MJ limped from room to room and nothing seemed to be of interest to her, that is, until she came to a certain room. This one was odd: it only held a small and dusty desk. MJ walked over to it with curiosity filling her entire system. She stared at it at first, but then decided to open the drawers to see if anything was inside. After she had opened a few, MJ was beginning to doubt that this desk was of any importance. Finally, she found something. It was a book that looked years old. Picking it up, MJ decided to read it in her temporary bedroom, seeing that there wasn't a chair in the room.
Finally settled in her room after a long time of limping, MJ opened the aged book and began reading. After reading the first two words, she could already figure out what kind of book this was…
Dear Diary,
I have lost track of days here on the ARK. Every day seems like the last: the same black blanket that surrounds our home, the same big blue beautiful planet that grandfather studies everyday. And those stars, they're magnificent! Being so bright and small, almost looking as if they were made to decorate the dull black blanket. Whenever I look at them, they give me a sense of…purity. Almost as if I were one of those stars…but that's impossible. I could never shine that bright for anybody, and even grandfather knows that. If only I could tell someone my true feelings…besides you, diary. If I could tell someone my feelings, then, maybe that person could shine for me! Maybe they could be my little ray of hope…Uh oh, grandfather is coming! I must go and hide this so he doesn't think bad of me!
MJ stopped after she read the first day in the diary. This didn't seem like Prof. Gerald's diary, as MJ had suspected! In fact, it was like this was written by Maria… MJ was excited. This was something that she couldn't miss! Reading on, MJ started to get more and more excited about this adventure…
Dear Diary,
I am sorry about yesterday's incident. I didn't mean to have you closed immediately; I just can't let grandfather know about my true feelings. Why? Who knows what he could do…and that's why I am afraid of him—at times. Other than that, he is the kindest grandfather anyone could ever have. He created this ARK for us to live on, and he also made a room especially for me! Do you want to know what is inside the room?
MJ nodded, even though it wasn't Maria talking to her. It seemed like it, though, and she was anxious to know.
What is inside the room is just a big area with large amounts of the softest green needles on the bottom I have ever felt! Grandfather says that these soft green needles are called grass, and they have them on Earth. I was amazed by what grandfather told me next. He told me that this is what it's like on Earth—at times. Only for half of the time it orbits around the sun does it have the soft green grass. During the other half of the orbit, the grass is covered by white sand called snow or covered with crispy triangles called leaves that fall down from trees. I was fascinated. But more importantly, I was grateful. Grateful that I could experience what my grandfather calls the four seasons in this room like the inhabitants of Earth do! Diary, even though I have my special room and the greatest grandfather…I still wish for a friend. I'm tired; I better get some sleep, good night Diary.
MJ looked up from reading the diary. A special room that had all four seasons in it? Whoa! Now that was cool! After making a mental note to see this special room when they went to the space colony ARK, MJ couldn't wait to read what was next…
Dear Diary,
After playing in the room today, I didn't know what to do. Playing in my special room was nice, but, I was the only one to play there. There was no one to accompany me, and I felt lonely. Grandfather must have suspected it because in the third hour after morning hours on Earth, he went into is Lab room. Now it is the eighth hour after morning hours on Earth and he still hasn't come out of there. I am curious: what is he working on that doesn't allow him to come out and talk with me? I had to eat my third meal alone, and that only made all the lonelier. I tried to listen to what he was doing by putting my ear against the door, but I could hear nothing. I give up, diary. My grandfather is too puzzling to figure out. He never tells anyone what he's doing, and when he's finished, all his creations are the most spectacular sights to behold. He is also the greatest storyteller. I like listening to his stories. One of them is about angels. He talked about how angels were so bright, that it was hard to see them and almost made you blind. But he also told me that if far away enough, they would seem like little stars. That's probably why I love stars because my favorite story was the one of the littlest angel. The story went that the littlest angel wasn't as bright as the others, and wasn't as tall as them. He was just not used for anything because of his little light. One day, the Creator came to the angel with an assignment. He told the angel to go down and shine above a stable with all his might so that many may see that a special baby was born. The littlest angel had some doubt that he could do this, but, with a little hope, he went down to Earth and shone above the small stable. The light was the brightest thing, as the story said, that it even attracted KINGS to the stable and to the baby. The littlest angel turned out to be the brightest star. I've always loved that story. Just a few minutes ago, I looked out a giant window that let us see the black blanket that surrounded our home and looked at those stars that gave me a sense of purity. At that moment, I started to believe that stars were angels. I had hope that one of them would come to me and be my friend, my brightest star, but now I'm not so sure. I guess I'll just have to wait, won't I, diary?
