Chapter 4: How Do You Know It's Love?
Parakarry sat in the oasis in Dry Dry Desert. He had delivered some letters to some of the citizens in Dry Dry Outpost. Being a mail carrier, he was used to the heat. But this day felt hotter than normal for some reason. Sometimes he would think about the time he went into the volcano in Lavalava Island with Mario and the rest of the party, to find the Start Spirit Misstar. Whenever he thought about that, the desert didn't feel hot as much, but it wasn't working today. He sucked on a lemon and then a lime as he checked his phone. He had over 64 text messages and missed calls from his sister in law, Kamala. Parakarry sighed, how long has it been? A week maybe? Kamala needed to chill out. He thought if he took Parakara under his wing, Kamala would stop calling him about issues she was having with her and her father not getting along. That was obviously not the case. He knew Kamala was just worried about her daughter. But he was a mailman. He was expected to deliver letters and packages to anyone regardless of which city they were in or where they came from. He didn't have time to talk to Kamala about every single thing about Parakara. Why couldn't she just trust him?
After cooling down, he looked at the mail. Some of them appeared to be a fan letters for Goombario. There was also a letter for Goompa. He was going have to make a flight back to Toad Town, then to Goomba Village. Without wasting any time, Parakarry prepared for his journey back to the town and village. At the village Goombario was playing with his little sister outside.
"Goombario!" Parakarry called. The goomba kid looked up. Parakarry flew towards him. "You have quite a bit of mail." Parakarry gives him the letters. One of them had a rose taped to it.
"Woah! I never thought I would have so many fangirls write to me." He said.
"That's only because they don't know how annoying you really are." Goombaria said.
"Oh shush." Goombario said. Parakarry laughed at little at the petty fight. "Is grandfather inside, Goombario?"
"He is. I can go get him."
"It's fine, I'll give him his letter inside." The paratroopa flew inside the house. Goompa was reading a book while Gooma was knitting something.
"Goompa?" Parakarry said. The elderly goomba looked up from his book.
"You have a letter." He gives it to him.
"Oh it's from Bootler. I remember having a letter to give to him. I have one for Koopa Koot as well. Could you mail them for me please?"
"Of course."
Goompa got up and rummaged through one of the shelves. He found the letters and gave them to the paratroopa. Parakarry put the letters in his bag and flew to Koopa Village. He knocked on the door to Koopa Koot's house. The old koopa answers.
"Hello young feller. Are you here to do me a favor?"
"I'm not...but I do have a letter for you." He gives it to him. Koopa Koot squints looking at it.
"Ah from Goompa, eh? So you are here to do me a favor. Could you deliver this to him?" The old koopa slowly walked over to a table, and came back giving the paratroopa the letter. Parakarry takes it and puts it in his mailbag.
"I'll make sure it gets to him." He said.
"Thank you young man." He closes the door. Parakarry rummaged through the mail bag. He knew he had some mail for Kooper and Bombette in here. Might was well give it to them while he's here. He went to Kooper's house and knocked on the door.
"They're not here." A female green shelled koopa with blonde hair said. She had on a red dress and white pumps.
"Oh. Do you know when they're coming back?"
"I don't know. It's been about a month since they left. They said something about exploring Prism Island." Parakarry wondered where that was. If Kooper and Bombette ever came back he could always ask. "I thought it was going end up like Kolorado and Kalifornia." The koopa went on. You know, with him being never home while she worries about him nonstop. But it seems like Kooper's girlfriend likes exploring as much as him. That could be one way to fix their marriage. Kalifornia should just go travel with Kolorado. Either that, or divorce. I don't why she doesn't just do that. But then again divorces are quite expensive. Besides, it would probably be a waste of time and coins, since Kolorado probably wouldn't show up for the court date because he's out exploring some desert, island, or abandoned palace. Oh, have you seen a paratroopa that looks like Kolorado? The village had talked about it for days when they first saw her. Apparently her name is Konnektikette. The koopas here don't talk about it as much now. But there are still whispers about it now and then." As Parakarry listened to the woman's words about the mysterious paratroopa, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. He had heard murmurs of a paratroopa resembling Kolorado, but he never expected it to be true. He knew Kolorado was a lot of things but he couldn't see unfaithful being one of them.
"I mean it's only a rumor."
