Healed Heart Part 2

by Kurt D. Springs

During the night, Myles woke to find he was not alone. Siraian and Pellera had cuddled up next to him, and he also discovered Rex keeping his feet warm. Sensing Myles’s movement, Rex looked at him with a soulful expression, as if to ask, “What happens now?”
He reached down and stroked the dog’s head to reassure him. Then, as if by mutual consent, they drifted back to sleep.

Warm light flooded through the window. Myles’s movements woke the girls and Rex.
Siraian threw her arms around him. “We were so scared.”
Pellera mirrored her sister but remained silent.
“I’ve been doing things like this since I was eighteen,” Myles assured them. “I still have a few good fights left in me. Just like Rex here. Right, boy.”
Rex sat up and barked in agreement.
“You and Rex were so brave!” Siraian exclaimed.
“We were fighting for the people we cared about,” Myles told them, “and we weren’t alone.”
“Mommy is here to take us home.” Pellera gazed at him with an air of innocence.
Myles’s heart tightened. He reminded himself that this was only supposed to be temporary. Now that the moment had arrived, he wished he could be with them a little longer.
“Well, you belong with your mommy,” Myles assured them, trying not to sound sad.
The two girls gave him a curious look.
“Why don’t you go to the kitchen?” Myles asked. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m dressed.”
The two girls and Rex left the room. Myles put on his clothes and composed himself.

Upon entering the kitchen, he found Mrs. James making pancakes. Given that this was Alaska, she warmed birch syrup and served it to the guests, who found places to eat around the property.
“I wish I had a bigger kitchen,” Myles apologized.
“It’s worth it, Master Guns,” a SEAL said, balancing a tray with pancakes, coffee, and bacon. “Home-cooked tastes just as good outside.”
“I’ve got everything organized,” Mrs. James called. “Just grab a plate and relax.”
Rex chewed a biscuit between the two girls. A woman who looked enough like them to be their mother sat nearby with her own plate.
She set hers aside and walked up to Myles.
“I owe you everything,” the woman said. “My little ones have told me of your kindness and courage.”
Myles flushed. “It was my pleasure. I didn’t realize how lonely I’d been until they came into my life.”
The woman cocked her head and studied him, as if weighing his words. “Would you consider taking on the role of Dach’an and being their protector? It affords you a special place in the family. It will mean leaving Earth and coming to our home.”
Myles was at a loss for words. He scanned the room for guidance.
“It’s up to you, Master Gunnery Sergeant,” the colonel said.
Rex got up and nudged his hand, prompting Myles to stroke his head.
The captain cleared his throat. “We’re retiring, Rex. I was hoping you’d agree to give him a home wherever you end up. He seems to like the girls. I suggested a trainer review a few things with you. If you decide to accept this offer, he can be here before you leave.”
“Please, Myles.” Pellera took his other hand. “I told Mommy you need us to take care of you.”
Myles laughed and bent down to take her into his arms. “Okay, I accept.”
The girls and their mother gave him a smile that said he had not made a mistake.

Myles stood on the ramp of the alien ship, while Siraian had the honor of holding Rex’s leash.
The remaining operators from the various branches had said their goodbyes. The trainer stood with the sheriff, Mrs. James, and the colonel.
“Well,” Myles said, “this is it.”
“I’ll make sure the cabin stays in good condition,” the sheriff promised. “You might need a vacation at some point.”
“Take care of Rex,” the trainer said. “Remember what I taught you.”
“We will,” Siraian said. “He is a brave dog. He will have a place of honor among us.”
“Just make sure he doesn’t get bored,” the trainer warned.
Myles exchanged smiles with Lady Lissara. “We wouldn’t want him converting the palace into the latest in modern art.”
“His skills may prove useful from time to time,” Lissara agreed. “Thank you all for everything.”
Mrs. James hugged Myles and then embraced the children. “Take care of yourselves.”
They turned and walked onto the ship.
How much the ship surpassed anything he had seen in science fiction films left Myles amazed.
He sat down with the girls on either side of him. A signal from Siraian prompted Rex to lie at her feet. The ship’s engines came to life.
“Now,” Lissara turned to him. “It’s time to go home. I hope we can make it your home as well.”
Myles smiled as two tiny hands found their way into his.

Healed Heart Part 2

by Kurt D. Springs

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