MJ gave some deep thought. The story sounded familiar...oh! She remembered! The nativity! MJ smiled. What a clever way to tell the nativity story, she thought. With lots of hope dwelled up inside her, MJ continued reading…
Dear Diary,
You will not believe what happened to me!
Try me, MJ thought.
Today, grandfather finally came out of his room, and told me to close my eyes. I did so, being an obedient human alive for eight years so far, and allowed my grandfather to lead me to his new creation. When he finally told me to open my eyes, I did and gasped as words couldn't come out of my mouth how I felt. I saw the most adorable creature. It was black with red stripes on its quills that were dull at the moment and red stripes down its arms and legs. It was curled up in a little ball, and when I reached out my hand to touch it, it uncurled and open its crimson eyes, yawning. What a cute little yawn! Grandfather told me it was what inhabitants on Earth called a hedgehog. This hedgehog, I could tell, wasn't even an hour old! It just stared at me with its red eyes full of curiosity. I would have squealed with delight at how adorable it was, but I knew if I had, it would frighten the baby. Grandfather leaned down to me and whispered, 'You need to name it.' I looked at my grandfather surprised. Usually HE named all of his creations! Now he was letting me name it! I looked down at the hedgehog who was falling asleep again. Then, it struck me. 'I'll name him Shadow,' I replied. Grandfather stroked his mustache. Then he said that Shadow was a good name, and I felt so happy that I jumped and softly clapped my hands a few times. Then I turned to Shadow and saw that he was asleep. I gently kissed the soft cheek of the hedgehog and was going to walk away when my grandfather said, 'Aren't you forgetting something?' I turned back to see if I forgot my short-sleeved jacket, but I saw I had it on. Being confused, I looked at my grandfather. He was pointing at the sleeping hedgehog. I opened my eyes wide. 'I get to keep him and take care of him!' I asked. Grandfather only nodded. I couldn't speak. I got to take care of and raise this cute creature all by myself! 'Go ahead, take him, he's all yours, Maria,' grandfather encouraged. It took me a while, but finally, I walked over to the sleeping hedgehog again. This time, I reached out my arms, and as gentle as I could to as not to awake him, I picked him up in my arms and held him often as I had saw mothers do in picture books. I could feel his chest slowly rising and falling with each breath. He looked so comfortable in his sleep. I looked at my grandfather with tears in my eyes. 'Now, don't you cry, I don't want to see any of that stuff, now! Go on and take care of Shadow,' my grandfather said firmly. I nodded and walked away without saying thank you, but I knew my grandfather would understand—he ALWAYS understands.
MJ was smiling so big and was biting her lower lip. She wanted to squeal, too! But, as to not make a racket, she kept quiet. How cute Shadow must have been! Being so small and little…Without bothering to think, MJ turned the page to read what happened next…
Dear Diary,
Sorry I haven't written during the one orbit the Earth has made around the sun, I have been occupied by taking care of now a one year old Shadow. We celebrated the day he was born and gave him some sweet and sugary things to eat. He enjoyed them. After that, I kept trying to teach him how to talk. He wouldn't even try to talk. All he would do is listen to me pronounce the words very slowly. I even tried to see if he had paid attention by showing him rectangular shaped cards that had pictures on them to see if he could name them. No such luck. I gave up on that, and decided to try something else: walking. Well, he didn't seem too ready, although, he was doing a better job than talking. At least he figured out how to crawl. That's an important step. Yesterday I asked my grandfather if trying to teach my mom to walk and talk when she was little was hard. 'It sure was,' he replied, 'but you know: after you teach them, they seem to always be thanking you for teaching them.' I asked how and why. 'Why, I don't know. But how is by them using what you taught them to get somewhere or accomplish a goal,' he answered. I asked him what he meant. 'When you run, in what inhabitants on Earth call a race, you try and reach the goal, right?' grandfather asked. I nodded, allowing him to continue. 