"You wouldn't think that if you saw her. Anyway, I want to know when my gift is coming. It's from my mother who lives in Poshely Heights. I want to give it to my daughter."
"I'm only a mail carrier. I don't know exactly when I receive mail, but rest assured I'll deliver it promptly when it arrives at the post office."
"You better. Do not lose it. Or break it." The koopa left. Parakarry sighed in relief that the woman had nothing more to say. The mailman placed Bombette's and Kooper's mail into Koopers mailbox. He checked the next letter. It appeared to be a fan letter for Watt. Parakarry smiled; it wouldn't hurt to see Mario. He flew from koopa village and made his way back to Toad Town. Over at Mario's house the lil'sparky and a black yoshi kid were playing with a ghost puppy.
"Watt!" Parakarry called. The little girl looked up seeing him fly toward her.
"You have a letter." Parakarry hands it to her. Watt opens it up and reads it.
"It's from the yoshi kids from Lavalava Island! They want me to come play with them!"
"Yoshi kids?" Asked Mario Jr.
"Yep! When daddy went to save Ms. Misstar at Lavalava island, he had to find the yoshi kids that lived there!" Watt explained.
"That's cool! I want to go to the island too!" Said the black yoshi kid.
"I'll write them back and ask them if you can come along! Can you stay here for a bit Mr. Parakarry until I give you my letter?" Asked Watt.
"I can! I need to talk to your father anyhow."
"We'll go get him!" The kids hurried back inside. Mario came outside a few minutes later.
"Parakarry, the kids said you wanted to see me?"
"I did..." He said.
"What's going on?"
"You and Princess Peach have been together for a while now right?"
"We have."
"How do you know it's love?" Parakarry asked.
"Well...it feels romantic when you're together, when you're away from them you can't stop thinking about them."
"I see..."
"Why ask?" Mario asked him, making Parakarry blush.
"No reason! No reason at all! None!" He said quickly. Mario looked at him suspiciously. Meanwhile, Watt returns with a letter in hand, interrupting the awkward moment. Parakarry gratefully takes the letter, relieved to have a distraction from his swirling thoughts.
"Here mister Parakarry! You can deliver it to the red one." She said.
"Will do." Parakarry takes the letter. As Parakarry flew towards Lavalava Island, the smell of volcano smoke grew stronger, and the heat felt higher compared to Dry Dry Desert. The dormant volcano loomed before him, emanating an air of mystery and intrigue. Suddenly, his eyes caught a glimpse of an ethereal orange glow emanating from a cave within the volcano.
Intrigued and filled with curiosity, Parakarry veered towards the source of the glow. As he approached, memories flooded his mind, recalling the time when the volcano erupted after rescuing the star spirit. During the eruption, countless lava rocks had been sent flying, causing chaos and destruction. But this particular rock seemed different.
With cautious excitement, Parakarry reached out and gently touched the glowing lava rock. To his surprise, it wasn't scorching hot like he had expected. In fact, it felt cool to the touch. Perplexed by this unexpected sensation, he carefully picked up the rock and examined it closely. The lava rock pulsated with a mesmerizing glow, casting a soft, warm light that danced across Parakarry's face. Its surface was smooth and polished, as if it had been carefully crafted by nature itself. As he held it in his hands, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.
With a smile on his face, Parakarry decided to keep the glowing lava rock as a precious gift for Parakara. He believed it would serve as a token of encouragement and inspiration for the troubled teenage paratroopa, reminding her that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light and hope. Parakarry carefully placed the lava rock in his mailbag. After a couple more miles in the air he lands in the village. The yoshi kids are there. He flew to the red one.
"You must be the one who written to Watt. Here's your letter." Parakarry hands it to him. The young red yoshi reads it.
"No way! She has an adopted brother that's a yoshi too!? That is so cool! I want to meet him! Can you wait here until I write the letter mister?"
"Sure thing!" Parakarry said. The red yoshi began writing a letter. Parakarry looked through his mailbag. He was positive he had fan mail for Sushie. Why not deliver her mail to her while he waited? Luckily he didn't have to look for her since she was nearby watching the young yoshis.
"Fan mail from toad town? I will read it later. Take your eyes off these yoshis and they will go full running."
"Sushie?"
"Yes?"
"How do you know if you're in love?" Parakarry asked, Sushie smiled brightly. She loved romance novels or anything to do with love.
