Chapter 5. Echoes of a Hidden Ability.

Blythe allows her mind to wander its way through the mystery of what causes things and why, that attach themselves to her mother's peculiar ability. Like the muffled sounds of the city beyond her window, questions flowed through the musing mind of the young woman, akin to the tributary of a calm yet unefficacious river.

Is talking with animals running in our family? Has anyone else in our family ever done it? she thought, imagining ancestors she had never known participating in conversations with the creatures of the forest, animated by the bright moon.

What if something special could have happened to my mother, something that unlocked the doors to this secret world of the most fantastic, secret animal conversations? Like a magical event of chance that changed her mom's life.

Is there something magical about this ability that cannot be proven to others? she fantasizes passionately.

Or is there an answer provided by Science perhaps? Can it tell us how we talk to the animals? Blythe leans towards the light of reason as she recollects Russell's words in search of rational explanations which necessarily do not obliterate the possibilities.

A wonder, she wonders if her mother has struck some kind of magic deal to have got this gift, the whole thought of an unseen bargain tying her suddenly to a sense of something unfathomable and mysterious.

Is this supposed to be some major implication? she wondered to herself, looking at the ability like it definitely had to come with something, some huge mission yet to be discovered.

Blythe concentrates, in her order, on the thought that the deepness of such a unique bond is far more than words and settles at the foundation of love with a touch of mutual understanding. What if our relations with animals are from the heart or spirit? meditates she.

Blythe, recalling Russell's request of her and then his good scolding, resolves to carry out these questions in order, methodically. Maybe even the strange wonder that is Blythe can have a concrete answer. Scanning her mother's journal, she finds that her mother participated in inoculation trials as well as other medical testing. Her mother did always have to be part of something historic. Gradually, suspicion was growing in the mind of Blythe: This ability wasn't born with—it does sound strange—but is a result of some voluntary experiment? Which of those experiences, if any, had somehow brought to life her ability to talk to the minds of animals? Somewhere between the rational and the mystical, Blythe makes her way, her route rich with questions. But for her in her new state, there is hopeful fear along this road that falls halfway between science and the unknown. Maybe some of the questions are going to be answered on the way.

At dawn, in a quiet, lovely Sunday morning, Roger came back home. Blythe immediately calls him to her room full of different revelations from night and all-conquering desires to share them. In a few minutes, she, having been surrounded by an intimate bathysphere of Blythe, couldn't manage to hold on and says:

"Guess what, Dad. I can talk to animals again!"

"Really? That's great! But what was the cause, do you think, of that temporary loss of your ability?"

"Well, not sure," admitted Blythe, with a slight twinge of concern in her voice. "First, I thought this is only happening when I take that herbal remedy for the cold, but now I think there is another reason which I didn't find yet."

"I'm glad to see you in good spirits, Blythie," Roger assured her, looking down into her upturned face with understanding and affectionate eyes.

"Dad, I was really just wondering. How do you think Mom's gift to talk to the animals all began?" The question was in her head, and she just can't stop but blurt it out. Roger, after a brief sigh, as if evoking distant memories, responds in a thoughtful tone.

"Well, Blythe, it was kind of slow. Your mother had always had that special kind of link with animals, but every time, bit by bit, that link had somehow deepened. To a time when she'd know what the animals actually meant to say. In such a way that step by step she had learned a whole new language, and up to one day, she recognized that she could actually talk to them."

All of that made Blythe's curiosity rise more and more. "And can you recall all those organizations she was volunteering for? What I'm getting at is trying to understand if something from that work could have. I don't know, somehow influenced or triggered her ability." "She was a member of several foundations and volunteer groups. Your mother was always amenable to help and give support for any cause she lived for, for better ways. But honestly, I don't remember all the names. There were so many," adds Roger, trying not to sound exasperated, and with the notice, one could almost feel sorry he wouldn't be able to keep up.

She continued, "I saw mentions of some foundations in her journal, but it's very vague. No details, nothing specific." She paused for a moment before resuming with her suspicions: "Dad, I've been thinking. Maybe under NDA, Mom was kind of pioneering some research or experiments. That would explain why there is so little information in her journal and, as she has told us, rarely brought it up."

"I wouldn't doubt that for a minute, Blythe. Although we gave each other no secrets in marriage, your mother was one special lady all around, and I'd say it wouldn't shock me a bit if she's been out there doing some amazing things. She was always ahead of the curve and something else, looking to change the world," added Roger, his voice washing over Blythe with the soothing cocoon of warmth.

"Thanks, Dad. That does throw some light on my path. I'll keep looking; maybe something else will turn up, pointing at a more suitable solution," sighed Blythe.

"I'm here for you. And don't forget, Blythe, your mom would be so proud of you and how hard you're trying to make heads or tails of this gift. this legacy she left you," said Roger.

Nostalgic but invigorated, Blythe and her dad say goodbye.

Blythe, with a spark of inspiration shining in her eyes, suddenly remembers Speedy, the turtle. In her mind, a new idea begins to develop. This is a plan that would give him an even chance of finding the turtle and its owner this coming weekend. Maybe, just maybe, finally be able to shed some light on the many mysteries that shroud her mother.

Meeting with the pets, Blythe decided how she is going to carry out her plan. "Guys, I've decided next weekend to look for Speedy, the turtle. I think he might have more clues about mom's secrets."

Vinnie can't help it and pipes up at once, "That sounds so cool! Do you think Speedy's seen all sorts of things we haven't?"

Pepper contributes, if in her own funny way: "I hope Speedy doesn't have us running in circles for the answers. Though, to tell the truth, a little exercise never hurts me!"

"A turtle with ancient secrets," Sunil added, mystic in his voice.

Penny Ling exclaimed softly, "Oh, Blythe, that sounds so exciting! I can hardly wait to hear what you find out. I am sure Speedy has stories for us!"

And always the pragmatist of the group, Russell had to comment, "That's a very good idea, Blythe. Do make sure you've prepared some pertinent questions. We don't want to let this opportunity go to waste and make the best of being able to learn as much as we can."

With the support and curiosity of her animal friends, Blythe feels even more determined to move forward with her plan. The idea of discovering new aspects of her mother's story through Speedy fills the air with anticipation and promises of adventures to come.

AN: Blythe now seeks to clear up the biggest doubt she has at the moment: the origin of her mom's ability. From now on, she will conduct the investigation using that 'legacy' left to her.