The Wingblades: The Gift of Nature

By María E. Benzant

In the year 2000, in the town of Mayo, located at the edge of the Stewart River in Alaska, there was a small village. It was so small that it only had a single bank, a single school, and a single market. For this reason, everyone in the village knew one another well; it was as though they were all one big family. Every afternoon, mothers would take their children to the park, where they would watch from the benches as the kids ran around the fountain and played. Every couple of years, the circus would come by, and once every year, they would hold a festival in the town square. Because of the frequency of these
occasions, it seemed as though they were historical events within the village.

But an even more historical event was about to take place. On the other side of town, a woman named Franchesca was in labor. Everyone was worried for the well-being of the child because, just a few hours back, Franchesca had taken a bad fall into a ditch. Although she had miraculously survived, they were concerned that the baby might not have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098391607

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Birth

In the year 2000, in the town of Mayo, located at the edge of the Stewart River in Alaska, there was a small village. It was so small that it only had a single bank, a single school, and a single market. For this reason, everyone in the village knew one another well; it was as though they were all one big family. Every afternoon, mothers would take their children to the park, where they would watch from the benches as the kids ran around the fountain and played. Every couple of years, the circus would come by, and once every year, they would hold a festival in the town square. Because of the frequency of these occasions, it seemed as though they were historical events within the village.

But an even more historical event was about to take place. On the other side of town, a woman named Franchesca was in labor. Everyone was worried for the well-being of the child because, just a few hours back, Franchesca had taken a bad fall into a ditch. Although she had miraculously survived, they were concerned that the baby might not have.

After a long and stressful labor, Franchesca delivered a beautiful, healthy baby boy. He had a normal appearance— rosy skin, a tiny bit of light-brown hair covering the top of his head, and expressive dark-brown eyes that held the gaze of an old soul.

And just like any baby, this one cried in the arms of the midwife who assisted in the delivery. Wrapping him in a blanket, she handed him over to his father, Pablo, who had been waiting impatiently to hold his first son. He was overcome with emotion as the child was placed in his arms: legs trembling and tears streaming down his face, Pablo hugged and kissed his baby. Franchesca looked on with pure delight despite the fact that, moments ago, she had gone through strenuous labor.

Addressing Franchesca, Pablo said, I hope you agree with me, but I have a suggestion about what to name our son. With curiosity and excitement in her eyes, she asked, So what is it? Kyle.

The smile on Franchesca’s face confirmed that this, indeed, would be the name bestowed upon their beloved baby boy.

With little Kyle in his arms, Pablo emerged from the back room and walked into the living room, where concerned villagers were gathered, awaiting news of the delivery. At the sight of father and son , they gasped and looked incredulous.

Everyone, I’d like you to meet Kyle, my son, said the proud father.

There were many smiles and congratulatory remarks, but Pablo could see the questioning looks on their faces; he knew they were waiting to hear about Franchesca. Franchesca is doing well too. She is not in any danger.

Seeing that the family was unscathed and that the baby was perfect and surprisingly strong, the villagers were overjoyed. They clapped and cheered because they had just witnessed a miracle, welcoming the new addition to their community with open arms.

As time went by, Kyle grew and flourished, and his parents were always very protective of him and his whereabouts. This, in part, was because Kyle was Pablo and Franchesca’s only child, their miracle baby.

Four years later

Kyle was in the backyard with his mother while she did the laundry when, in the blink of an eye, she lost sight of him. Anxiously, she called out, Kyle, where are you? Kyle, where did you run off to?

She heard a giggle, but could not figure out its point of origin.

Kyle, where are you?

I’m up here, he answered, on the tree.

Franchesca, in a panicked voice, replied, What are you doing up there? I have told you numerous times, I do not want you climbing trees, especially trees that high! You can fall and really hurt yourself. Please don’t do it again.

I’m sorry, Mom, but I like it up here, said Kyle. Please don’t make me come down.

Franchesca was becoming visibly irritated and annoyed. It’s the last time I want to have this conversation with you! I hope that I do not have to repeat myself again. You are only four years old, and although you may think that you are grown, you’re still a child, and it’s my job to protect you! You’re my only child.