'Well, you run by using your feet, right?' grandfather wondered. I could see what he was getting at. 'How can you reach the goal without learning how to run or even walk first?' he asked. 'You can't,' I replied. Grandfather nodded, 'Exactly. They thank you by winning their goal even if they don't realize it.' I looked at the floor. Then I once again became determined to teach Shadow about walking and talking. 'Thanks, grandfather!' I replied. Grandfather nodded and I ran to my bedroom, where Shadow was sleeping. I quietly then walked over to him and lightly rubbed his shoulder, calling his name. Eventually, he woke up, and looked at me with confused eyes. 'Time to get up,' I said. A few minutes later, I had Shadow all ready to learn how to walk. I grabbed his wrists gently and pulled them up, pulling him off his knees. He was starting to panic and he made a whining sound. I smiled then let Shadow's feet touch the ground. I let him stand there and get used to the support of the ground. Then, I started walking and led him to walk with my hands still gripping his wrists in case he fell. After I had walked a while with my eyes still on Shadow, he let his legs stretch, not taking a step, and then all fell; with the only thing keeping him off the ground was my hands. I gave an exasperated sigh and looked at Shadow who was looking at me with fear in his eyes. I tried time after time, but he wouldn't take a single step. He would just PLOP down and I'd have to start over. After about the twentieth time, and let Shadow sit on his bum and I got on my knees, ready to talk to him. 'Shadow,' I told him, 'what is a hedgehog if he can't walk?' I asked. Shadow looked at me confused. 'Why do you think I try and make you walk?' I asked, even though I knew he wouldn't reply. Shadow looked at the ground, as if he were thinking. Then, looking up, I could tell he wanted to try again. I got up and once again grabbed his wrists. 'You ready?' I asked. He nodded. I smiled. Finally he understood words! Then, I walked, keeping my eyes on him. Finally, he reached out one of his bare feet and was about to fall when I caught him. He looked at me, unsure. I told him he could do it, and we tried again. This time, when Shadow picked up his foot he immediately put it down in front of himself, not wanting to fall down. Then, he did the same with the other one. Then the next and the next…before I knew it, he was walking! But, he was walking a little too fast. His feet would stay in the air for not even a second then come down. I tried to not laugh for he looked like one of grandfather's robots walking. I told him to slow down. But he didn't, he kept walking like one of my grandfather's robots. Then I stopped walking and he stopped, looking at me as if to ask, 'Did I do well?' I shook my head playfully at him and said, 'Shadow, it's okay, you don't need to walk so fast. Take your time.' We tried again, this time, Shadow tried as I said, and he walked like an ordinary human would. I was so proud. Then, I tried him to walk without me holding any of his hands, but he whined so from then on, we always walked with him holding on of my hands just in case. Teaching him had made me tired, so I walked Shadow to bed, brushed his teeth, and washed his face. After I tucked him in, he looked at me with those red eyes shining. He must've been proud of himself, and I was too. I told him that. I then kissed him on the cheek, told him good night and turned off the lights. Before I exited his bedroom to go to my own, I heard the cutest male voice say, 'Thank you.' I froze. Was that…Shadow? I turned to him and he was looking at me, smiling. I smiled too, 'Your welcome. I'm very proud of you, now get some rest, we need to show grandfather what you can do.' Shadow nodded and answered, 'Okay.' I smiled then left. After I closed the door, I exclaimed, 'Yes!' With a happy heart, I bid you good night, Diary.
MJ was 'wowed'. She never knew this about Shadow! The more she thought about it, the more it seemed…real; almost as if she were there when Shadow was a child. MJ excitedly read the next part in the diary, eager to learn more about Shadow…
Dear Diary,
It has been very hard to write every day, so I am writing every orbit around the sun the Earth makes, sorry.
MJ had no problem with that. As long as she could read what happened to Shadow in his past, she'd be happy!
