SPECTRAL REFORMATION

CHAPTER TWO: Weird beliefs

"I'm going to make sure you are adequately treated..." Ron heard Mami say.

'Mothers...'

Mami had always been like this. That was before he told her some creepy stuffs which gave him the nickname, a 'weirdo'.

A rather pulsating smile played on his face. He allowed his mind sway further back in time...on the first time he reported the event.

*****

"Mum, I think I saw something crawl in the hedges behind our house...it looks just like a preying beast...er, a crossbred minotaur".

"Shut up! There is no such thing in our vicinity..."

"But mum it is true....you don't believe me".

Back then, he was violently dazed. A folk lore creator Mami had named him. While among the neighbours and peers, it had degenerated into a sorry tale.

One even dared to call him an ill omen-producing nuisance....thrice slapped and nabbed on the back, he tried to keep his cool.

... Until Cole, a ten year old kid made a furtive effort of taking the name outside the street's enclave.

*****

Laying half asleep, Ron struggled to gain an understanding of his environment. How long had he been bedridden. From his calculations maybe two three four hours....or perhaps days.

Exercising his vocal cords, Ron shouted:

"Mum, I'm awake..."

'Good to feel my voice, sordid as usual '.

Hesitating a bit, he shouted again. Louder than the previous one.

"Mum...Jerry...is no one home".

Silence.

Mami had never left him alone. She often made sure he was well catered for. And Jerry too. Minute, little caring bro who made sure a nineteen year old ate and fed well.

Lightly, faint human sounds emerged. Ron traced it to the balcony.

"Ron, I heard you have been awake... neighbours said you're yelping", Mami said even before entering the room.

And on her hand laid a collection of cabbages and partially prepared sauerkraut with Jerry following closely.

He mumbled a greeting and knocked the door close.

Smiling, he further commented: "Guess the potion worked. And..." He paused for emphasis."Good to have you around as hearty as ever..."

'Really'.Ron nodded in acknowledgement. Pouting his lower lip, he demanded an explanation.

"For how long have I been here betrothed to boredom. 'Cause from my calculations it spans almost quarter a day. I do not know what is more paramount than having my family surround me.."

Cutting him short Mami spoke, her head gear dancing comically. "You do not need to be super-hypertensive. We didn't just abandon you for no cause..."

Winking at Jerry and then the firmly closed door she bursted into a flurry of smile.

Ron smiled too though for no apparent reason and then stopped halfway.

"What's funny", he questioned. He watched a light grin appear on Jerry's face.

It was more like he was dazzled.

"There's someone waiting for you behind the door..."