At this point, Pablo went out back to announce that he would be going to the market. Is there anything that you need, Franchesca?

No, but do you mind taking Kyle with you? He’s been climb- ing the trees, and I’m afraid he might have an accident.

Okay, although I think you are overreacting. He’s a strong, healthy boy, don’t you see?

Franchesca nodded. Yes, I have noticed, but he is still a child, our child, and it is our job to protect him.

Pablo thought for a second then directed his attention to Kyle, calling out to him in a strong yet tender voice. Kyle!

Instantly, Kyle, who had scrambled down the tree, headed toward his father, Yes, Dad?

Pablo gently laid his hands upon his son’s head, smiled, and said, Today you’re taking the trip with me to the market. Without protesting, Kyle grabbed his father’s hand, said good-bye to his mother, and they headed to the market, unaware that their lives were about to change forever on that day.

As Kyle, an energetic child, jumped and tried to pull away and run off on his own, Pablo kept a firm grasp of his son, fearing that they might get separated on the way to or in the market.

Listen, son, the reason I decided to bring you along is that your mother is a bit concerned that you may get hurt, especially with the climbing of the trees, explained Pablo as they walked. So in order to keep you out of harm’s way, she asked me to take you with me. Soon you will start school and won’t have time to be climbing trees and such. You’ll have friends to play with.

Upon reflection, Pablo asked, Why don’t you spend more time with Ezekiel’s kids? They are around your age. Sairus is only three years and five months older than you, and Vera is about one year older than you.

The father’s eyes lit up as he added: I know! I’ll invite them over to the house, and we can take turns visiting one another when you’re in need of some company.

Smiling, Kyle said, Dad, I play with them all the time, especially Vera, and she also likes to climb trees.

Pablo sighed in defeat and they continued the rest of the way in silence.

The market was not far, with the town being very small, and the chat about Kyle’s playing habits and company made it seem even shorter.

On the way there they passed many townspeople, greeting one another with friendly nods and waves. Father and son finally entered the marketplace and began looking around.

There were vendors selling birds, others selling vegetables and herbs, and some just cleaning and adjusting their stations. Although there were only a few vendors, the place seemed crowded because of all the people shopping.

Kyle was eager to run off and explore: the different sights, sounds, and people intrigued him, and he wanted to take it all in. And then, in an instant, Kyle was gone and out of Pablo’s sight. The worried father had started searching the busy market, when suddenly, panic-stricken townspeople started running past him.

What is going on? he asked no one in particular.

One of the townspeople yelled, They say there is a pack of wild dogs heading this way! They will wreak havoc on the market and anything in their way. We must leave now! They are telling everyone to go home.

With despair rising in his throat, Pablo began frantically calling out to his little son, who was somewhere in the madness, alone. Kyle! Kyle! For God’s sake, where are you? We must leave now!

The worst thoughts entered Pablo’s head. He was supposed to be safer here with me. I was supposed to keep him out of harm’s way, he berated himself, running fingers through his hair wildly. What would Franchesca say if something were to happen to him? She’d never forgive me and say I’m irresponsible! She’d never trust me with him again.

Kyle!

He thought to look in the section where plants were sold because he knew Kyle was deeply drawn to nature. Making his way there, he pushed through the crowd of people running in the opposite direction. He managed to make it to the plants, but since Kyle was nowhere in sight, Pablo decided to look in the candy booth. Yet again, no sign of Kyle.

A hard knot formed in Pablo’s throat and panic set in. He was starting to feel as though he would cry in despair when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a shop where small animals were sold. It won’t hurt to look in there, he thought, making his way over.

He passed a small hallway, entering a room and looking around. There, in a corner by the cages that housed tiny rabbits, was Kyle, completely oblivious to what was going on outside. He was sitting peacefully, petting them.

Without explanations, Pablo grabbed ahold of Kyle’s arm and hurried him out. Just before they reached the shop’s exit, Kyle stopped in his tracks, looking his father in the eye. Dad, what is going on? Why are we running, and why is everyone so scared?