"You're in love!? Who is she!? Tell me!" The fish like woman said to the reptilian man. Parakarry blushed bright red.
"Oh no! Just asking!" He said.
"You wouldn't be asking if you were in love, right?"
"I..." Fortunately for Parakarry, the yoshi kid handed him a letter. "Can you tell her to have him write to me too sometime?" He asked.
"I will. See you later." Parakarry flew away.
"Parakarry! wait! you didn't tell me who she is yet!" Sushie called out. But Parakarry was too high in the air to hear. As Parakarry continued to soar through the sky, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at leaving Sushie's question unanswered. It had taken him by surprise, and now he found himself lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Unsure of how to process his feelings for Bow; he focused on the task at hand: delivering the mail. Parakarry carefully tucked away the letters for Lakilester and Frost T, making a mental note to mail them next. But as he reached into his mailbag once more, he discovered Bootler's letter, a reminder of his duty to deliver Bow's mail as well.
Parakarry's heart skipped a beat as he sees Bow's mail in his bag. He couldn't deny the fact that he had developed strong feelings for Bow, the brave, beautiful, and kind-hearted boo. With every encounter, Parakarry found himself drawn to her infectious smile and genuine nature. But he had always been hesitant to reveal his emotions, fearing rejection or the potential strain it might put on their friendship. As he gazed at one of the letters for Bow, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooded Parakarry's thoughts. Should he seize this opportunity to express his feelings? Or should he continue to keep his emotions hidden, prioritizing their friendship above all else? Parakarry knew that love was a complex and a delicate dance, and he didn't want to risk losing the special bond he shared with Bow. But they danced...and they kissed. Before and after he fainted. That had to mean something...right? Contemplating his next move, Parakarry decided to seek advice from someone he trusted. His childhood friend Lakilester. With that, he made his way to Flower Fields. There, Lakilester was talking to his girlfriend Lakilulu.
"Lester!" Parakarry called.
"Hey Karry? What's happening?" He asked.
"Fan letter." He gives it to him.
"I'll read it later. Thanks buddy!" He said.
"I still can't get over that my boyfriend is a hero!" Lakilulu kisses his cheek. The green haired lakitu blushed.
"Lulu!"
"You two have been together for a long time correct?" Asked Parakarry.
"Of course we have." Lakilester said.
"How did you know it was love?"
"Well when I first saw him, I knew he was the one for me. He's so sweet, even though he tries to act tough." Lakilulu said.
"I am tough though! Come on now! I help defeat Bowser and save the princess!" Lakilester said embarrassed. "But anyway, I knew she was the one with her pretty smile, her gorgeous hair, and her fiery personality. It just makes her so cute when she's angry." He said, Lakilulu giggles.
"Who do you ask?" She gasped. "Is there someone you like!? Tell us!"
"There is...but..."
"What is it?"
"It's just things."
"What kind of things?"
"I don't know what she would like about me, I'm just a mail carrier...and she's a princess."
"Wait! Hold up! Is this Bow!? I knew you liked her man! I've seen how you've acted around her! Just go up and tell her how you feel my man."
"I did..." He said.
"And what happened?" Lakilulu asked.
"I...didn't exactly tell her how I felt...It was hard to put it into words...but we did dance together...and we kissed..." Parakarry explained.
"You know what would be perfect!? A gift! A gift and a letter!" Lakilulu suggested. A letter? Parakarry could not believe he did not come up with that.
"Yeah! A letter would be great! You can write down how you feel about her." Lakilester added. Parakarry decided to give himself a little push. "Alright...I think that would be a good idea..." He said. he didn't know what gift he should give her though.
"When do you plan to give it to her?" Lakilester asks him.
"I'm not sure yet...Just give me some time." Parakarry says nervously.
"Alright. Well we need to get going. Whenever you come by with the letter I'll give you flowers for you to give to her." Lakilulu says, Parakarry thought about how Bow reacted to the flowers her fans gave her the last time. But he didn't want to hurt Lakilulu's feelings.
