The Fire of Eden by Antony Barone Kolenc

Author:Antony Barone Kolenc
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV033140, JUVENILE FICTION / Religious/Christian/Historical, JUV016070, JUVENILE FICTION / Historical/Medieval, Middle grade historical fiction, middle grade books with values, children's Christian Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9780829448146
Publisher: Loyola Press
Published: 2021-07-13T00:00:00+00:00

15

The Investigation Continues

Back at the dormitory, Xan and Lucy recounted the details of their journey to John and Odo.

Halfway through, John hobbled away and leaned against the wall near the window. The gentle breeze ruffled his hair. Soon Odo was by his side. Neither one of them looked happy.

“And what’s the matter with the two of you sour faces?” Aubrey said.

Odo spoke in a hurt voice. “You left so fast—like we didn’t even matter at all.” Xan traded glances with Lucy, who stood by herself on the stairs. Earlier, John had told them to go and had seemed like he meant it, but their leaving must have upset him.

“You’re right, Odo,” Xan said. “John, we’re sorry. One of us should have stayed with you.”

John slapped the wall. “I don’t need your pity, Xan. I know the truth: I’m just a burden.” They all looked to each other helplessly. What could any of them say? As much as Xan wanted John to help solve the mystery, the truth was that he didn’t need John at all, actually.

Odo tapped his crutch against the wall in front of John. “Am I a burden, too?” John’s face immediately turned red, but he didn’t answer. “Am I?” Odo asked again, softer this time.

“Uh—well,” John said. “Don’t you see, Odo, people like us . . . we’re not . . . we just . . .”

Odo put the end of his crutch into John’s palm, and he held it like a little round hand.

“People used to listen when I said something—like they do to Aubrey,” John said. “Now all they say is ‘Poor John!’ ‘How sad!’ Then they go off and do what they want.”

Silence crept upon them all.

“I know what you mean,” Odo said, drooping down onto his cot. “Brother Charles has to carry me sometimes, but Giles runs around us in circles. And in the kitchen, Brother Don has to bring food to me at the table, but everyone else can get their own meal.”

All eyes turned with pity toward the poor child—even John’s blind gaze. “And when we’re out on the grass,” Odo continued, “Giles runs after the dogs, but I just sit and watch. I can’t even help him.” He took a deep breath, as if to keep himself from crying.

“That must be hard for you,” Lucy said. “But—”

Odo interrupted her, his voice stronger now.

“But when Brother Charles carries me, that’s the only time I ever see him smile. And when Brother Don gets my food, I give him a hug, and he always laughs. And when Giles gets tired of the dogs, he loves to sit next to me and listen to stories I make up about kings and dragons.”

With great effort, Odo pulled himself to a standing position, leaning entirely on his crutch to support his weight. Pain showed on his little face. “John, I may be a cripple, but I’m not a burden. And you don’t need to be, either.”

The September breeze rolled in, rustling a hanging blanket. Xan looked to Lucy again; she had a tear in her eye.

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