Bewildered at the child’s calm demeanor in such a chaotic situation, Pablo blurted, Son, there is a pack of wild dogs reaching the market and destroying everything in their path. We must leave now!

Kyle smiled at his father as if trying to calm him. Don’t worry, Dad, they’re just scared dogs. We’ll be fine.

They proceeded to leave the shop and were rushing in the direction of home, when they spotted the snarling dogs, just a few yards away. Horrified, Pablo scooped Kyle up in his arms, and took off running.

But it was too late. The dogs were getting close, practically snapping at his heels.

As Pablo ran desperately, looking for a safe haven, he saw a nearby ladder. Making a final mad dash, he placed Kyle on it. Climb up, Kyle, and don’t come down until there is no longer a threat.

Kyle looked at him with pure terror in his eyes. Dad, no, come with me!

Pablo glanced at the dogs, realizing it was too late for him; there was no possibility of his surviving the gnashing of these crazed animals. But he was content knowing that his son would be safe. The thought of losing his son in such a horrific manner at such a tender age was unbearable, so he did what had to be done: he gave Kyle one last look and sprinted away from the ladder, drawing the wild pack away from his little boy. The dogs were right on his tracks, closing in on the kill, prepared to devour Pablo.

Seeing what was about to unfold, Kyle slid down the ladder and took off running behind them. No! Leave my father alone! Leave him alone! shouted Kyle, not immediately realizing that the creatures would be redirecting their focus to him.

Within seconds, the dogs had turned around, bloodthirsty eyes fixed on Kyle, saliva stringing out of their mouths. Witnessing this turn of events, Pablo felt his world come crashing down. He lost all fear and started screaming and yelling at the wild creatures. He threw rocks and shouted as loud as he could to divert their attention back to him and away from his small child, who kept going at them full speed with the heart of a warrior.

Pablo watched, frozen in place, as an overwhelming desperation took him over. It was as though time had slowed down. The market around him was in complete chaos. Everything was thrown about as though an earthquake had occurred. And there, in the middle of it all, stood Pablo, pale and shaken, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He knew what Kyle’s fate would be.

Pablo managed to snap out of the trancelike moment that had paralyzed him, screaming for all he was worth, trying with all his might to get the animals to change course. To no avail. He watched helplessly as Kyle ran toward them and suddenly tripped, falling to the ground. When they leaped toward Kyle, Pablo once again froze in terrified shock and closed his eyes, unwilling to see the attack on his son.

When he reopened his eyes, expecting to see his boy’s mutilated body and the beasts feasting on him, instead, he saw his son standing there with a glow radiating from his entire body.

At first, Pablo was so out of his mind and his nerves so rattled that what he was witnessing did not register correctly.

When the first dog attempted to bite Kyle, it howled loudly in pain, and each dog after suffered the same mysterious discomfort. The combination of Kyle’s impenetrable, diamond-hard skin and the blinding light he emitted was the cause of their pain. Giving up on eating Kyle, the creatures began running into one another, as well as into objects and booths, their vision totally impaired.

When Pablo reached Kyle’s side, all he could do was hug and kiss his son, thinking, It must be a miracle! I just witnessed a miracle! And then he wondered, Wait, what did I in fact witness? What happened here? He was in shock, unable to piece together the events that had transpired. Where did that light come from?

Pablo diverted his attention to Kyle and began to diligently inspect his son’s body. Did they hurt you? Were you bit? Are you okay? He rambled on, stammering questions, his mind going to a million different places at once.

I’m okay, Dad, honestly. They didn’t do anything to me.

But I saw them, Kyle. I saw them when they pounced on you!

I know, Dad, but they didn’t do anything to me. I’m okay. As they walked home, Pablo could not stop himself from repeatedly asking Kyle if he was okay.

Yes, Dad, I’m okay, the boy said each time.

Pablo was not sure if he should tell Franchesca what had happened at the market. He did not want to worry her. But once they made it home, he was determined to tell her. Maybe she could shed some light on what he had experienced that day.