Shadow has been doing well with his walking and talking. But, that now two years old hedgehog is a little troublemaker. Just today, Shadow was practicing walking around the kitchen. Of course, me trying to be a mother to him even though I've only been alive for ten years, I had to watch him and walk beside him. Suddenly, he fell and fell on a cord that grandfather needed inserted into a special slot and that pulled the cord out. You see, grandfather was cooking our first meal, and he was using what the inhabitants of Earth call an oven. When tripping on the cord, Shadow accidentally pulled it out, and then the oven stopped working. Grandfather was mad at me and said I should be more careful. I nodded then turned to Shadow to scold him, when he was looking at me with tears in his big red eyes, almost as if he had understood what he had done. I just couldn't scold him if he already knew! Picking him up in my arm and holding him so that his head was over my shoulder and his body being held by my left arm, I carried him to my bedroom, hoping that Shadow would fall asleep. He wouldn't. He kept looking at me with tears in his eyes. I realized what I had forgotten. Forgiving him and assuring him everything was all right, I then tucked him up under the covers of his small bed. Instantly his eyes went back to their normal cheery self and he closed them for a nap. I smiled and listened as he started to snore softly. How cute a sound it was! Then I walked away and was about to leave when he said, 'Maria!' I stopped. 'What is it, Shadow?' I asked. 'I can't faw asweep,' Shadow said, having trouble with his 'l'. I asked why. 'I haven't had my first meaw,' Shadow replied, once again not correctly pronouncing his 'l'. I was shocked. Why didn't I think about that? I was so stupid to forget about our first meal. I then picked up the ebony hedgehog and decided to take him to my special room. Once there, I put Shadow on the ground, and he grabbed my hand immediately, standing up. He looked at me ready to play. 'What do you want to play, Shadow?' I asked, squatting down so my dress was just barely touching the soft grass. 'I wanna pway…' Shadow thought for a minute. I sighed and told myself silently that I must teach Shadow someday how to correctly say his 'l's. 'Wet's pway ring-a-round-the-rosie!' Shadow exclaimed. I smiled. 'Okay, let's do that!' I replied, and we locked our hands and started to skip in a circle, chanting, 'Ring around the rosie, pocket full of posie, ashes, ashes, we all fall down!' then our hands let go, and away we fell, to the ground. We both laughed and I sat up to look at Shadow. Shadow was looking at the big blue sky that was the ceiling of the room. For some reason, he wasn't laughing like I was. Instead, he had a confused face. 'What's the matter, Shadow?' I asked, laying beside him. Shadow pointed to one of the oval-shaped, fluffy objects that were displayed on a screen, since it wasn't really Earth, and asked, 'What's that?' I smiled, 'That's a cloud, Shadow.' 'A cwoud?' Shadow repeated, still struggling with his 'l's. I sighed, now was a better time than ever. I turned over to the black hedgehog and asked him to say 'well' for me. He did so, and it sounded more like 'wew' than 'well'. 'Shadow,' I said, 'you pronounce your 'l's like I do. Try saying like.' 'Wike,' he said slowly, concentrating on the 'l'. I shook my head, 'No, l-ike.' 'Wike' he still said. 'Let's try something else…' I suggested. Shadow repeated what I said, 'Let's try something else.' I opened my eyes in shock. 'Shadow, you did it!' I exclaimed. 'I did?' he asked, bewildered. 'Yes you did! Do it again!' I exclaimed. 'What do I say?' Shadow inquired. 'Say Prof. Gerald,' I instructed excitedly. 'Prof. Gerald,' Shadow replied, saying his 'l'. 'Yes! You did it, Shadow! You did it!' I yelled. 'I did it! YAY!' Shadow was happy, too. We both got off the ground and jumped excitedly. Just then, grandfather came in, and he saw us jumping. 'What's going on in here?' he asked. Me and Shadow stopped jumping and laughed. Then, I noticed something. 'Shadow! You're not holding my hand anymore! You can balance yourself!' I informed. Shadow looked at himself, surprised. How wonderful he must have felt to have accomplished so many things in one day! He squealed with delight and jumped up and down. Then, I remembered that grandfather was watching us, and turned to see if he was still there. He wasn't! I was puzzled, but pushed the matter aside, and told Shadow it was time to eat. He nodded, and then we skipped happily to the kitchen, ready to have our first meal. It was wonderful that day, but grandfather is working on something. I know it because when the Earth was four hours away from making a full spin, I checked to see if he was okay, since he had talked less. He wasn't in sight! I then noticed the light that was shining from within his Lab. I had sighed and then made my way towards bed. I wonder, diary: What is my grandfather up to this time?