"Okay. Sounds good." Parakarry smiled. The two lakitus flew away. Next stop was Starborn Valley. It was going to be a flight. A long cold flight. But the place wasn't going to get any warmer. He got in his shell and came back out wearing his winter uniform. The paratroopa then made his way towards Shiver City. He was glad he stopped at Shiver City first instead of flying though it. He had some letters to give to the penguins living there. There was also quite a bit mail for the mystery author Herringway. After delivering the mail he made his way through the Shiver Snowfield. The cold made his wings feel a bit numb, and the snow had fogged his goggles from time to time. He wiped them with his gloves whenever the frost made it too hard to see. He quickly got in his shell when he saw a rock flying toward him. Gulpits. Frost piranhas he could avoid. They were not able to attack flying species. But gulpits. All they needed was rocks and they will send them hurling.
He quickly flew away from another rock heading his direction. This time a boulder headed his way. He quickly flew up knowing that would crush his wings had that hit him. Not just his wings, his shell would have been broken too. Gulpits were relentless. He later found himself avoiding fewer and fewer rocks. They were probably running out of rocks to throw. After he had finally gotten away from them, he was flying along. Something very bright hit his goggles making him stop. He landed and looked around for what it was. It was a crystal it was roughly shaped like a heart and was sparkling all over. The paratroopa couldn't resist looking at it longer than normal because it had beautiful patterns around it. Then an idea popped into his head, he placed it in his bag.
Over at Starborn Valley a toad with green spots wearing winter clothes was watching the star kids. His kids were outside playing with them. While his wife was inside helping the ninjis prepare food for the star kids. He looked up when he heard flapping wings. Parakarry was coming towards him.
"Parakarry!" He said excitedly. He knew there was a letter from his family whenever he came by. Parakarry smiled at him and landed.
"A letter from Mini T." He said handing it to him.
"Let's see what the lad's been up to." He took it and opened it. "He made a new friend? That's nice to hear."
"Frost T.?" Parakarry asked.
"What is it?"
Parakarry was about to ask something until a female toad came outside wearing winter clothes.
"Time to eat little starkids!"
"Yay!" The small yellow stars flew inside.
"Parakarry, would you like to come with us for dinner?" Frost T. asked. Normally Parakarry would say "no" but he had something to ask him.
"I don't mind." He said, Frost T. smiled.
"Then come. Follow us." He took the toad kids as him and his wife went inside. "You can hang your stuff here." He said to Parakarry. Parakarry took off his helmet, scarf, gloves, and hung his jacket. The house felt warm and toasty. Dinner smelled wonderful. The house was decorated beautifully. There was an armchair facing the window, a sofa against one wall, and tables and cabinets near the kitchen. The kids went off to play in their rooms.
"The guest room is yours to use while you're visiting us." Said Frost T.
"No, it's fine. I'm planning to stay in the inn for the night."
"Don't you have to pay for the inn? The room is free." Frost T. He wasn't wrong there. There was also Parakara's room. A few coins could go towards the bill.
"I'll stay here for the night." He said, Frost T nodded.
"Thank you." He said. "Would you like tea?" He asked.
"Yes please." He said, the female toad then poured three cups on tea on the dining table.
"Oh, I'm Ice T. by the way. My husband tells us a lot about you. We're grateful for you delivering our mail." She sits down next to her husband.
"I'm just doing my job ma'am." Parakarry said, he sits across from them.
"So tell me what your adventures have been up to?" Frost T. said. Parakarry started speaking about all that had happened to him these past weeks.
"You have a niece? That's wonderful." Ice T. said Parakarry nodded.
"She's in high school. She's very sweet." He said.
"That's nice. What kind of music does she listen to?" Ice T. asked.
"From what her mother told me, she says she likes classical." Parakarry answered. He wasn't sure if that was entirely true however. He never heard of a teenager liking classical music.
"Do you know what kind of books she likes?" Asked Ice. T
"I don't know, but I did buy her a books about poems." He said.
"Well, hopefully with time, you'll to get to know her. I would love to meet her one day." Frost T. said. Parakarry nodded. Ice T. got up and poured bowls of mushroom and rice soup. She called the kids over to come eat. Parakarry ate, it was creamy and tasted like garlic and butter. He sees the family eating thinking about Parakara. He looked forward to sharing a meal with her. Not just chips with dip. He wondered if he should make something, or take her out to eat somewhere. After they finished eating. Ice T. put the dishes in the sink.
"If you wouldn't mind, it would be great if you would help me clean up and fold everything." She said to Parakarry. He nodded smiling agreeing to help. Frost T. goes to put the kids to bed.
"I'm really happy for you." Ice T. said. "Being a parent isn't easy. But it's rewarding."
