"Nina, Buschi, schlof
Uf der Matte waided d'Schof
I der Schüre d' Lämmeli
Bhüet di Gott mis Ängeli."
Bursts of colour exploded in Angela's still-dark world.
"Nina, Buschi, schlof
Gib dir dänn es goldigs Schof
Gib dir dänn es Lämmeli
Bhüet di Gott klai Ängeli."
There was the smell of a carrot cake baking in the oven. A blonde woman was folding laundry and singing. What did her face look like, again?
"Nina, Wiegeli,
Uf em Dach sin Ziegeli
Unterem Dach sin Schindeli
Schlof mi lieb klai Kindeli."
"Mami?" murmured Angela.
No, it wasn't her mother. Her mother had the sweetest, highest, singing voice. This one was deeper and had a richer quality to it. Also, while the singer had put in effort to make sure that the German was Swiss, there was no hiding the heavy, Arabic accent that hung on each syllable.
Angela opened her eyes somewhat, and through her blurry vision, saw the shapes of dark hair, and a gentle face.
Upon seeing Angela wake up, Fareeha rose from her chair and rushed out the door.
"Come back", said Angela, groping at the empty air where Fareeha had been. Maybe she had just imagined Fareeha.
It wasn't long before Fareeha returned with two other people behind her.
"How is she doing?" said Ana.
"She's still running a high fever, but it's not as bad as it was before. At least she's awake now", said Fareeha.
"Can you call me Spätzli?" said Angela in German.
Ana and Fareeha turned to Reinhardt. "What did she say?"
"Angela, you're going to have to talk slower. It's hard for me to understand your accent", said Reinhardt. He turned to address Ana. "She wants you to call her Spätzli. I'm not sure what it means."
"Little sparrow", said Angela.
"She says it means "little sparrow", said Reinhardt.
Isn't that what I said? thought Angela.
"How are you doing, Spätzli? Are you thirsty?" said Ana.
Angela nodded, and Ana helped her sit up before raising a glass of water to her lips.
Angela eagerly gulped down the cool liquid, only just realising how hot she felt. As soon as the water was gone, she flipped her blanket off her body.
She stared at her legs, which had been wrapped up in bandages that had been changed recently. Slowly, she started to remember what had caused her injury and the hospital she must have been treated in.
She smelled the unpleasant odour that came from her legs.
They're infected, she thought with disgust.
"Don't do that", said Ana, tucking Angela back in underneath her covers.
"Where am I?" asked Angela in German.
"We're at Watchpoint: Grand Mesa. It's still being overseen by Helix Security International, so Fareeha was able to convince them to let us stay", said Reinhardt in English.
Angela said something.
"She asked how long she was out", said Reinhardt.
Isn't that what I said? thought Angela.
"Only one day", said Reinhardt, answering her question.
One whole day? thought Angela, suddenly alarmed. She thought about the data she needed to collect regularly on the condition of her body for her nanobot research, and panicked about falling behind.
"Listen, I need you to bring me a blood test kit. I also need you to swab my infection, inoculate it on the following agar plates: blood, chocolate, colistin nalidixic, and MacConkey. We'll need thioglycolate broth too. Grow everything in the appropriate aerobic conditions at exactly 35 degrees Celsius", said Angela.
Reinhardt met Ana and Fareeha's questioning gazes with a confused look of his own.
"She, uh, she said she wants us to bring her a head of lettuce, tickle her armpits, buy two goats, and sacrifice them in the desert."
"What?" said Angela.
"Angela, honey… Spätzli, do you think you can talk to us in English?" said Ana.
"Aren't I already?" said Angela.
"No, Spätzli, you've only used a strange mix of your native dialect and standard German so far", said Reinhardt. He cupped Angela's cheek in his hand. It was so ridiculously large that Reinhardt's hand covered the length of the side of her head, and his thumb was easily able to stroke her hair. "Try to get some rest. Ana and I are going to make you something to eat, ok?"
"No! At the very least, I need a blood test kit!"