MJ thought a minute. Professor Gerald seemed so unpredictable. Yet, this was so exciting! MJ continued reading, ready to learn more…
Dear Diary,
Yes, I know, it's only been two spinnings of the Earth's time that I've wrote you, but I simply must tell you something that happened! It is extraordinary! You will not believe what grandfather has gotten Shadow! Or should I say, MADE Shadow. He made Shadow some gloves and shoes to wear! Isn't it nice? Shadow was unsure of what they were, and had asked me. I explained to him that gloves are clothing that you put on your hands to protect them and shoes are clothing that you put on your feet to protect them, too. Shadow had stood there, a little confused. Then, looking at a glove, then his hand, he then slid the white clothing onto his hand gently. He stared at it a few moments before bending each finger one at a time to see if he could move them. The glove was perfectly flexible! Interested, Shadow had slid the other one on his other hand. He was excited! With his eyes full of curiosity, he turned to his shoes. He then noticed at a white cloth was lying inside each shoe. He quietly, with only two fingers, he picked up one of them. He then asked me what it was. I answered him by telling him it was a sock, and you put it on over your feet before you put your shoes on so then you don't get hurtful bubbles on your feet called blisters. Shadow then looked at his sock. He sat on his bum and slid the sock over his foot carefully. After accomplishing that, he sat back and wiggled his foot, watching and learning. Then he grabbed the other sock and did the same. He looked at himself, and then at his shoes. Taking one of them, he slid it on his foot and then slid the other shoe on the other foot. Luckily, he didn't have to learn how to tie them since they didn't have strings. Then, he looked at me, almost asking if what he had to do next. "Get up, Shadow," I encouraged. Shadow then stood up, and flailed his arms around for a while before settling down. Then, he tried to walk. He fell. I laughed. He must not be used to the weight of the shoe. Then, I helped him walk again. This time, it worked! He started walking! Then, I let him walk on his own. It was a little hard for him at first, but after a while, he was used to it. Oh diary, I'm so proud of my little Shadow.
MJ had to hold her breath when looking on the next page. This was exciting! MJ never knew this stuff about Shadow before! Reading on, MJ started to think how it must have felt to take care of Shadow…almost like a mother…
Dear Diary,
I have discovered something that amazes me. It is the most spectacular thing I've ever witnessed in my 11 years of living. It's about Shadow. He can run so fast! I've never seen anything like it! He buzzes around doing things as quick as a snap of your fingers! It is amazing! His shoes also allow him to hover. Grandfather outdid himself on Shadow. I am overly impressed. But, I am also embarrassed. You see, today, Shadow was practicing his speed, and then I lost sight of him. Slightly scolding myself for not being a watchful 'mother', I start looking for him. He's nowhere to be found! Then, I heard grandfather yell, "Maria! Maria, come here this instant!" Oh no, I thought. Shadow got into mischief again. I ran down the hallway, and then stopped, petting my hair. I didn't want grandfather to see me as a wreck. Then, I opened the door to his room. "Yes, Grandfather?" I asked, and then noticed where Shadow was. He was looking at me with happy eyes, obviously not realizing he was in trouble. He was. He had jumped on grandfather's desk and messed up all his papers. "Get him to bed at once!" grandfather ordered, "It's very late, and he should be sleeping." "Yes, sir. We're sorry, Grandfather." I apologized and blushed. "Ooh, Mini Maria!" Shadow called, happily. I sighed as I held him in my arms. "Shadow, come with me now," said I said, softly. "It's time for bed, and time to dream." Then I heard the cutest and kindest reply: "I'll dream of you!" Then he hugged me. I was touched by the little hedgehog's words, but then grandfather cleared his throat, signaling he had work to do, so I left while carrying Shadow. When getting to the bathroom, I set the ebony hedgehog down and grabbed his red toothbrush. Then, squirting some toothpaste on it, I looked for Shadow. I couldn't find him! That hedgehog must be playing hide and seek, I thought, then searched for him. Finally, I found a hump under the bathroom towel. Lifting it up, I could see Shadow and he squealed with delight. I shook my head playfully and then made him sit down. Looking at him, I said, "Now let me see your tiny teeth." Shadow opened his mouth and closed his eyes, but not without saying, "Oh, okay!" Then, I started to brush his teeth. After rinsing and spitting out the toothpaste, Shadow looked at me and smiled. I praised him, "Good, Shadow! You have nice teeth. Now, after you use the bathroom, I'll tuck you in." I then exited the bathroom, giving him some privacy. Sitting on the bed, I waited for him to come out. "I'm done!" he said finally, and came out, hopping towards me. I smiled and said gently, "All right, let's take your shoes off. Come here." I patted the bed, signaling for Shadow to hop on, but he was struggling. Then, I gave him a little push, and soon he was sitting beside me. As gently as I could, I slipped Shadow's shoes off, fluffed his pillow, and pulled the covers back. Shadow then quietly went to his place. "Maria, don't forget to