Chapter Nineteen
The water was the perfect temperature. Chen felt like he was walking in his mother's dreams, only there was far more color. He heard the most beautiful sound. Shanti laughing, her eyes shining with joy. She swam alongside him, her brown body a lovely contrast to his blue.
This was right. This was the way it should be. This was the way it would be.
Chen spotted a flash of blue up ahead in the waters. He let out a hearty laugh and then dove into the waves in pursuit. He might not get the opportunity to ride and befriend a blue, Bengal tiger like his mother had seen when she was a child. But this creature that approached him was eager to play.
Chen raced to catch up with the water mammal. When he did, the animal offered Chen his finned back. Chen grasped hold, and the ani
