolar attack or
what?
Come outside, Spencer took Winnie by the
arm and they walked out the front entrance of the
high school and stood there, face to face. Remember
when I told you that for college Im going to Brown
University?
Yes, you told me back in February that was yourfinal decision. But what has that got to do with your
issue?
Its too far from here, I wont be able to
see you.
But you can drive.
I know I can, its been like that for a
year.
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Just get to the point! Winnie cried aloud
impatiently.
Spencer turned away and sighed, scratching
the back of his head, something he did when he was
nervous. Then he finally looked back to Winnie and
spoke. This past weekend I started seeing someone
who lives closer to Brown than you do here in
Newport.
Someone else? Winnie said in a low voice but without
a definite reaction or some sort of emotion. Well
good, I guess I wont feel too guilty thenwhen I meet
someone nice at the modeling academy this fall.Spencer laughed. Winnie, I dont want to
sound mean, but when you applied to that school or
whatever back in January you had natural blonde hair
that grew from your headthen you died it this
artificial auburn hue.You think that theyll like that?
Why? What color hair does Miss Providence sport,
Spencer? And is it natural?
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Spencers face grew cold now. Shes twenty-
six, its obvious that she knows better than to bleach
her hair, Winnie.
Fine, fine Spencer. Have it your way, high school is
overwe are over! Dont bother looking for me at
graduation tomorrow. Winnie groaned as she stormed
off campus and hopped onto her bike to ride home.
She was perfectly content with her newly colored
hair, and the academy would be too. She would make
a great model for some of the hottest clotheslines
that included stores such as Gap and Express.
Spencer doesnt know anything about hair, she toldherself as she pedaled down the street, looking
nowhere but ahead of her. She didnt haveto cross
any busy roads and for this Winnie was thankful.
While it was mostly anger that coursed through her,
she couldnt stop a couple of persistent tears from
escaping her eyes.
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~
At home Winnie dropped her bike by the side of the
garage and darted inside the house without any
intention of greeting anyone, but went up into her
room so that she could think. Except, she couldnt
quite do that all in order. Winnie had to stop in the
bathroom to examine her hair. What on earth am I
doing? She muttered to herself in her head. Spencer
is a thick headed asshole and I happen to think that
this new color goes perfectly with my tan skin and
soft brown eyes. Yes, that was all that mattered!
That I am comfortable in my own skin.These thoughts were making her feel much better,
when suddenly the door swung open to reveal her
fourteen year old sister, Maddie. Hey, what gives?
Funny, I was about to ask you the same
exact thing. You didnt take a moment to say hi to
dad or me, and its obvious you have no more finals to
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study for since you graduate in the next twenty-four
hours.
Yes, that may be true. But youd be surprised at the
issues that can arise at the last moment.
I thought you defriended Ginny last month
when she tried to steal Spencer?
Winnie cringed at the sound of his name and her ears
felt as if they had been stung by a swarm of bees.
Did he go too?
Another groan was emitted from Winnies mouth and
she stormed past Maddie into her bedroom.
Im sorry! She heard her sister yell beforeclosing the door at once.
~
Winnie had fallen asleep upon her bed which had at
one point been nice and flat but was now full of
creases, much like her now previous teachers face.
She glanced through foggy eyes at her alarm clock
and noticed that three full hours had gone by since
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the encounter with her sister. She didnt budgefrom
her spot though. She felt too weak to even lift her
head. Stop the moping, a voice snapped inside her
mind. She knew inside her brain that Spencer was just
defending his case as most guys do when they were
confronted with a conflict. Though deep in her heart,
she wished that he hadnt even started to mention
Miss Providence.
Winnie was thankful for the knock at her bedroom
door and jumped up onto her feet in an instant,
surprised that it was only a minute ago she couldnt
move a muscle. She opened it to see that it was herfather who was himself a very strict lawyer. It
actually made sense that often he would sport both a
suit and tie to his work. Winnie was just shocked to
see that he hadnt changed since coming home minutes
before her. She supposed that the court really wears
you out. She stepped aside without a word and let her
father into the room.
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Good evening Winnie, and how was your last day of
high school? He sat down on her bed, ignoring how
deranged it looked.
It was decent, I cant say that I will miss
anyone from my class.
Oh come on, not even one person?
She thought for a moment, even strained her
brain, but no one important came to mind. No, not
even one.
Shocking, I could count off about ten or fifteenbut,
then again Im fifty, he gave Winnie a humorous
smile. Are you hungry?Hungry? We arent waiting for mom?
Oh,right. Your mother, well about her, shes not
going to be home until much later. Its not the usual I
know, but its stressful times.
Whats going on?
There was a silence that fell upon the room while her
father stared off into space. Ill tell you and Maddie
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at dinner. Your sister is actually starting the stove
for me right now.
The last thing Winnie wanted was to feel
anxious. She had forgotten about the hair thing
between her and Spencer and there was barely any
chance it would slip back into her mind unless her
sister prodded for details. She watched her father
leave the room and take the doorknob in his large
fist. You dont have to close it, she said suddenly.
Whatever you want, sweetie, he told her in a quiet
voice and disappeared down the stairs.
(Next Page To Chapter Two)
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Chapter Two
Africa! Youre fucking kidding me! Winnie cried out,
dropping a spoonful of blueberry yogurt upon her lap
which only made things worse. What about my
modeling career? Maddie looked as if she was trying
to stifle a laugh.
Now watch your language young lady! Your
mother has left us, yes I said it, and Ive wanted tomove there for years. Im sure youll find another
passion over seas.
You must be possessed, Winnie muttered with
disgust at her father. Youdo realize that you have
ruined my futuremy life?
I will nottake responsibility for something
that big, Winifred. If you like, when we get to
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Kenya, you can sport all of the animal hide skins you
want and show off as much bust as you please.
Thats sad if you think thats what I had in mind for
a career, She said standing up.
You havent been excused.
Really? Because I thought Id get a head start on
packing.
Oh stop being such a prat! Look at your
little sister, shes not having a cow over this.
Well maybe thats because she doesnt know what to
do with her life, I do!
Thats a lie, Maddie chimed in. I want towork on a National Reserve.
Thats my girl, their father smiled widely for the
first time through out the whole dinner.
Winnie had since sat back down, but she refused to
meet eyes with both her father and sister for the
duration of the evening.
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~
Im sorry Winnie, but it was time that I go. Thats
not to say that I dont cherish you or your sister, but
your father was becoming unbearable. There are just
some people in life you cant hold onto forever, even
after twenty years of marriage.
So thats it? No divorce? You walked out on
us? That doesnt seem the least fair, mom.
Oh I signed the papers, sweetie. I did that a few
days ago, but yes, I didnt want to turn this situation
into a whole ordeal. Ive moved to the other side of
town because your father kept on going on aboutdragging me into his fantasy lives. And so when I told
him it would never become a reality, he got angryI
got angryit wasnt going to work between us anymore
and we both knew it. Imagine living with someone who
only spoke as if he was living in his dreams and forgot
to actually live. It wears you down, and being out of
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Yes, I know how old you are Winnie. Youve been
eighteen for a few months now and some days and
hours too. There was a small giggle on theother end
of the line as her mother remembered this precisely.
Still, they were words youd never have thought the
love of your life would say when at one point he had
said some of the sweetest.
There was a loud and rapid knocking outside
her bedroom. Winnie! Whos that youre talking to?
It was her father standing behind the door.
She didnt answer though and waited for her mom to
carry on speaking.Sweetie, I have to go.
Why? Winnie said suddenly in a very
dramatic tone.
