Human Medicine

  Meanwhile, Kiden and Mai-Neng are on a phone call.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come in today,” Kiden apologized

“Not to worry,” Mai-Neng reassures, “Tomorrow I will be discharged, and we can all be together.”

“I know, I know, it’s just I wish I could be there every day to support you and Mainhia.”

“We are eternally grateful to your family.”

“Thank you… by the way, I reached out to Ashling about our situation two days ago. She will drop by to see us.”

“Is she in town?”

“Yes.”

“I wish we could meet in person, but I will give her a phone call.”

“Sounds great. Once she hears your voice over the phone. I’m sure she will calm down.”

“Alright, will do. See you tomorrow, Kiden.”

“Same to you, bye.”

They hang up on the cellphone. Suddenly, the patient door swung wide open, the sound of clicking heels echoing across the floor, and a head peeked out from behind the curtain.

“Mai-Neng?!”

“Ashling!”

The two women squealed, and Ashling ran in to hug them. Wong stepped into view of the two women and waved.

“Wong, you’re here too.”

“Yeah, the whole family came to visit,” said Wong

“Really? Where’s your daughter?”

Ashling pouted and looked at her husband and back to Mai-Neng.

“She is not here.”

“Oh, what a pity. I want to see how much she has grown.”

“Next time,” said Ashling, pulling up the chair and sitting down.

“How are you feeling?” asked Ashling

“I’m feeling tired, maybe because of the food my daughter packed for me,” replied Mai-Neng

“Well,” said Ashling, grabbing Mai-Neng’s hand and patting it, “Why don’t we get you something to drink?”

“It’s not necessary,” Mai-Neng said

“I’m feeling hungry and thirsty,” Ashling followed, turning to her husband. “Can you buy us a lunch?”

“Sure, honey, what do you want?”

“Chicken tenders, a side of salad, and oolong tea.”

“Okay, I will be right back,” he said and left the room.

“Now that he’s gone, tell me truthfully, how’s your body and state of mind?”

“My mind feels cloudy, I’m tired, and my body is shaking a little.”

“Thought so. Modern medicine doesn’t work well with our witch body. Taking them voluntarily is like agreeing to be mildly poisoned.”

“I couldn’t say no,” said Mai-Neng with a cheerful smile. “My daughter was crying and wanted me to get better. So, I agree to every medication the doctor prescribes to me.”

“She has a human way of thinking; however, does she know the consequences of taking human medicines?”

“Not yet.”

“So, you haven’t told her?” questioned Ashling with a sharp tone

“In time, due, yes, I shall.”

“How long will that be? You do understand keeping it hidden away will only blindside her, resulting in poor choices. The human medicine weakens our magical ability and in time will cause severe side effects, even instant death.”

“Have you told everything to Mei-Ling?”

“I did, since she was young enough to walk and understand words. I didn’t want any secrets between us.”

Mai-Neng inhales deeply and exhales quietly.

“I did what was best for us, and you did what was best for your daughter,” said Mai-Neng with a smile.

“That’s so typical of you,” said Ashling. “By the way, are you aware if Kiden reached out to Aspira?”

“Ummm, not that I know of.”

“The situation may have passed, but that’s not to say it wouldn’t happen soon. So, we would need to prepare and have an emergency plan if anything else comes up.”

The door swung open, and Wong came in with a bag of food. “I’m back. There wasn’t much selection in the food court.”

“Thank you, dear!” said Ashling in a high, sweet tone

He grabbed a second chair by the wall, placed it next to his wife, and opened the bag. Ashling pointed at a stack of clear cups and a peach-colored water container. He stood up, grabbed them for Ashling, and she poured water into the cups. She distributed it among the three of them.

“Thank you,” said Mai-Neng.

Some time later, I left the house to buy Asian groceries and restock the beverages. I went to a small Asian family business in the hood. Across the parking lot is an abandoned miniature amusement circus. A discolored clown mirror maze, a worn-out merry-go-round, and a broken-down pick-up truck without any tires. A wire fence surrounded the lot; however, there was a hole cut into the wire. A group of pre-teens with a suspicious female adult entered the property. The adult walked into the maze, and the pre-teens followed.

It’s the performer from the park. What is she doing with a group of children?! Human trafficking? Drug distribution?!

Mainhia opens the trunk, places the grocery bags inside, and closes it. She looks before crossing and enters the abandoned amusement circus.