A Human Element by Donna Galanti Read Free Book Online Page A

red swollen mass around each sting site. Behind his ear grew another swollen lump.
    "I didn't know you were allergic. I wouldn't have brought you in the orchard!" She placed one hand on his neck and one on his hand and closed her eyes. "Please don't die, Mr. B. You need to get well. You need to stride-the-woods with your walking stick and faithful dog. Please!"
    Jim heard her speak, but it was far away down a tunnel. Minutes passed.
    "I'm so sorry. It's my fault. I brought you here." Laura cried and shook Jim's hand. Her tears fell on his stung hand and she wiped them away.
    "Not your fault," Jim said in a clear voice and opened his eyes.
    "Oh, Mr. B! Can you get up?"
    Laura helped him up.
    "What happened?" He scratched his head as she steadied him with her hands.
    "You got stung real bad and I'm so, so sorry. I didn't know you were allergic."
    She hid her head in his shirt and sobbed. Jim held her and looked through the woods, but didn't see this mysterious man. "But I'm not allergic, Laura. And I'm fine now but how'd that happen? It's like the stingers' poison just worked its way out of my body."
    "I made it come out. I didn't want you to die, like my mom almost did. I saved her once, but I didn't know if I could save you." Laura continued to cry. "I just imagined pulling the wasp stingers out and sucking out their venom. I imagined you being able to breathe."
    Jim stood still, his stomach clenched. "Is that one of the other things you can do? Heal people?"
    She nodded, her head still buried in his side. He took a deep breath and tilted her head up to look at her. Tears streamed down her face.
    "But who was the man, Laura? Did he ever try to hurt you?"
    "No, he always watches me from far away. I don't know who he is. Today he looked funny. Like a ghost. All shimmery. I asked him why he watched me. All he said was—" She rubbed her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt.
    "He needed to know what you are." Jim stroked her smooth hair. "I heard him."
    "So what am I?"
    Jim also wanted to know the answer to that question.
    "I couldn't read the man's thoughts though," Laura said. "But I sensed a bunch of feelings all jumbled up inside him."
    Jim's head tumbled with all that had happened in the course of a short afternoon. He was certain that meeting this young girl would change his life forever. For the first time in years he grew excited to be alive, but he was also exhausted from his near-death encounter and needed a long nap.
    "I know what you are. You're one amazing girl. You saved my life. We'll sort this all out later. Come on. Let's go back to your house. I've had enough excitement for one day. And Laura?"
    "Yes, Mr. B?"
    "Can we find a way around the apple orchard?"
    Laura peered behind her into the woods, but the man in black was gone. She turned back and smiled at him. They picked up the fallen apples and basket and followed a different path back to the house.
    "I'm assuming your parents know all the things you can do," Jim said.
    Laura nodded. "That's why I'm home schooled. They don't understand what I can do, but I guess they want to protect me."
    When they had almost reached the house, Fanny called to them from the kitchen window. "Laura, Mr. Barrens. Dinner's ready."
    Laura looked at Jim. "Don't tell my parents about this, please. You're okay, right?"
    They put the basket down and Jim touched his neck and hand. No swelling or redness remained. He felt fine. "It's amazing, really, amazing." Jim shook his head.
    Laura put her hand on his. "Please, Mr. B, promise you won't tell them. They worry enough."
    "All right, I promise. But if I find out you're in danger, all promises are off. Agreed?"
    "Agreed."
    "Come on now. I'm starving." Jim had so many questions, but at seventy-two he had learned patience. He could wait until she told him more in her own time.
    They picked up the basket of apples and went inside to have a normal dinner.
     
    From then on, Jim was welcome at their home anytime. Most of the time though he and