"Spätzli, you asked for a head of lettuce again", said Reinhardt.
Angela groaned and fell back onto her pillow.
"She's delirious from the fever", said Ana.
"Did you hit her head or something when you carried her to the hospital?" Reinhardt asked Fareeha.
"I accidentally bumped her head, but I swear it was more of a tap!" said Fareeha. "Maybe her dose of painkillers was too strong. I still think we need to get her medical attention."
"No need", said Angela. "Is this facility still well-stocked? Can you look for antibiotics?"
Reinhardt translated for Angela.
"We've already tried all the antibiotics we could find", said Fareeha.
"Maybe it is too soon to see results", said Ana. "But half the team is off on a mission to… procure… some nanobots."
"She means they're going to steal from a hospital", said Fareeha, frowning and crossing her arms over her chest. "You lost consciousness right before we got to the hospital in Gibraltar, but they refused to use nanobots on you. I told them we could pay them back several times the cost of the nanobots, but the most I could get was nanobots for your spine in exchange for a…" Fareeha sighed. "For a photo op. They treated your legs using traditional techniques. Pictures of the famous, wounded "Mercy" are all over the Internet now. There's one of the doctor making a stupid face and holding a peace sign next to your bloody legs. I wanted to cave in that guy's face so much. But I wasn't in a position to negotiate."
They probably didn't do a good job. That would explain where I picked up an antibiotic-resistant infection, thought Angela.
"I still don't like that we have to resort to stealing. But if it'll help you get better…" said Fareeha.
"I feel fine", said Angela. "Great actually. Maybe a bit hot though."
Angela flung the sheets off her legs again.
"Stop doing that!" said Ana, who didn't need a translation to guess what Angela had said. She fussed over Angela, tucking her back in again. "I am going to the kitchen to prepare sustenance for the ailing doctor. Fareeha, make sure she keeps the covers on."
As soon as Ana was gone, Angela reached for Fareeha's hand.
Upon contact, Fareeha flinched, but didn't pull away.
"Fareeha. I missed you", said Angela in a longing voice.
Instead of translating, Reinhardt decided to look at Fareeha with a smirk, his cheeks taking on a rosy colour. This, coupled with recognizing her name must have sent Fareeha's imagination into overdrive, and she suddenly stood, and marched out the door like a toy soldier.
"Make her come back", whined Angela.
"Don't worry, she'll come back by herself", said Reinhardt in German.
"Did you teach her that song?" said Angela.
"She looked it up, but I helped her learn it", said Reinhardt. "She's been practicing it all day."
Angela groaned, and pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. "She's perfect. She's so perfect. Why is she so perfect?"
Reinhardt laughed. "She's as perfect as you are, Spätzli."
"I'm not perfect at all."
"Exactly. Even Fareeha coughs, burps, and farts, you know."
Angela started giggling uncontrollably over the word "fart". Reinhardt waited for her to calm down before he spoke again. Angela really appreciated Reinhardt's efforts to keep the volume of his voice low.
"I hope it works out between you two. I've been watching you for so long, and I really think you deserve this. And nothing would make ol' Papa Reinhardt happier than seeing two of his daughters get along."
Reinhardt's gentle voice was starting to make Angela feel sleepy. She laughed softly and clutched Reinhardt's hand. "Papa, huh?"
"There would be no greater honour", said Reinhardt.
Angela's blink lasted several seconds. With closed eyes she saw a tall, slender man, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a goofy smile that stretched from ear to ear. A pair of glasses balanced on a high nose, but they never stayed there for long because of the small, sticky pair of hands that always snatched them away.
"No, not Papa", murmured Angela dreamily. "Papi."
"Pa-" Reinhardt choked.
Angela's eyes closed involuntarily again.
The blonde man held a finger over his lips, and handed Angela a bar of chocolate wrapped in purple packaging, adorned with a picture of a little cow. "Don't tell Mami", he said.
"You said you'd get me a Kinder surprise egg" came a childlike voice.