cover me up!" he reminded. "Of course I won't forget, I never will," I promised. Then, I pulled the covers over him, once again gently and he snuggled under them. He was so cute when he looked at me with his crimson eyes tiredly. I then kissed his cheek and said, "Goodnight, little Shadow, sweet dreams, and I'll see you in the morning." "Goodnight Maria," Shadow yawned. I saw his eyes close and then I stood up to turn off the light switch. Right after I turned off the lights, Shadow called, "Maria!" I instantly ran back the few paces I had taken and turned on the lights again, asking, "What is it, Shadow? Is something wrong? Are you scared?" "No, its worse, Maria! I can't sleep!" Shadow replied, his eyes wide. I smiled and shook my head saying, "But you just got tucked in. Just close your eyes, and you'll sleep." "No, no, no," he replied, "I know I can't sleep because I need something." I was surprised. "Really? What do you need? Are you thirsty?" Shadow said, "Well, yesh… that, too, but I also need a bedtime story. Please?" Stepping into the room, I said, "Oh, you want me to read a bedtime story?" "Yesh!" Shadow nodded, and then he cutely blinked his eyes. While going over to the bookstand, I wondered if grandfather should read a bedtime story; he's a much better teller than I. But when I look back at Shadow, I see his cute crimson eyes all ready and excited for ME to read one, so, I agreed, and grabbed a book. I looked at it as I brought it back to the bed. It was a book of bedtime stories. Perfect! Then, sitting down on the bed, I began searching for one. Shadow climbed on my lap as one seemed to beg for me to read it. With big eyes and alert ears, Shadow listened as I told the tale. I can't tell you the whole story, diary, but I can tell you what it was about. It was called "Stone Soup" and was about three soldiers who came back from war. They were very tired and hungry, but the villagers of the town they stopped at hid all their food from the soldiers. What selfish people. Being the clever soldiers they are, the soldiers tricked the villagers by telling them of a delicious soup they know how to make called "Stone Soup". First, they put water and a stone in the pot. Then, pepper and salt. After that, onions. Then celery and carrots. Next potatoes. Some barley, milk, and meat and many other ingredients. I was so busy reading the story; I didn't notice Shadow had left my lap! Then, when I was about to read the ending, Shadow came back and sat beside me. As the story turned out, the soup was delicious and the whole village had a feast fit for a king and queen. They celebrated, and soon after, the soldiers were allowed to sleep in the villagers beds. Closing the book, I said, "There, and that's the end." "Wow, I like that story, Maria. Thank you," Shadow said, smiling up at me. Politely, I replied, "Your welcome, and I'm glad you enjoyed it." But, before I could tell him to sleep, something caught my attention. It was a sweet scent and smelled delicious. "Wait," I said. "What's that smell, Shadow?" The hedgehog looked up at me innocently replying, "Stone soup." "What?" I asked, confused. Then, Shadow grabbed my arm, and led me to a black pot full of, nothing else but, stone soup. "You see?" Shadow asked, pointing to the pot, "I made it. I followed the book." I was touched, "That's so sweet of you." Then, Shadow gave me a teaspoon, saying, "Here, try it for me." How could I refuse? "Thank you," I said softly. I then lowered the spoon to gather some of the soup. Lifting it to my mouth, I caught a big smell of the soup. Delicious. Then, I tasted it. Shadow watched me without blinking his eyes. Then, he asked, "Is it a goodie?" I nodded. "It's pretty good, Shadow. Great work." I then smiled and stroked his head gently while he smiled and closed his eyes. There was calm silence for a while until we heard grandfather call from the hallway, "Maria! Is that hedgehog in bed yet?" "Oh no," I whispered, "It's grandfather. He'll be angry." Shadow gulped, then said, "Don't worry, Maria. It was my idea, my soup, and my bad. It's not yours." I was touched, but wouldn't let Shadow get scolded alone. I replied, "No, Shadow. If grandfather becomes angry, I'm still with you." "Oh, so we'll get in trouble together?" Shadow asked in a whisper. I nodded, and than he ran to me and hugged me while closing his eyes, afraid of grandfather yelling. When grandfather came in, he was more surprised than angry. He asked, "Maria, Shadow, what's going on in here? And…" he took a few sniffs, "What's that smell?" Before I could explain, Shadow said, "It's stone soup!" Grandfather was confused. "What is that? Strange, I don't recall that in my studies…" "I just made it," Shadow said, "I followed the book to make it. Here, try some!" Grandfather shrugged and took the spoon from the little hedgehog. I held my breath as he tasted it. "It's delicious!" he said. I let out my breath while Shadow smiled and let go of me. "Still," grandfather interrupted our silent celebration, "It's time for bed now. Maria, see to it that he sleeps." "Yes, sir," I said, and obeyed him. Grandfather then left the room. "That was too close," I whispered, and turned back to Shadow, who was trying another sip of the delicious soup. "Yummy, good," Shadow said, and I shook my head, knowing I'd have to brush his teeth again. After brushing his teeth again, I tucked him in bed and kissed his cheek. I again wished him goodnight, and turned off the lights, and now I wish you goodnight, diary.