She heard a sigh this time from the receiver.
Is there someone else?
Yes Winnie. I would have had to leave anyhow, even
if your father had stopped rambling on about running
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off to live in his dream worlds. I have fallen for
another man.
Oh. Okay then.
I love you, and tell your sister too. I wont lose
touch, even if youre a million miles away.
Love you too, mom.
The line went dead and Winnie knew that her mom
had really gone. Well, physically maybe, but she knew
how much her mom cared for her and Maddie while
she had been in the house these last eighteen years
of her life. A mothers love for her children never
dies. Not like the love between a man and a womanwho are in no way related to one another aside from
the fact that they are both human.
Winnie put the phone down on the hook and
went now to the door. Her father was still there, his
hands were hanging limply at his sides. May I help
you? She asked as if speaking to a customer.
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I was hoping that you could answer my question about
who it was you were speaking to on the phone.
It was my mother. Just because you arent
speaking to her, doesnt mean I cant.
I know that Winnie, but you must know that she had
been having an affair for weeks before we split.
I found that out as well.
Doesnt shockme to be honest. Your mother has
never once spared herself a breath at social events.
I see.
I want you to go and see your sister, her father
said at once.Maddie? But why?
Its finally hitting herthats were leaving.
Um, alright I suppose.
Thank you, sweetie.
Winnie waited for her father to close his
bedroom door before walking down the hall to see
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Maddie. Her door was open a crack, but she still
knocked.
Whos there? She heard her sister ask.
Its Winnie.
Come in.
Winnie opened the door and took a couple of
steps inside the bedroom that smelled strongly of
vanilla. She remembered then that her sister loved to
have scented candles burning in her room whenever
she felt melancholy. Dad said I should see you.
Thats why Im here.
He did. Well, I guess you should sit down then ifthats what he wants.
Winnie did just that. She sat at the desk
while Maddie sat upon the edge of her bed. So,
whats up?
Africacan you believe it? Im going to high school in
Kenya.
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I wonder howgood their schools are. The
high school here is as pretty as the town dump.
But to be educated in a whole other continent?
It must be years before those kids are
actually smart enough to graduate. Ninth grade is
probably ABC and 123! Winnie started to crack up at
her own joke she knew Maddie wouldnt find funny. It
wasnt like her younger sister to laugh at her jokes.
Though this time Winnie could have sworn that she
saw a smile.
Maybe youre right Winnie. But at least, Ill get to
see real wildlife animals while Im walking to town.Just be careful a rhino doesnt nail you and
send you flying through the air, more fits of giggling
emitted from Winnies mouth.
No seriously!Winnie, I love wildlife no matter how
fast dads decision was to just move from thousands
of people in town to barely anyone.
There are people in Kenya, silly.
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Not as many as there are here.
GreatI might as well be living up in the
trees with the monkeys as us humans once did.
Are you packed? Maddie asked, seeing that Winnie
was only trying to make humor of their supposedly
serious talk.
Yeah. We are leaving here at noon.
Ill probably be up late finishing all of my personal
belongings.
You dont own that much.
Yes I do, my childhood stuff is the most special to
me.Winnie rolled her eyes and stood up.
Where are you going now? Trying to get out of
Africa againand we havent even arrived!
Maddie please, I didnt choose to walk in
here you know.
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I know. Dad told you to because instead of having to
go through this transition alone he wanted us to
encounter it together.
Winnie didnt have a reply to this come
backthere was nothing else to be said.
(Next Page To Chapter Three)
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Chapter Three
Winnie had never been on an airplane before in her
whole life. The fact that she had been offered to
await boarding the aircraft in a sky lounge and was
sitting in first class made her wonder if the reason
why was because her father had been saving up for
the journey to Africa.
Such a smart cookie, her father said toMaddie
because apparently she had asked exactly what Winnie
had been keeping to herself.
So are we going to have a mansion in Kenya
too? She went on to ask.A mansion Im not so sure, but it will be a beautiful
home. Maybe the most well constructed in the
country, but that youll just have to wait and find out
my dear.
Fifteen hours. Why must the flight be fifteen hours
long? Winnie wanted to ask this to her father as the
planes engines revved up beneath them. She didnt
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though, she leaned back in her seat and stared up at
the off white ceiling above her. She wasnt scared of
the plane ride, she was afraid of the destination and
now her future. Thanks dad, she thought once she
felt the plane taxi down the tarmac.
Im actually excited now that were on the plane,
Maddie said putting her blonde hair up into a clip. I
was nervous at the thought, but now its really
happening.
Thats right kiddo, their father said.
Between you and I, I was afraid that Id never
even get as far as looking into homes. I wonderhow your mother is doingprobably out with
someone who is just as satisfied with plain old
American life as she is I bet.
Why would you wonder such things if you told her you
never cared? Winnie broke into the conversation, but
didnt realize she hadnt lowered her voice and now
some people were looking her way.
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Thats an interesting question, but its not
one I can answer.
And why is that?
Winnie, stop. We are going to make a new
beginning over in Africa. It does not do one well to
live in the past when theyve got a bright future.
This caused Winnie to laugh. Yeah rightbright.
She saw that her father had turned to a
magazine now, but she refused to see what it was on.
Surely it was something in Swahili.
~
Outside of Mombasa Airport, the atmosphere wassweltering. Winnie had only stepped outside for one
minute so that her father could find their car and she
felt beads of sweat forming at the hairline above her
forehead. It must be at least ninety degrees out
here, she said aloud though irritated.
Actually, its eighty-nine if you want an
exact temperature.
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How do you know that?
Maddie revealed a square gadget with a
couple of buttons underneath a screen that did give
you a reading of the exact temperature outside as
well as inside for that matter. Dad got it for me on
my birthday back in April. He said I needed something
useful so he bought me this. It was seventy-two
degrees back home in Rhode Island. Crazy right?
Ill say, now where the hell is that ludicrous father
of ours? Im going to die of heat stroke before I die
of homesickness.
There he is! Maddie pointed a finger aheadto a navy blue jeep. Its tires were massive and it
looked less like a jeep, but more so a Monster Truck.
That thing looks ridiculous compared to the regular
trucks around here. Does he plan to drive over rocks
in that vehicle?
No idea.
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The monster truck stopped before them and they
watched as their father took one massive leap down
from his seat onto the cement ground at the entrance
of the airport. Hello girls, what do you think of my
new ride?
It looks
Great dad! Maddie said quickly interrupting Winnies
oncoming remark. Very large but, pretty cool.
I was expecting that kind of reaction, it is
a bit large isnt it?
Yeah, whats up with the tires? Theyre as tall as
you.It was Winnie who made this observation.Its all I could get for the price I offered
the dealer. People here want money.
Thats not surprising.
Are you kidding? Maddie said. I thought
this place would look way more out of sorts than it
is.
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Shes right, Winnie. Maybe you should give Kenya a
chance to grow on you.
Seriously dad, stop the jokes. This is wild
life were moving into. Nobody washes more than once
a week or eats fresh produce.
Fine Winnie have it your way, Im done arguing with
you on this matter for good!
~
The Monster Truck stopped on the side of the endless
dirt road. When Winnie looked out to her left side
she noticed a cluster of gazelles grazing and feedingon the thick overgrown grass surrounding them. To her
right was a medium sized blood red orange stucco built
house that was only slightly bigger than the one they
had back in Newport. Still, no matter how close to
home her father would try to make this place it would
never work. When she looked behind her, Winnie could
just barely see the small town that they had passed
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through ten minutes before. And looking ahead
through the windshield she couldnt say that there was
much either.