"I did, but I couldn't help myself and ate the chocolate on my way home from the store. I have the toy here though. Would you like to put it together with me, Spätzli?" replied the blonde man.
Angela was brought back to the present when Reinhardt covered Angela's hand with both of his.
"Hey, I'm not sure if you'll remember this when this is over, but I want to tell you something", said Reinhardt.
"What is it, Papi?" said Angela.
"I have always wanted children. But I never did because I didn't think it would be fair to the child to have a Papa who couldn't come home every night. As long as the world needs me I will never be able to put my hammer down", said Reinhardt.
In between Reinhardt's words, the blonde man continued to speak to Angela.
"Spätzli, you have chocolate all over your face!" laughed the blonde man.
"But somehow Ana was able to pull it off with Fareeha", continued Reinhardt. "For a long time, I was so jealous. But I don't have to be, because now I have so many children. And I have you, right Süße?"
Reinhardt braved a smile.
"No."
Reinhardt's smile faltered.
"No, not Süße. Spätzli." Angela yawned and her eyelashes fluttered in her attempt to keep her eyes open. "You always called me Spätzli, don't you remember, Papi?"
"Ah yes, you're right."
Angela's vision turned to darkness with the feeling of Reinhardt's heavy hand over her eyes.
"Papa… I mean, Papi must be getting old. Spätzli. You must be tired, Spätzli. Go to sleep, Spätzli", said Reinhardt.
"Goodnight, Papi."
Reinhardt didn't respond, but Angela had never felt his hand shake so much.
"Spätzli."
Angela started at the sound of her mother's voice.
"Didn't Papi tell you he didn't want you touching his collection of antiquarian books?" said Angela's mother. "If you want to read something I can buy a digital copy for you."
"They're not the same", said a six-year old Angela. "I like how these smell. And I like how heavy they are."
Angela's mother laughed and shook her head.
"You always did like old-fashioned things."
"Matthias said that I'm actually an old person reborn into a kid's body."
"Well, that would explain how you're smarter than most of the adults I know."
"I hate Matthias. And all his friends."
"Matthias is friends with all the children in the village."
"I know."
Angela's mother sighed.
"I wish you could get along with the other children."
"It's not my fault. They don't like me."
"Oh Spätzli. Don't worry, I'll always be your friend."
"Thanks Mami."
"Would you like to play with Mami? You're always hiding away to read. Let's kick a ball around outside."
"But Mami, I don't want to go outside. I like it in here."
"Would you like to learn how to play chess, then?"
"I already know how. I'll probably beat you."
Angela's mother smirked.
"We'll see about that."
After just a few moves into their first game, Angela's mother had already checkmated Angela.
"What's this?!" exclaimed Angela angrily. "I've never seen this before!"
"It's called a Shepherd's or Scholar's Mate", said Angela's mother.
"That's a cheap trick! I demand a rematch!" screeched Angela.
Angela lost again the next round. And the next. After Angela's third loss, Angela scratched her head in frustration.
"How is this happening? I've never lost to Papi!"
"Maybe Papi isn't as smart as Mami", said Angela's father who had just entered the room.
Angela caught her father winking at her mother.
"Spätzli, would you like to play with your Papi before dinner?" said Angela's father.
"No, I can't stop until I beat Mami."
"But look at what I just made", said Angela's father.
He pulled out a new kite from behind his back. On the front was a stylized picture of a sparrow.
"Oooo", said Angela, hopping from her chair.
"Wait, she's playing with Mami right now", protested Angela's mother.
"It's not a contest", said Angela's father gently. "Come with us."
The sky was clear that day and the wind was strong. Perfect conditions for kite flying.
Unfortunately, Angela wasn't the only kid at the park.
She did her best not to pay attention to the smirking and pointing fingers.
C'mon. Higher. Higher, thought Angela as her feet thumped against the grassy field. The kite followed behind her, but wouldn't get higher than waist-level.
"Let Papi help", said Angela's father.
"I can do it by myself!" insisted Angela.
