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Show 86 <fj "Kwaaa, Kwaaa," shrieked Chosovi as she flew back into the room, and perched on Chua's head to pick out the remaining squash and seeds. Chua continued to work with his fingers. The first knot was free. Chosovi fluttered down to Chua's hand and perched on his thumb. When Chua stopped to rest his fingers, he could feel Chosovi begin to peck at the knot. Chua looked over his shoulder to watch her. She clamped her beak onto the knot, twisted her neck and pulled. Twist and pull. Twist and pull. The second knot was free. "Good girl," Chua said. "Now pull the next one undone." "Kwaaa," she called, pulling on the knot. It was untied, and the fourth knot slipped loose easily. Apa was free. "Thank you my son," she said, "and you, pretty bird." She rubbed her wrists. She stood and stretched her legs. Apa came around behind Chua to loosen his knots. Chosovi perched on Chua's hands. "Yes, you can do it if you want to," Apa said to Chosovi. "Chosovi, my best friend," Chua said, laughing. Chosovi loosened one knot after another for Apa to untie. Soon Chua was free. He stood and filled himself with air. He stretched and felt the freedom of having Ahote gone. It was a good feeling, even though Chua knew he would return. Apa picked up the squash and set it aside. "I'll rinse the squash and cook it." "Come with me," Chua said. "I must show you a secret room where you can go when Ahote returns." |