Alright ladies, here we are. Mombasa Wildlife
Reserve! And would you look at that, our house is
right across from all of the animals! Maddie, you can
practice your career from home. Winnie stuck her
tongue out and pointed a finger at the back of her
throat in disgust.
Awesome! When can I start?
As soon as you have unpacked all of your stuff and
think you are ready to explore your new home.Maddie threw open the car door and hopped
out letting out a scared sound when she hit the
ground. Winnie however was hesitant to do so. Can
you please consider a regular set of tires? She asked
her father in as nice a tone as possible.
If we are ever deported back to the United States,
sure.
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Inside the house, Winnie carried all of her belongings
toward the bedroom at the end of the corridor
upstairs. She was shocked to see that the bedroom
was as large as the kitchen and the den put together
and contained a bathroom as well. If she wanted she
didnt have to leave the room except for mealtimes.
What else did she have to do with her life? If she
wanted to find some sort of modeling school shed
have to go to South Africa if anywhere in the
continent at all. What time was it? She saw that
there was a wooden wall clock above the bed post. It
was one oclock in the afternoon yet Winnie wasexhausted. How was it that Maddie had the energy to
chase after wild animals? Then again she was destined
to do just that. Winnie stood and stared at the boxes
that were full of her itemsbut insteadof opening
them one by one, she decided to fall onto her bed and
pass out.
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(Next Page To Chapter Four)
Chapter Four
One week later, Winnie looked outside the window
beside her bed to see her younger sister crossing the
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dirt road to other side with a camera that was larger
than her face dangling around her neck. She sat and
watched as Maddie lifted the giant object before her
and captured a photo of a rhino. She was also
wondering why her sister had been outside so early in
the morning, but realized it was almost ten am. The
time difference was really impacting her internal
clock. She slowly stood up and went to her walk in
closet to see what she wanted to wear.
Winnie! It was her father calling for her. She ran
to the door and thrust it open to shout back
downstairs.Yes dad?
Are you going to go on a walk with Maddie and I
along the reserve?
And get eaten alive? Id rather not.
Okay. Well, I had to ask, let alone tell you where we
were going.
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Okay, bye. Winnie closed the door once
more and proceeded to get dressed. As she was
sliding on her tank top, there was a knock at her
door. Is that you dad?
No. Its Maddie.
Her sister stood at the door and in her right
hand was a brochure. Winnie rolled her eyes. I
thought I told dad millions of times I am not going to
get into anything that involves animals.
Its not wildlife related actually. Why dont you look
at it before making assumptions? She held out the
pamphlet and Winnie took it from Maddieshandcautiously before turning her back to her sister and
closing the door once more.
She sat down at her desk and glanced at the front
cover. Maddie was right, it had nothing to do with
animals, it was a waitress job. What made her father
think she wanted to take peoples orders? She flipped
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the item onto its back and saw a sticky note with
writing on it:
Winnie,
I know this isnt a modeling offer but its a decent
and rather clean job. There is a small caf in town
that needs a new waitress and I thought youd like to
get out of the house for a few hours each day. All
the information you need is inside the brochure from
dress code to service hours.
Love you,
Your father
~Within a few days of handling the brochure for
Mombasa Caf, Winnie found herself washing small
round coffee tables free of pastry crumbs. It didnt
bother her, but she was also the only Caucasian
person who turned up at the place each day. What
was hardest for Winnie was picking up Swahili because
next to nobody spoke English.
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That night, as she sat having dinner with her family,
her father started to speak. Would you like me to
buy you a Swahili to English dictionary?
Winnie shrugged.
Sure, fine, whatever. If you can find a
book in good enough condition that offers the help Ill
be grateful.
Its a deal then, Ill go to the used BookNook in
town and pull one out. It just might not be in the best
condition depending on how many non Swahili speakers
have come through this town.
Dad, its fine. As long as I can get by onsomething.
Okay, I just hope that one day youwill realize I only
want the best for you.
I know dad, said Maddie.
Im glad you know Maddie, but I wish Winnie did
too.
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Winnie had been looking down at her plate of
wild boar. Her father had took to hunting pig once a
week when he wasnt doing other nature based
activities. Still, Winnie couldnt deny that it was good
despite the fact that it too had once been rolling
around in dirt and other gross matter. Surprisingly, it
was her father who now stood up from the table.
Well sweeties, Im off to bed for a busy day
tomorrow, love you both. He first kissed Maddie atop
her head and then moved to Winnie and did just the
same, It was as if there had never been conflict
between them all this time.
(Next Page To Chapter Five)
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Chapter Five
When Winnie awoke on the first day of July, she was
laying on her stomach with her chin resting upon the
top of her hands. Except, something was wrong with
that picture. She had always been uncomfortable on
her stomach and even her mother knew it since shehad been a baby.
When she went to stretch, Winnie opened her eyes
slightly and yawned. As she reached out in front of
her, she found herself in the downward dog position
not stretching out her arms but furry gold legs with
enormous paws. In shock she leapt back and fell off
the bed landing on her side. There was a tail hanging
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loosely behind her as well with a bushy auburn tip to
it.
Now Winnie purposefully curled up on the floor in fear
of herself with her overgrown once hands over her
still round brown eyes which, she had met in the full
length mirror on the wall across from her when she
looked up accidentally.
What time was it? Would someone walk into her room
and see that she had become a feline beast? Would
she become Maddies pet? There were so many
questions Winnie had but didnt want answered. Being
curled up at the foot of her bed wasnt the solutionthough. Slowly, Winnie clambered up onto all four legs
and realized that she would not only look ridiculous
but, fail at standing on only two and so she stayed
that way. She made her way over to the mirror to
examine herself more closely. She wasnt a tiger, she
wasnt a leopard, not a jaguar, and definitely not a
cheetah. Winnie had morphed into a lioness. But how?
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She had been asleep all night. Again, there were no
answers to this. She hung her head low and sulked at
the rug underneath her and felt her claws dig into the
fabric. She even heard them make scratching noises
beneath her as well.
Winnie went over to the window of which she was now
just level with. The sight of which she saw before her
now brought a lump into her throat. There was Maddie
taking a photo of a real lioness! A lion that wasnt
actually a human in disguise. But this metamorphosis
wasnt fake either. Winnie had turned into a real legit
lion whether she wanted to acknowledge it or not. Shetook her eyes away from her sister and instead
turned them toward the wall. It was only eight am.
Maybe her father was still asleep. She sure as hell
hoped so. Winnie went into her closet and looked up
at all of the clothes she once wore. What had
happened to the night gown she fell asleep in last
night? She left the wardrobe and saw a torn piece of
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lingerie on the floor on the side of her bed. This
made her want to scream. She paced the room a
couple of times thinking about what to do. She
couldnt go to work anymore, there was no question.
Well, her father had been rich enough to move them
all the way to Africa, he was on his own now. As for
Maddie, she was as good as an only child as of now.
Winnie hadnt been thinking about it, but she had
suddenly become hungry. No, not just hungry,
ravenous! Like she could eat anything you put in front
of her. How would her father feel about raising a
lion? Feeding one every day because she could nolonger feed herself. Then Winnie remembered the
chocolate shed stolen from her sister one night she
had bad cravings. There was still a bar of it inside
her desk drawer and she just had to have it.
Winnie pawed the handle of the top most drawer but
couldnt find success in opening it andshe growled
underneath her breath. This time she took advantage
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of her razor sharp canines to open it and this time
succeeded. Yes! She said excitedly to herself as she
fished out the sweet.