"Maybe one day when Spätzli is a little bigger, ja? But today, we can do it together", said Angela's father.
Angela's father promptly picked up his daughter, and put her on his shoulders.
"Oh Schätzli, that looks dangerous", protested Angela's mother.
It was as if Angela's mother's disapproval was what warmed Angela to her father's plan. She turned towards her mother and stuck her tongue out, albeit, with a smile on her face. Angela's mother chuckled and retaliated with her own bit of tongue.
"Hold on tight to the spool, Spätzli. You're going to fly now", said Angela's father.
It only took one attempt at running to send the kite soaring.
Angela's father wasn't the most athletic person, and stopped as soon as his mission was complete, panting all the while.
"Woah!" gasped Angela. A particularly strong gust of wind nearly yanked the spool from Angela's hands. She felt herself starting to rise from her seat on her father's shoulders, but just as she was almost carried away, Angela's mother was there to close her warm hands over Angela's, and Angela's father clutched her legs, keeping her grounded.
The kite danced on the wind, ducking and twirling in the open, blue sky.
The kite wasn't the only thing that the mischievous wind played with. The rushing air swept around Angela, sending her loose hair into a flurry around her face, and drowning out the sounds of distant laughter.
Sitting on her father's shoulders, and with her mother helping to keep the kite from flying away, Angela reached out towards the sky with her left hand, and closed her fist over empty air.
"Mami. Papi. Do you think we could find a way to attach me to a kite? I want to fly too."
Angela awoke to Fareeha's nudging.
"Angela, are you hungry? Mama made something for you."
Fareeha helped Angela sit up, and handed Angela a bowl of porridge. Angela wondered why her left arm felt sore.
"I also hope you don't mind, but I did some things while you were asleep. I had to ask Athena for help, but I think I did everything right", said Fareeha.
"Athena's back on then?" said Angela.
Fareeha smiled and held Angela's hand.
"Finally! Some English! Also, to answer your question, Athena is online at all of Overwatch's bases. When she recognized that she was being hacked, she cut off her connection from Gibraltar. She was only disabled there."
Fareeha pulled out something, and Angela's eyes bulged at the sight of it.
"Don't tell anybody, but Lena and I went back to Gibraltar last night and brought some things I knew you'd want. Like your blood samples, mice, and this."
Fareeha handed Angela her lab book, and opened it to the most recent entry.
Amidst Angela's messy writing, Angela's eyes gravitated towards Fareeha's orderly print, detailing Angela's condition, and all sorts of descriptors, including her temperature throughout the day, her heart rate, blood pressure, and progress on her leg.
"Oh, Fareeha! Fareeha, mein Schätzli. Thank you!"
"Schätzli isn't the same as Spätzli is it?"
"I'm just describing how precious you are."
"Oh." Fareeha smiled sheepishly before continuing. "I also took a blood sample. I'm going to change your bandages now."
"You took a blood sample for me?" said Angela, as Fareeha started unwrapping her bandages. "I thought Reinhardt couldn't understand what I was saying!"
"I'm still pretty sure you asked for a head of lettuce", said Fareeha with a laugh. "But I know you've been taking blood samples for months now and I confirmed it when I found your lab book."
Angela couldn't help but blush at the idea of Fareeha picking up her lab book. Lab books were meant to be comprehensible to anybody who wanted to check her work, but nobody had asked for it for a long time. Now it felt more personal than a diary.
Fareeha finished removing the light dressings and frowned at the distasteful sight of patchy skin oozing with pus.
"Don't make that face", laughed Angela. "It doesn't actually look that bad. If my immune system were as strong as it was before I started taking nanobots, I might not have gotten an infection at all. But you did an excellent job with it anyway."
Fareeha winced. "It's going to scar, isn't it?"
"Maybe, but they won't be my first scars", said Angela. Angela took a mouthful of porridge before setting down the bowl. "Check this out."
Angela lifted the hem of her shirt, where a large scar sat at the bottom of her ribcage.
"I got this doozy before I joined Overwatch. I passed out before I could treat it myself, and the other medic on my team wasn't that talented."