"I wouldn't say I'm a parent...she is my niece after all."
"You're watching her aren't you?"
"For the time being." He said.
"Then you're a parent. You're taking care of her." Ice T. explained. Parakarry never thought of it that way. Maybe he is now. He didn't really feel like a parent though. Ice T. seemed to know what he was thinking.
"Give it time." She said. "You'll bond with her like she's your daughter." Parakarry was a little afraid of that. He didn't know how long his niece was staying with him. Eventually Kamala would have found a place for her and her daughter; and Parakara would go back to living with her. The house would feel empty. At least there was Bow, if things ever get serious. But he would still miss his niece. Then he remembered something. The crystal. Parakarry placed the washed dishes on the rack. When the dishes were done, Ice T. took him to the living room to fold the clothes and towels. "You can sleep with this." The toad gave the paratroopa a folded blanket.
"Thank you." He said. Ice T. nodded.
"So what are you thinking about?" She asked.
"Nothing." Parakarry said.
"You seem deep in thought." The toad lady says, giving a smile as she folded with the paratroopa. "Are you worried about something? Don't worry, I won't tell anybody what's bothering you."
"I'm worried about getting too attached to Kara. I know she's going to have to move back with her mom at some point." He said.
"Why do you think she has to move back?" She asked. Parakarry explained everything.
"That...sounds like someone who is not going to leave...it's sad. But true." She said. Parakarry sighed, maybe she was right. Lately Kamala has been sounding like she wanted to make her marriage work. But there was a point Kamala was going to divorce; instead she stayed to help one of her sisters who was also going through one, and then ended up being too broke to divorce Parakarter. He knew Kamala was a caring person. But that was unbelievable when she decided to take care of other people's troubles when it didn't involve her own. Especially when her own life was in peril. Ice T. continued; "You're trying to protect her and you're worried because you care about her. But you don't want to hurt your sister in law's feelings at the same time. But...believe me. You don't want to risk losing a precious thing. Your niece needs you Parakarry." Ice T. finishes folding and places the folded laundry away neatly, Parakarry smiles.
"Thanks for believing in me, Ice T. It means a lot." He hugs her, the two of them hug longer than they needed to before she lets go. Ice T. smiles.
"It's nothing big." She said.
"Can I talk to your husband about something?" He asked.
"I'll get him." The toad lady went to get Frost T. He came into the living room.
"My wife said you needed to talk to me?"
"Yes." Parakarry went to his mailbag and took out the crystal giving it to him.
"Oh, you found a crystal." He said.
"I want to make it into something beautiful...it's for someone." He said. The toad stared at the crystal. It was a clear white.
"It would make a lovely ring." He said. Parakarry blushed.
"I mean we haven't been serious. I've known and loved her for a long time. But have never really told her how I felt." He said. He had never talked to anyone about Bow. This was the first time he actually admitted it to himself. The feeling he had when he held her close to him...He never felt anything like that in his life. He felt like he wanted to keep Bow happy. Make her feel safe and special. He wanted her to be the most happy and loved woman in the world.
"I can hold on to it for you until you're ready. You look like you really care about her." Frost T. smiled warmly at Parakarry.
"I would like that. Thank you."
"No problem." He looked down at the crystal. "I guess I better put this away. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"There is...if your nephew had an abusive parent, but the other parent was loving...would you take him in?"
"Of course. Even if one parent is toxic. It's still an unsafe environment."
"What if the loving parent ends up leaving the other? Would you let him go back?"
"It all depends."
"On?"
"Well the stability of the housing situation, the likeliness of the parent going back to their abusive relationship, the ability of the parent to care for the child, the possibilities are endless." Frost T. explained. Parakarry was quiet thinking about what he said. Frost T. noticing his silence, smiled sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked.
"Not at the moment." said Parakarry answered him, Frost T. nodded.
"Okay then, goodnight." He walked away. Parakarry remained silent thinking about the conversation. Should he really give Kamala a chance? Or would it be best if he gained custody? He looked at the clock on the wall. It read 8:00 pm. It was getting late. He had to think about this later. The paratroopa picked up the blanket Ice T. gave him and made his way to the guest bedroom. Parakarry went inside his shell and came out wearing pajamas and laid down; the pillow felt so soft and fluffy. He was glad to be staying overnight here. He went to sleep thinking about everything and everyone he had encountered while coming to this place.