It fell to the floor and she tore the wrapper off with
her claws. With one bite the chocolate was in her
mouth, but while she was chewing it she developed the
most foul taste in her mouth like none she had ever
had while savoring such a good treat. This is nasty,
she thought to herself. Winnie didnt dare spit it out
on the carpet though. She swallowed the darned
chocolate bar only now wishing for some water to rinse
away the flavor.~
Winnie? Winnie, come outside quick! Its mating
season for a couple of zebras! Maddie called through
out the house. I got a shortvideo clip, but you
should see this.
Winnie didnt know whether to respond to her
sister or not. She had no intention of drawing Maddie
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into her bedroom while she was in this state. She
wouldnt have to come out,not unless it was her
father who demanded to see her.
Are you there big sis? Maddie called again. Dad is
out there too!
There were footsteps coming up the staircase
now. I better speak, Winnie said. That way she wont
come into my room! I cant, Imnot ready, she said
at the door even though she was on her bed, on her
stomach once again.
Oh my gosh! Is there a lion in your room? Winnie,
hold on! Im going to get dad, she cried out.Shit. Was Winnies normal speaking voice now a roar
to humans? She had to get out, but the window was
shut. She jumped off of the bed and thought fast.
There must be something she could break the glass
withanything! But even for a lion her thinking wasnt
as fast as her body.
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The door was thrown open and Winnie saw her sister
standing there as white as a ghost and her father
looked sweaty, his cheeks were a rosy hue. Winnie!
Winifred Hope! Where are you?
That lionit ate her dad! Maddie said
pointing to the actual Winnie.
Winnie didnt move though. She sat on herhind legs
obediently and just looked up at both her family
members as calm as possible. Wait a minute Maddie.
Her father took one step inside the bedroom. If
Winnie had been eaten there would have been blood,
pieces of flesh, and bones. Go and look in the closetMaddie.
Maddie did as she was told but came back
out as soon as she was in. No corpse in here, the
body wasnt hidden I suppose.
Just then Winnie went up to her father, who by
instinct went still. She rubbed herself against his legs
and purred like in the case of many cats who loved
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their owner. This indeed took her father by surprise.
This isnt a wild lionit cant be. Shes tame and
seems to have been raised by a human. But, I dont
understand how she got inside the house, let alone all
the way up here in Winnies room. Winnie looked up
and met eyes with her father who happened to be
looking down at her that very moment as well. They
stayed like that for a few moments, in silence.
Um, dad? You alright? Maddie asked,
tapping her father on his upper arm.
Shes got eyes likeChestnuts! Her father said aloud.
Yeah so? She must be a mutant cat.FuckWinnie? Isis that you?
Honestly dad, youre talking to a freaking
lion!
Now, just wait a second young lady He kept on
scrutinizing the lioness who was in fact his daughter.
Winniemy baby girl?
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Winnie rubbed the top of her head on her fathers
knee.
My Winnie! He dropped to his knees and threw his
arms around the female lion with a mix of emotions.
Tears of joy and sadness came down his cheeks, from
the corners of his eyes. Maddie, its your sister.
No, thats a lion.
Look at her! Think about it! I keep the doors locked
all the time and the windows! This lion happened to
be in her room as opposed to yours or mine. She has
her eyes! You cant really be second guessing.
I justI guess I dont want to believe thatWinnies a lion.
Maddie, you love lions!
Just as Winnie has feared, becoming her
younger sisters pethad now become a possible
reality. I know I do, but thats my sister.
Her father stood back up. Its alright Winnie, we
still love you. You will be a teenage girl again before
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you know it. He turned to leave the room butthen
looked back. Come outside if you feel like it.
(Next Page To Chapter Six)
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Chapter Six
Winnie was restless that night. She had left her room
to go outside twice that day. Once around noon and
then again at dinner time. Both times to eat and
hydrate herself. Winnie did this as quick as possible
though, she didnt want to get too dirty. She was
clean and she liked the way her golden fur gleamed
underneath the sunlight. At the same time it didnt
feel right inside her bedroom anymore. When the
moon was full in the sky late that night, she looked to
see that the reserve across the street was scattered
with animal night life. The longer she stood andwatched this affair the emptier she began to feel.
Im not a human anymore! She cried inside her mind.
And I will probably be that way for the rest of my
lifeSo what am I doing inside a home where no one
understands my situation? Winnie was unsure if
animals cried but, she was and she didnt know why.
Her dad loved her, her sister had more or less
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accepted the fact that she was a lion. What was her
issue then? Maybe it was the fact that there was no
more real communication between them. At that
moment Winnie lost control, she took a paw and
swiped the lamp from her bed side table onto the
floor and roared. Then, she took the music box she
had been given to by her mother between her teeth
and broke the window so a good portion of the glass
shattered onto the ground and there was a hole big
enough to slip through. She heard voices outside her
bedroom door muttering nervously, but before anyone
could notice her leave, she took on the twenty footjump without any fear and landed upon her feet onto
the grass taking off at a run across the silent road
into the reserve.
~
It was very bright underneath the full moon that
shined above the massive field where the animals
stood, many of them admiring the pattern of stars,
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the constellation Cancer. Winnie stood in the midst of
them all, noticing that she was now being stared at by
a clique of giraffes.
She turned the other way so that she didnt have to
meet their small gleaming eyes, of which looked
anything but welcoming. Winnie went to the far edge
of the expansive piece of dry land and found herself
standing along the edge of a thick wood, a rain forest
from what she registered from the outside looking in.
She looked back once more at the cluster of giraffes
who she could hear whispering. They were speaking in
English that was for certain, but she could barelymake out what they were talking about. Perhaps it
was about her? It would make sense. Why else would
they be whispering if there were no human ears to
hear them mutter underneath their breaths?
Winnie stepped through the thickets and stepped into
the damp atmosphere of the Mombasa Rain Forest. In
here, she heard the suttle chirping of birds coming
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from the canopies of the tallest trees and the slight
hissing of a snake slithering over the ground
somewhere nearby.
She stood rooted to her spot for a moment, taking in
the atmosphere before continuing through the shrubs.
There was a rustling around her but Winnie kept
moving onward, determined to keep all fright out of
her mind. It was really dark now. She could barely
see a thing, though she wasnt entirely blind. She was
certain that it would take time for her eyes to adjust
to the low level of light. And so she began to slow her
strides through the forest, but as clumsy as she wasas a human, that hadnt changed at all when she
became a lion. Winnie tripped over the extensive root
of a tree and tumbled into a body of water. A rather
shallow river from what she made out because the
rocks hit her immediately. She cursed loudly as she
scrambled out not only freezing to the core, but
devastated that her attempt to stay clean was
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starting to fail. There was no way that the water in
this rain forest was sanitary, she was becoming a
dirty cat already! As she lay down, waiting to dry off,
Winnie looked at her reflection in the river before
her. Uglyjust a disgrace to human nature! Her nose
was too big and her jaw was much too wide to be
feminine. She slapped the water hard with a paw the
same way she did the lamp and it created a loud
splashing as it did when she had fallen in.
She had began to doze off when she heard a voice
close by. Hey, you! Lion!
Winnie lifted up her head from the ground tosee through heavy eyes that there was a panther
standing on the other side of the unmoving river.
What do you want?... She grumbled with extreme
tiredness.
Woah! Bite my head off kitty, have you gone mad?
What are you talking about? Im trying to
sleep!
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Sleep? Lions dont sleep at night, at least, youll find
that most like to bake in the sun during the day.
Well, Im not one to conform to the nature
of feline bestiality, if you must know.
What on earth? Where is your clan? Or rather, your
pride?