MJ tried not to squeal again. This was even cuter than before! Not wanting to ponder on it much, MJ continued reading…
Dear diary,
Years have passed and Shadow has gotten older. He is much help around the ARK and so kind and courteous—when he's not causing mischief. Now I think back to when he was just a baby and now he is a preteen. Oh, diary. I realize something. I remember about wishing for a star, a little angel for me. Someone who I could tell all my feelings to…and now I have someone. Shadow. Shadow is my little star; my little angel. Even though he is black with red stripes, I see him as my little light. No, my biggest light. He was the littlest angel and became the brightest star for me. Oh diary. I wish Shadow could live forever…I can't write much now. Grandfather has something to show me. I'll write to you tomorrow.
MJ's eyebrow raised. This insert was MUCH shorter than the others…oh well! At least she can find out more about Shadow…
Dear Diary,
Grandfather has started telling me about Earth. I know I already know a lot about them, but he told me more. I now wish that I could be down there. I told my little angel that, and he agreed. It was a solemn moment as I pondered about what life must be like down there. Shadow seemed to sense my troubled mind and said, "Maria, if you could be down there, what do you wish to do?" I was startled by his question. There were so many things I wanted to do down there! But, the most thing I wanted to do? "I…I would want to help people down there. Grandfather tells me there are crimes and innocent people get hurt everyday. I'd like to help them, encourage them. Be their little star or little angel," I replied honestly. Shadow nodded. Then, I asked Shadow, "What would you want to do?" Shadow looked at me and said, "I would want to do that too." I smiled. Now, as a 17 year old, I wonder if there already is someone down there to do my wish. If there is…would he or she want help? The more I thought about going to Earth, the more I longed to. And I still do, diary. My writings are short, diary, because I feel as though something awful might happen. Almost as if we were to get attacked. Diary, everyday, my heart feels as though I would separate from my Shadow. He is like a child to me and I am guessing I am like a mother to him…Diary, I need to sleep now, goodnight.
MJ was in deep thinking. Maria was seventeen, so Shadow must be eleven. MJ continued reading…
Dear Diary,
Diary, grandfather is worried. I know. He is trying to hide it, and has been for a year.
MJ paused a minute. That meant Maria was eighteen and Shadow was twelve.
I don't know what's wrong, but obviously he feels like something awful is going to happen, too. I talked with Shadow about it, and he feels the same way. Diary, I'm worried. Something awful is going to happen. I can tell. I can just tell and I am afraid. Afraid of what might happen. Diary, I promise. I promise that no matter what, even if I die, that Shadow will be given the chance to see life down on Earth. I promise.
MJ started having butterflies in her stomach. This didn't give her a grand feeling of what may happen next. Turning the page, MJ took a deep breath. Her heart skipped a beat as she read…
Dear Diary,
This feeling has been staying for 2 months. I can't take it anymore, diary! Something awful is going to happen! I have tried to make grandfather prepare us, but he keeps on telling me nothing will happen! If nothing will, then why does he everyday go to bed with sweat dropping down his forehead? I'm worried, diary. Not only for the ARK colony, but for grandfather and Shadow. I want them to be safe. More importantly, I want Shadow to understand and discover some of the things I was never able to. Diary, I'm scared. Something will happen, and it will only be moments before
A line of ink ran down the page. MJ's eyes went wide. She quickly flipped through the rest of the pages in the diary, but they were blank. MJ stared at the wall. She knew the rest of the story. She knew what had happened next. Shadow lived. Maria didn't. Maria died for Shadow.
MJ
closed the book with one last thought: More importantly, Maria
fulfilled her promise.