"It almost sounds like you're bragging about it", said Fareeha.
"Maybe I am."
"Well, if it's a contest, I win this, hands down." Fareeha turned around and lifted the back of her shirt, revealing a canvas of skin, marred with all sorts of old, raised blemishes that criss-crossed over her skin.
Angela's breath hitched in her throat, and she reached out, her hand having a mind of its own.
Fareeha froze at the feeling of Angela ghosting her fingers over warm skin. She traced the lines and circles, following them like a treasure map.
"Beautiful", murmured Angela.
Angela could literally feel the shiver that ran down Fareeha's spine.
Fareeha may not have been born with the scars, but Angela didn't see them as disfigurements. They were proof that Fareeha had not only survived all the hurt she had endured, but she had healed from them as well. They were a part of what made Fareeha the person she was.
Fareeha dropped her shirt and turned around, her blush obvious even on dark skin.
"I'll, uh, give you fresh bandages now", said Fareeha.
"Wait, Fareeha, don't wrap it up yet", said Angela. "I would like to find out what's causing the infection. Can you grab some swabs and ask Mei for agar plates? If there aren't any in the lab's fridge, she can make more."
"I don't know what that is, but I sure can."
Fareeha started to stand, but Angela grabbed her sleeve.
"Do you need something else?" said Fareeha.
"Yes. You. Don't go."
"What do want me to… never mind. I'll be right back, alright? Here."
Fareeha reached up and groped blindly on the bunk bed above Angela.
"I also had to go back to Gibraltar because I couldn't leave her behind", said Fareeha. She managed to pull down her giant falcon plush. "She will watch over you while I get the swabs. I'll just be a minute."
Fareeha plopped the plush next to Angela, but Angela wasn't entirely convinced. Fareeha tried to gently pry Angela's fingers off her sleeve, but she wouldn't yield.
"Does she have a name?" said Angela.
Fareeha sighed and blushed slightly.
"I call her Khalil, which means "friend" in Arabic. Do you remember that captain I told you about? The one that made a huge impact on my life? It was his name."
Angela recalled the story of said captain, but Fareeha hadn't mentioned any details.
"Was?"
"Yeah, he didn't make it."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It's a lovely name. But why are you embarrassed?"
"Well, she was originally my mum's, and she had a different name then."
"What was it?"
"Fareeha."
Angela finally let go of Fareeha, and pulled the falcon plush into her arms.
"She smells like you", said Angela, burying her face in the plush. She looked at Fareeha as she started to leave. "She'll do. For now."
Angela watched with bemusement at Fareeha's heavy blush as she darted out the door. The rational part of her felt bad for pushing Fareeha's boundaries when she clearly wasn't ready. She knew that she still needed to talk with Fareeha, but the louder part of Angela didn't want to face that yet. Things may have been still up in the air, but Fareeha was back, and being the good friend she always was.
A/N: The song at the beginning of the chapter is a traditional Swiss lullaby. I don't think the meaning is important, but if you're curious, the translation is:
Lullaby, baby, sleep,
In the grass the sheep is grazing,
In the barn, the little lamb.
God, protect my angel.
Lullaby, baby, sleep,
Then I'll give you the nice sheep,
Then I'll give you the little lamb,
God, protect my little angel.
Lullaby, cradle,
On the roof there are tiles,
Under our roof there are shingles
Sleep, my darling little child.
I had to use it because it's so perfect, since it contains elements of Angela's name (Ängeli and Ziegeli. Ziegler means "brick-maker").
I also used "Mami" and "Papi" for mom and dad, which a quick Google search tells me, are normal terms in Switzerland. I wanted to be somewhat faithful to Angela's mother tongue, in the same way Fareeha calls Ana "Mama", which is normal in Arabic, even though I have no idea if those are the words that locals would use.
Of other words that I haven't defined: Schätzli = little treasure, and ja = yes. Also, throughout my stories, Ana has been calling Fareeha "habibti", which means "darling" or "my love".