I never had one and I dont plan on joining
one. Now if you dont mind, Ill ask that you leave me
to wallow in a life I wish to drastically end without
the act of suicide.
Girl, you got issues.
I got issues? You think youre cool? Living upin the branches of trees, licking the termites off your
skin? You animals are the ones with issues.
But you are animal! Dont you get it kitty? Youre a
lion!
No Im not.
Oh please, dont humor me. Have you looked in the
river lately?
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Unfortunately yes.
Then whats the deal?
Winnie opened her mouth to speak, but
closed it again at once. Never mind
YeahI thought so, said the panther before walking
off again into the darkness of the night.
(Next Page To Chapter Seven)
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Chapter Seven
For some four days, Winnie stayed in the same spot,
only moving a short distance to drink from the river
and eat the plants and or small creatures that
surrounded her. She knew that she would not survive
off her fantasy of fresh cut Sirloin. She even took
the risk and sniffed at her arms occasionally to see if
she smelled. All that she could pick up was the scent
of fallen leaves and old rain. Yes, it had rained once
the previous night. Yet, as stubborn as Winnie was,
she had no intention of moving, but rather hoped that
it would rain long enough to drown her.When she opened her eyes on this morning, she heard
monkeys screeching and bickering up in the tree tops.
Probably fighting over some rotten banana, Winnie
thought to herself. That is after all what monkeys did
best. This made her smile. In fact, these were the
only thoughts that kept her from sinking into a more
severe form of depression.
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Actually, Winnie was contemplating if she should
bother moving locations on this day. One voice was
telling her that it wasnt worth it and that she may
accidentally fall this time in a pile of manure. Another
voice was telling her to go and explore her new
surroundings and see what she comes upon. Neither
were very convincing.
She was clawing at an aquamarine feather, which at
some point in the last six hours had fallen right next
to her. Then suddenly, something hit her full force on
her left shoulder. She jumped up onto a four of her
legs defensively scanning the area for the attacker.But then, she was hit again on the head. She glanced
down to see that it was a mango and those only came
from the trees. She looked up and saw that a gray
baboon was sitting upon a branch about fifteen feet
up in the air and he was laughing hysterically. Youre
lucky I dont come up there! She hissed to the
monkey. Whats your problem anyway?
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This stopped the baboons cackling and he
stared at her. My problem? I dont have a problem?
Mind you, I have noticed that youre the one who
hasnt moved in a few days. I think its fair to ask
yourself the same question?
Listen, I dont know what that panther was onto and
what youre trying to get at now, but I suggest you go
on and continue your monkey business.
Winnie started to walk away but stopped in
her tracks when the baboon landed in front of her. I
see that you are having trouble with yourself,
Winnie.Trouble? What? How do you know my name?
I cannot reveal to you that, but I know that
what you are struggling with comes from within. What
youre missing now is an answer.
Oh Isee, Winnie said in amusement. Youre
supposed to be one of those wise monkeys who helps
the one in distress.
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You are correct, said thebaboon putting
the tip of his finger on Winnies nose. And old Kaj is
going to tell Winnie what she has been lost in all
these days.
You are! Winnie was excited. Will it helpbecome
human again?
The baboon named Kaj was not shocked to
hear this. Perhaps. But, first Winnie must
understand what it takes.
Please Kaj! Tell me, what do I need to do? Ill do
anything! Winnie begged.
Kaj knows why you are here, and how thiscame to be.
Thats all good, but get to the point! Winnie sat
down anxiously.
Winnie has been prejudice against the
nature of animals since she knew what one was. She
thought they were dirty, hideous, can feel no love!
She hated them so much that she hated Africa! This
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wasnt going to be a pleasant life for dear Winnie.So
Winnie wakes up one day and she is a lioness! She is
fearful now of herself and in disgust of what she has
come to be. And so unable to speak about this to her
human loved ones, she runs away here with the other
animals. Yet, she still hesitates to accept her
metamorphosis. Winnie has to learn something very
important while she is inside a lions body before she
can become human again. She must learn to love
herself, others like herself, and Africa. The baboon
stopped speaking and opened his eyes, for they had
been shut this whole time while he spoke.But I do! I love Africa now, the animals are cool too!
Im awesome!She said trying to sound the most
convincing.
Winnie must not just think that inside her
mind, she must also feel it inside her heart, the
baboon put a hand where Winnies heart was beating.
Thats a bunch of philosophical
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No, it is not! Kaj interrupted. Old Kaj
knows the legends and the happenings of many things.
He will not lie or fail to guide those in need like
yourself.
Fine then, I dont need you. I love Africa and thats
that. I can live with my own guide, inside my own
mind!
~
Winnie had come to the conclusion that everyone on
the reserve was insane and even they, animals,
wouldnt understand her. This baboon who calledhimself Kaj didnt run after her when she stormed
away, but rather stayed in his place shaking his ahead
muttering something she couldnt quite hear, but didnt
care to know nonetheless.
She left the rain forest part and went back out into
the grassy field. The snooty giraffe clique had been
replaced by a group of male tigers. Of course, as she
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expected all of their heads turned when she walked
by. A couple even had the nerve to cat call at her and
point out how easy she looked. Men, she thought.
Human or animal they are all the same inside. She
looked towards her home to see that her father was
getting into his Monster Truck, not sparing a glance
out at the wild life. Had he and Maddie been looking
for her? She doubted it. Maybe they understood that
she was better off with those who didnt live inside
the walls of a house but, rather preferred the
comfort of sleeping underneath the shade of trees or
bathing in the sun for that matter. Winnie didnttrouble herself with anymore thoughts such as these.
Instead, she focused on a group of galloping gazelles
and watched them intently. Would she have to kill one
if she wanted to eat something as close to a steak as
possible? She was indecisive. That would be
conforming to the disturbing nature of animal life.
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The very last thing Winnie wanted to do, but was
unsure if she would much longer have a choice.
(Next Page To Chapter Eight)
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Chapter Eight
Winnie woke underneath the shade of a large Sequoia
tree to hear an irksome singing coming from up in the
branches. She put her paws over her ears but the
poorly tuned voice only grew louder and when she
looked up there was old Kaj swinging on the lowest
branch near her. Would you quit it?
Has Winnie found it in her heart to accept her new
life?
She looked away from the baboon and rolled
her eyes. I might just kill myself if you dont go
away.I will take that as a no. And what good would that
do to become what you refuse to eat? Dead meat!
Listen,if it flatters you I have eaten some
okay? Just, not a lot.
Its not enough! You must eat until you are satisfied.
At this point Winnie had gotten to her feet
intending to walk away when a furry hand yanked hard
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of the tip of her tail making her jump. Listen
youyou banana brain! She shouted at the monkey
who wore the most innocent expression at the
moment. Im not going to spend the rest of my life
hearing you go on about legendary myths! Go and
enlighten someone dumb enough to believe each and
every word. But dont waste another breathe on me.
Winnie began to sprint away from the tree at full
speed coursing with anger and adrenaline. Not
watching entirely where she was going, she collided
with another solid figure, tripped, and the last thing
she recalled was hitting her head on the edge of alarge stone rock.
When she came to and her vision became stable,
Winnie made out the face of a male lion with
chocolate brown fur and a dark mane staring down at
her with emerald green eyes. It wasnt a sight for
sore eyes, but she kept that to herself. No lion ever
looked the least attractive to her.
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At first Winnie couldnt say a word, her head was
throbbing and she believed for a moment that maybe
she had severe brain damage. But then words
emanated from her mouth. What happened? She
tried to lift her head from the ground, but that only
made her feel worse.
