CRYONICS

Chapter 2

The echo of the giggles running through the hallway forces, the dog lying near the door to go on alert mode trailing behind the shadows as he was about to bark. A small hand upon his head, caused him to calm down as he recognizes the familiar scent.

" Don't shout Bobo. You're going to wake mommy up"

exclaimed, a little girl in a worried Voice with a pout.

" it's a stupid dog Mel. Come on now, hurry up, the fireworks are going to start anytime soon".

The little boy standing next to her is almost the same age as of Melissa who is now 10 years old. She became quite good friends with their recently moved in neighbor's kid, who happens to be in the same grade as her. It's also much the same case with their mothers. The two ladies chatted and laughed together all day with the arrival of the new neighbors. Melissa's Grandmother was at much relief since her daughter was happy being with such supportive friends. She was at peace. As the happy days passed by, there came in the much joyous town festival for which the little boy, was highly excited about dragging along his new friend. Both of them made a secret plan to sneak out at night leaving their parents, completely unaware of the much-awaited adventure. Passing through the broken window, they fell on the backyard. "careful, Mel, it's muddy"

"I told you so. the door was a much better option"

"but this way it feels much more of an adventure. Haven't you Seen in movies?"

"How much of dumb do you have to be to differentiate between fantasy and reality?" Scolded Mel in a low but growling voice.

"Ahhhhh" Screamed the boy. startled at the very unexpected situation, the girl asked "what is it again. You'll wake up the whole neighborhood now".

"There's something moving in my pants...a bug, its a giant bug"

"Get that thing out and come or I am leaving you behind" said the girl with an obvious annoyed tone.

"Wha-Wait, for me". He shouted, the boy following her. It was a new moon night. The darkness was more than usual. The kids found it hard, even with a torchlight to avoid stepping on muddy pitches and slippery roads. Finally, through determination and persistence, They reached the spot where a large number of people were already gathered up to see the fireworks which was to start at any time soon. within a few more walks there were a lot of shops selling handicrafts, balloons, toys for kids, fun games, jewelleries garments and much more. The vibrant light of the fairy bulbs spread out across the town, reflected joy and excitement in the people's eyes.

"Come on Mel, let's go to the shops. It looks so fun."

" And do you have money for that?" "Well...." stated the boy clearly embarrassed trying to avoid looking at Mel.

"We can only roam and watch the fireworks and my mommy said to not take anything from strangers. So do not be dumb".

"I already know that" said the boy pouting.

Together they started roaming around the shops, getting excited over all sorts of sparkly and new stuff, unknown to them. But with a heavy heart and sad face, they had to leave it behind as their pockets were empty.

"the fireworks are going to begin" Someone shouted from extreme excitement, jumping up and down. Both the kids ran towards the best spot pushing through the crowd in a struggle to get the best view to cherish throughout their life breathing heavily. They smiled at each other releasing their bottled up excitement and a clear smile of Happiness as the beautiful strings of colorful lights scattered throughout the clear sky. Everyone screamed in excitement, the kids had a mix of emotions running through their body amazed to see such bright and beautiful light and the joy and happiness from it but at the same time, the fear of getting trampled on by these gigantic, humans around them lead them to be a little wary of the situation. In a similar emotional state they looked at each other and smiled. The boy kept looking at Mel as she resorted back to her previous state of amazement and awe.

"Isnt it beautiful mel?"

The unclear words went unrecognised, being covered on by the extreme loud sounds everyone in the crowd made in the excitement.

"Huh? What?" Shouted the girl after getting a hint that her friend is saying something.

After a brief period marking the ending of these continuous firework shows the crowd started clearing up little by little.

"Let's go And sit near the stream. I am thirsty" Said the boy.

"All right".

They both agreed and headed towards the nearby stream. It was a beautiful place with a small clear stream of water and a small but tough bridge of some hundreds years still standing strong over the beautiful stream. The edges of the stream had short grasses with cute little flowers and a strange mystic fragrance creating a euphoric atmosphere.

They both sat on the grasses slightly wet from the evening mist. Running her hands throw the flowers, she asked "right, what were you telling back then during the fireworks? I couldn't make out the words"

"oh! I said I should have gotten a picture of that face You were making. very rare to see you smiling."

"i***t!!!" Yelled the girl embarrassed, blushing heavily as the boy laughed out loud.

"But seriously, you never once saw it even though you were born here?" Asked the boy with a curious face.

"Nope, mum won't let me out of the house. She said it's dangerous"

"Come on, there's nothing dangerous about it. It's fun and exciting. And besides am here to protect you"

" ......"

"What! Don't you give me that stare Mel! You know how strong I am"

"Not really sure about that but very much sure that you'll leave me and run if a creepy person approaches us" said Mel smirking at the boy.

"MELLLLLLLLLL"