I am so sorry, I didnt see you coming and I
was being chased
Winnie laughed at this explanation and this caught the
male lion off guard. Im not joking! I thought Id
killed you.
Somehow Winnie had found the strength togo from being on her side to being on her stomach and
she felt the throbbing become a dull ache. Well
then, I guess you over exaggerated a bit, didnt you?
I suppose, but are you sure that youre alright?
Hows your head?
Aside from the overly large bump thats
going to appear, I think Im okay.
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Im glad to hear itum, I didnt catch your name.
Winifred, but please, dont you dare call me
that. My name is Winnie.
The male lion chuckled for the first time since their
encounter. Alright then Winnie, Im Tariq.
Tariq, you sound like one of those bad boys who likes
to have his fun while us innocent girls sit and watch on
the side lines, ignored.
The lion named Tariq was taken aback. Now thats a
bit of a misinterpretation dont you think? If I was
one of those lions I would have just let you be food
for the vultures. I stood and waited hours until youopened your eyes so that I could be assured you were
alive.
Winnie got to her feet now, she was
speechless after hearing of this act of kindness. She
turned her eyes away from Tariq and muttered,
Thanks.
No problem.
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Where am I? She asked suddenly not
recognizing her surroundings.
You are in the Pride lands, in other words, miles
from the edge of the reserve.
No, I have to go back! She said now
frightened.
But you are with other lions now! Winnie, you were
coming from a direction where hardly any of us go.
You dont understand, Winnie started to
say in a shaky tone. I dont belong out herein this
place!
You cant go back, besides, its at least five miles.ListenTariq, I didnt ask to be brought all
the way out here. I was perfectly happy where I was
on the edge of the reserve.
Really? Because most would have been thankful for
what I have done. I saved your life!
Winnie sat down, she had walked a few yards
away from Tariq as they argued. All of a sudden she
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felt emotion wash over her again but refused to show
it and so she didnt speak.
Hey, are you okay? Tariq asked from behind her.
Im sorry.
Winnie wished that out of all the words he uttered,
he wouldnt have said those two. Im sorryrepeated
inside her head. It almost made things worse in her
mind. But why? Why did she pity a lion that she
barely knew? A lion who was so sincere and keen on
making sure that she was neither physically or
emotionally hurting. It was all very strange to her.
Please, Tariq. Dont apologize.Why not? She heard his voice become more
clear as it was more evident he was approaching her
side.
Because, it should be me saying those words. To you,
to that baboon, to that pantherto my father and
sister.
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I see, wellyou dont have to. I understand
that youre too upset to say much else at the moment.
I think that you need timeto be alone.
From the corner of her eye, Winnie saw Tariq turn
around and begin to walk away. Is that really what
she wanted? No, she wanted anything but to be alone.
Wait! She cried.
Tariq stopped about twenty feet away and looked back
at her. Please, dont go, shesaid in a lower voice.
~
Where do you come from? Winnie asked Tariq thatnight when the moon was up in the sky casting their
shadows over the ground where they lay.
Itsa complicated story.
Really? Mine too.
Yeah?
Winnie nodded.
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Then Im sure well understand each other
well.
Nobodys ever understood me.
Oh come on, not one person?
Not one.
Tariq didnt say anything else. Winnie assumed that
what she had said, there was no right response let
alone any.
(Next Page To See Chapter Nine)
Chapter Nine
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The following late afternoon, Tariq was crouched low
in the tall grass, his eyes focused upon a grazing
antelope. Winnie was watching behind him, interested
to see his skill in sneaking up and scaring his prey
though he had no intention on eating this one. Watch
and learn, he sneeredwith a playful smirk upon his
face. With silent sprints forward and one giant leap,
the antelope only caught sight of Tariq as he grabbed
hold of the animal on its side knocking it down below
him.
Please! Dont eat me, Im too young to die. The
antelope was covering its eyes with its hooves, shakingfearfully, praying for dear life.
Quickly, Tariq let the animal go and without
looking back, the antelope took off as fast as he
could before Tariq could change his mind.
Instead, he turned around to meet eyes with an
impressed Winnie. Well? Not such a bad actor, am
I?
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You got me there, you must never go
hungry.
I wouldnt say that. You see, Im too nice a guy to
be killing five animals a day like some of the other
lions out there. One is enough. They got family too.
At hearing of Tariqs sensitivity, Winnies
heart began to beat at a fast pace as they continued
their walk. No, I cantbe growing soft for a lion! She
thought with a temptation to slap herself across the
face. Youre very sweet, she said hoping to push
away the intense feelings of admiration and sincere
interest.You think so? A smile came across Tariqs gentle
expression. Come with me, I want to show you
something. They took a sharp turn to the right
toward a break in a large pile of broken down rock.
As they approached, Winnie took note that it was
dark inside the opening. Was he going to show her a
cave? She didnt have such high hopes forthis
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surprise and so she refrained from being too excited.
Tariq came to a stop before she could even enter.
Its dark in there. Maybe you should go in
first, Winnie said with a nervous giggle.
Ha! Trying to hide your manners there Miss Winnie?
Well thats not going to work with me, go ahead,
ladies first. He gave her a slight pushon the
backside so that she slid across the damp ground,
which was almost as smooth as ice, and hoped that
she wouldnt fall. Her wish was granted, Winnie was
still on all fours when she had stopped sliding and
came to the edge of the slippery floor.When Winnie looked to see if Tariq was
coming, she noticed him gliding across the ground,
doing all sorts of tricks on his front paws toward the
end where she waited. He was laughing in amusement
when he came to a halt beside her. Man! What a
rush isnt it?
I suppose.
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Well, lets carry on shall we? This isnt the end you
know.
The tunnel that they now walked through was
dim so they could just barely see. When Winnie
glanced to her right and to her left she spied wall
paintings that seemed to have been done by humans
years ago. This worried her. Maybe they were still
here, in the place they were headed right now. Um
Tariq?
Whats up?
Are you sure that where we are going is
safe?There wasnt an answer. Tariq stopped and when
Winnie looked around him to see why, she noticed a
curtain of long leaves before them blocking their view.
Close your eyes, he instructed her. Ill stay in
front of you so that you dont trip and black out
again.
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Winnie felt the leaves brush the top of her
body as they passed through and it seemed they were
going down hill over much shorter grass this time. She
also heard the sound of rushing water, as if there
was a river with rapids flowing nearby or perhaps a
waterfall.
Soon she felt a paw on her chest and Tariq said,
Stop.
She did as she was told.
Open your eyes.
Winnie did. It was beautiful! It wasnt like the
rainforest she had been through before. This was asort of jungle paradise out of the movie Lion King.
That had been her favorite film as a child. It had
come out when she was a toddler and funny enough,
she wished she could fall in love in a place like this
just like Simba and Nala. There were mystical trees
everywhere, a water fall that descended into a silent
body of water. Could I just stay here forever? She
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back to her now. She felt a tug inside her chest and
a wave of sympathy. She didnt know whatto do. How
to make him feelnot alone.
Hey, Winnie said in a comforting tone. Its alright.
No. Winnie, Tariq sighed. Theres
something I need to tell you. Something I shouldnt
hold back from saying much longer.
Winnie went silent and sat down, looking at the side
of Tariqsface, which was now drawn with something
that resembled pain.
What do you mean?
Winnie. I know that we havent beentogether for such a long time, let alone known each
other. But I already know that you bring out a whole
other side of me, a part of me that I never knew I
had. You might not have noticed it, but when Im in
your presence I feel complete. Sounds pretty cheesy
I know, but thats what I should have been
likebefore all of thishappened to me.
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Before whathappened? I dont understand.
Another sigh. Winnie, Im a Prince.
Winnies eyes grew wide. You mean, an actual human
Prince?
Yes, a human Prince. I was actually the heir
to a ruler of a kingdom in Northern Kenya.
Butwhat happened?
I didnt want to hurt you Winnie. I knew you
were the kind of girl who had been hurt one too many
times before and I never intended to treat you that
way. But the pressure of going home again and being a
human was too great. Then I found, just minutes ago,just this morning, maybe even last night, when you
were by my side, when you complimented me, and then
admired my home, that you were much more than
what I needed to be back in my kingdom. You are the
one I want in my life even after I morph back into a
human again! I dont feel like I need to be a king
anymore as long as I can have my queen.
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Winnie tried to process all of it, but it was too much
to handle. You were using me to become human so
that you could go back home? You would have left me
here alone with all of the other animals?
No, yes, no! I mean, at first yesthose were
my initial intentions, but then it changed all so
quickly. The way I began to feel about youUgh! Im
so stupid! Tariq growled.
I cant believe itI trusted you! I listened to you, I
felt for you, I admired you! I actually began to not
only accept you but, me, even Africa! I could have
become an actual teenage girl again too!You still can, you see. Now that Ive
explained myself, I want to tell you how sorry I am.
That none of this monarchy business matters to me
anymoreWinnie, I love you!
Winnie had already started sprinting away from the
waters edge toward the opening in a grassy hill where
the tunnel ended. She had no intention on looking
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back, it would only make her feel more terrible and
for no reason she could think of. She drowned out the
desperate calls from Tariq as best she could. He only
wanted to be a prince again! Yesterday when he saved
her it was so that he could be human! Yesterday when
he had let her have the more meatier part of the
gazelle it was probably so that he could boss all of
the people around one day like his father! Maybe even
last night when they were making out shapes in the
stars too. Then this morning when they laughed
together at each others stupid jokes. When they had
to escape a cluster of rhinos because Tariq pulled oneof their tails as a prank. Then he had impressed her
with his cunning hunting skills. He had finally crossed
the line when he had shown her his home.
Now Winnie hadnt even bothered to keep her balance
as she glided out from the dark tunnel and back
underneath the cloudless night. She just went over it
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upon her stomach, waiting for the momentum to slow
her down before she rose onto her feet.
Winnie was back in the midst of all the tall grass and
it tickled her somewhat on spots around her ankles.
She hadnt paid attention to the feeling before, but
now that she was alone in this part of the Pride Lands
she noticed all of the little things she hadnt prior to
hearing the sad truth.
Winnie looked up at the stars hoping to see one very
bright flying across the black velvet sky so that she
could make a wish. There was none. But there was
indeed a picture painted in the sky that she made out.Winnie wanted to believe that she was only
hallucinating but, she was certain that there were two
lions, a male and a female standing face to face with
some sort of strange barrier in between them. She
couldntmake out what exactly that wall was, but she
didnt care much either. She never did before Tariq
had pointed out a couple of symbols the previous
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night. I should have known then, Winnie thought to
herself. He had been pointing out small things that
she hadnt even questioned. It was because he was so
interesting that she forgot she was supposed to be
ignorant toward everything he told her. Because of it
she was once again betrayed, as she was before her
metamorphosis, and before Africa came into the
picture, and started to grow on her for a short time.
(Next Page To See Chapter Ten)
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Chapter Ten
Winnie stayed up all night, walking, sprinting, stopping
to glance up occasionally to see if there was something
written in the stars that would guide her along a path
where shed be truly happy. Happy like shed been
these last couple of daysor so she thought.
Right now, as the sun began to give off a peach glow
against the sky, Winnie could make out the end of the
reserve. And a little ways past that, the place she
once could call home. She took off at a run now,anxious to get a closer look. Maybe she could even
cross that lonely road again and walk upon her
property. Glance through the windows in hopes of
seeing either her father or sister. That was all she
really needed, to see that they were happy. Even if it
was without her around, it was the sight of them that
sent a warm feeling through out her whole body.
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Except, when she came to the side of the road where
she would have to cross, her nerves stopped her.
Winnie developed all of these questions inside her
mind. What if they were to see her? Would they tell
her to go away, or would they take her in again?
Maybe they wouldnt do either, maybe this time her
father wouldnt recognize her at all. Winnie found dirt
stuck in the crevices of her paw and she already knew
that there was no way she looked the way she had
when she escaped her home. Unknowingly, wild life
had taken ahold of her and she had become a real
lioness roaming the Mombasa reserve. Winnie had noidea how much ones feelingscould change in almost
forty-eight hours. For a moment all she could do was
glance across the road at the house that stood
peacefully on the other side of her. Winnie looked
around her once but then she took a single step
forward so that a paw was resting up the dirt road
that lay in between her and her home.
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And where are you going? Came a loud but,
unfortunately familiar voice. The baboon, Kaj, stepped
in front of Winnie, blocking her tracks.
Home, if thats alright with you.
Winnie must not go home now, what about her
dream?
Dream?
To be a girl again, a human.
Its hopeless.
That is where you are wrong! Youve already started
your journey, and now there is no way out.
Nice try monkey. But, Im better offwithout the suffering.
If thats what Winnie wants! If she wants to
underestimate old Kaj then let her go ahead. He wont
say I told you so!
Winnie had tuned out the baboon as she
approached the side of the road of which her house
stood. It had not changed, not even on the outside.
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The stucco was still new and intact as were the print
free windows. Hers seemed to have been long repaired
when she glanced up. If only she could jump up as
easily as she had down. She so badly wanted to see
her bedroom once again, to see if her mother had in
fact remembered to contact her despite the
inconvenience back at home in Rhode Island.
Winnie wished to know the time now. She had
officially lost track and two days ago felt like a
month. Time had dragged since she had set foot in
wild life. Maybe even since she had morphed into a
lion. Now she began to walk even closer to the house.She wanted with a burning passion to catch a glimpse
of something that resembled a father or a sister.
There werent any words to describe how much she
missed them now. Not that they would understand the
words she said anymore anyway because she already
knew that they couldnt.
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Winnie looked through the window that she
believed to be the kitchen. The table seemed to be
set as if her father and Maddie were going to have
some sort of formal breakfast together. Maybe
something great had happened and she wasnt there to
celebrate with them. At that moment she wished to
be inside, to see if that was the case. But that too
she knew she couldnt manage. So instead, she made
her way toward the window looking inside the den
where her father often watched the news, which by
the way wasnt nearly as interesting as it was in the
United States. At least, that was what Winniethought.
Her heart went up into her throat when she
saw what was happening inside the den. It was so
early, yet she saw that Maddie was helping dress her
father in an outfit that didnt at all look the least
American. Was it an African holiday? Did he need to
wear something for a job he had acquired since she
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ran away? Now she wished to jumped through this
window to find that out as well. What on earth was
going on inside her home? Or what was once her
home? Why was her father dressing so outside his
personality? Or maybe now he wasjust Maddies
father. She sighed at the fact that she would never
know the answers.
(Next Page To Chapter Eleven)
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Chapter Eleven
Sometime passed before Winnie told herself that it
was time to move on. She had been peeking in the
living room window, ducking when she felt like Maddie
and or her father might look her way. She didnt know
how she would react if they were to notice her spying
on them. Most likely shed have run back into the
reserve, but then again she might have just waited tosee if they would come out and see her.
Now, her father was pacing around the room. He had
a bouquet of flowers in one hand and his cell phone in
the other, pressed up to his ear. She didnt know
what to make of this, but Maddie looked anxious as
she kept glancing at the wall clock that Winnie could
barely see. Maybe it was seven am? What did it
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matter? She continued to pursue her original plan and
started to walk away from the window. She started to
cross the street, but felt like she needed to take one
more glance back at the house. Just in case they
decided by some off chance to open the door and
welcome her inside. At least so she could hear about
whatever was going on. It wasnt going to happen
though, she knew it. Instead, at the next moment
something more unexpectedmore tragic had come at
Winnie. A normal sized car, going at least fifty miles
per hours on this empty roadshe tried to get out of
the way and the car tried to stop but the both ofthem were too late. There was yet another collision
between a solid something and Winnie. Karma, she
thought before losing consciousness. Deep now Winnie
knew that she needed this to happen, for it was a
wake up call.
~
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When Winnie opened her eyes she wasnt on the road
being picked and prodded at by a bunch of vultures,
but being healed by a rather young looking African
woman who was pretty emotional at this moment. I
cant believe this, I didnt see her crossing the road I
must have been so excited. Im sorry.
Its alright babe, you see, shes alive,
Winnies father said in hopes of assuring this woman
who must be his new partner. Then he turned to smile
at Winnie herself. Its going to be alright sweetie,
Terkina is taking care of you. Shes a nurse and does
this for a living.Winnie wanted to say that she didnt need this
womans help, but that would be useless and a lie. She
lay still on the carpet underneath her secretly wanting
to be back outside. Shell need time to resther leg.
Winnie should not try and walk for some time. Id say
about a week or so. I suggest you help her to eat,
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drink, go about doing her business until the bones
have healed completely.
At hearing this, Winnies eyes became wide
and she felt afraid. Stay at home for a week?! No.
She wanted to say to the both of them that wouldnt
happen. Now she regretted ever crossing the street
to see what her family was up to. She should have
known the way her father was getting all dolled up
and how he was holding those roses. Winnie should
have been expecting a car to come soaring down the
road at such a fast speed because there was never
anyone driving ahead or behind. A crazy thought cameacross her mind. Come the next three or four days
she would escape, this time not via the window.
~
That evening someone walked into Winnies room
unannounced. It was Maddie, caution was drawn over
her face when she looked over to her lioness sister,
but she didnt run back out of the room. Hi.
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Winnie smiled. She wondered if she could still write
with a pen and some paper. Nah, her paws were too
big. She just nodded at her sister and gestured her
to come over to her. Maddie obeyed and this was
shocking to her.
I dont knowfor certain if you can still
understand me since youvechanged. But, I miss you
Winnie, sounds stupid right? And I still do. I know we
used to get on each others nerves all the time, and
now I find myself hoping that one day we will again.
Winnie moved her front paw to Maddies lap since it
was her back leg which had been broken and shehoped this would assure her sister.
You wont believe it when I tell you this
Winnie, but a class that I take at school teaches you
how to speak to certain animals. I thought it was
stupid when I first heard of it to be honest. Then,
after I saw what happened to you that morning, and
then when you ran awayI felt like that if you ever
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came back I wanted to connect with you. Even if it
was through animal communication. Actually, funny
enough, this whole time Ive been speaking in that
language to you. It may seem like normal words to you
but, I am speaking in lion dialect.
Winnie was impressed by this. So maybe she could
speak to her sister after all. Just wait and see, a
voice inside her head told her.
So tell me Winnie, where did you go?
Winnie was ecstatic. This was her opportunity to
speak! I ran away into the reserve, then into a rain
forest. I was still miserable and I had come across apanther who began to question me. He thought I was
insane, how I was speaking as if I wasnt a lion
because obviously he thought thats what I truly was.
Eventually he left me alone though and I was
relieved.
A panther? Id love to see one of those
some day.
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Yeah. But get this! After some time, there was a
baboon. His name was Kaj, he was older and he told
me why this metamorphosis had happened to me.
Oh mygosh, really? What did he tell you,
Winnie?
That since I had despised animals, lions, and even
the idea of Africa I needed to learn
Learn what?
What it means to be accepting. To accept others,
yourself, a certain place. He said I had to feel it in
my heart before I could truly become a human again.
I guess you didnt get that far yet, didyou?
Winnie began to feel sick. She had been so close,
after she met and spent time with Tariq. He was
teaching her how to enjoy being who she was and the
hidden beauty that lay within Africa. If only it hadnt
started as a plot, but something real.
Winnie, are you alright?
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I was close. Maddie, I met someone and I was
almost human again.
Who? Was it another wise monkey?
No, it wasnt. It was a lion, he was a prince who had
been cursed. Apparently he had to feel true feelings
of love in order to become a human again himself. I
thought hed want to use me when we met. So over
the course of about two days we spent every moment
together, having so much fun. I think that there was
something more between usI think he even changed
his mind. Like it wasnt just a plan anymore, but that
he actually loved me for who I was.And then what? You ran away?!
I told you Maddie! I thought Tariq was just using me
to get back into his kingdom.
Maybe at first! But Winnie, the more you
were speaking about it the more clear it was becoming
that this lion was starting to fall in love with youfor
real!
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I just figured that out too. I guess when I told you
about a minute ago, I realized the truth myself. A
plot almost instantly turned into unexpected love.
Exactly! And you ran away.
And I almost got myself killed doing so, Winnie
added.
I dont think that was intentional, but this
Tariqhe loved you
Hence the past tense, maybe hes moved on.
You dont know that.
Face it Maddie, hes a guy! Hell find some other
female to help him morph back into his royal form.No. He fell in love with you Winnie. There
isnt another youout there!
Winnie had again been outsmarted by her younger
sister.
Shes right, came a voice. Both Maddie and
Winnie turned toward the window to see old Kaj
sitting on the ledge. There is none other like Winnie
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out there in all of Africa. It is not too late to go
back and claim your Tariq.
Listen, hes not mine, he never was! Plushe must be
really angry with me.
Ive been watching you two when you were
together, said Kajas if this was something he did on
a daily basis. He has eyes only for Winnie Brielmann.
He hasnt left his home since you left last nightit is
the next night now and youve been gone a whole day.
Thats twenty-four hours. The boy is heartbroken.
This didnt help. It made Winnie feel even worse, like
she could vomit.What is he saying? Maddie asked.
He agrees with you. He says Tariq is very depressed
now that Ive gone.
Oh, poor thing. You dont hear of many guys
dwelling over a girl like that for so long.
I have to go back, dont I?
But what about dad?
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What about him Maddie? Doesnt he have that
Terkina woman to keep him company? She seems like a
lovely replacement for mom.
Please Winnie, can I at least tell him what
youve been through since you ran away?
Sure go ahead, Winnie placed her head down over
her pillow.
Youve got a great sister, Kaj said. He was
still crouching over the window sill.
Yeah, I suppose I cant override that, Winnie said,
smiling for the first time at the old baboon before
looking back at the bedroom door.Winnie has changedfor the better, Kaj
knows it in his own heart.
Youre so sure of yourself, arent you?
Kaj knows all. The future is bright.
Whatever you say monkey. When Winnie looked back
to the window though, Kaj had gone and now she felt
a breeze take his place.
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(Next Page To Chapter Twelve)
Chapter Twelve
For those three days afterward Tariq was the primary
focus on Winnies mind. How she would ever see him
again was beyond her, but she had come to terms
that maybe the lion prince had come to really love her
some time after they met. Yes, there was surely a
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difference between his behavior after they first met
to when she had run away from him.
Now it was Winnies turn to fe