Carefully, not leaving out any details, Pablo told her everything, from the moment he lost sight of Kyle to the moment his son was safe in his arms, and he was trying to make sense of events.

Surprisingly, Franchesca was not at all upset, taking what had occurred as a miracle. She went on to explain that maybe the illumination he saw was simply his mind playing tricks on him in that moment of extreme distress. What matters is our son is okay and that you are okay, was her only response, not knowing that, in all actuality, something significant had happened that day.

Time passed, and Kyle continued to grow like a normal child. But his father, could never forget that day in the market: the experience and what he witnessed had left an indelible mark. One afternoon, when Kyle was eight years old, Franchesca suggested that the three of them go into town to the park, where a festival was being held. At first, Pablo resisted the plan, but after a very persistent Franchesca and an enthusiastic Kyle kept begging, he gave in. Kyle was thrilled: he had never been to a festival.

When they arrived at the park, Kyle was taken by all the lights and excitement around him. His pulse raced and his eyes darted back and forth joyfully. After exploring a while, they discussed trying some of the rides. Unfortunately for Kyle, all the rides he suggested were vetoed by his parents who did not think they were safe for a child his age.

They talked the boy into checking out the caged animals and Kyle was fascinated, drawn to them like a moth to a flame. It was here by one of the cages that Kyle saw a Ferris wheel and begged to get on it.

Franchesca looked at Pablo with an expression that Pablo had seen many times before.

"We have to let him get on this one, Pablo.

We can get on with him!"

Pablo sighed and rolled his eyes. Okay, let’s get on the wheel with our son.

All went well at first. But as they were on the last turn of the wheel, a slight rattle from under their seat signaled that it was becoming loose. Suddenly, with a swift, jerking motion, the seat became partially detached, dropping free on one side. Hearing the commotion from atop the wheel, spectators looked on in horror. The situation was terribly precarious as at any moment the seat could collapse completely and plunge the family to their death.

Fearing it was the end, Franchesca and Pablo held on to Kyle, too frightened to scream.

Yet Kyle sat very calmly and quietly with a smile on his face. Another heart-stopping rattle sounded as the last bolt slid out, and the seat gave way, going down. People started screaming and running, terrified at what they were witnessing, helpless to do anything for the family.

Still holding Kyle tightly, Pablo and Franchesca closed their eyes, awaiting the inevitable impact and their death.

As a warmth invaded their bodies, they imagined it had to be what death felt like. When they finally came to and opened their eyes, they were alive and well, without a single scratch on them. And they were still sitting on the Ferris wheel seat--which was totally trashed and destroyed.

Franchesca and Pablo blinked wide-eyed at the crowd that had gathered around them. People were standing very still, staring with mouths hanging open. It was as though time had slowed down and silence had taken over, with the exception of some music from a carnival game booth that was playing in the distance.

It was very apparent that no one understood what had just occurred—Pablo and Franchesca least of all.

What happened? How did we get down? What was that warmth we felt? asked Franchesca as they crawled out of the seat.

One of the townspeople said, It was a light, a bright light! It covered you and brought you down. We don’t know how, but it was a very bright light—we could barely look up because of its intensity.

Pablo could hardly believe what he was hearing. As the townspeople spoke about it, he kept thinking back to that day in the market when the wild dogs had tried to attack Kyle. Now they were describing the same brilliant light, except this time, it had covered all of them.

Pablo decided against making any comments until they got home. The whole way home, they walked in silence, although Pablo noticed Franchesca observing him. She knew something was going on. Kyle, who was sensing some tension, asked, Dad, are you upset with me?

Why would I be upset with you, Kyle? You did not do anything wrong. Thank God, we are all okay! There could have been a tragedy, but there wasn’t!

When they entered the house, Pablo was eager to speak with Franchesca about the evening’s events, so they put Kyle down for bed and proceeded into the dining room to talk. Have you given any thought to what happened today, Franchesca? Don’t you agree some type of supernatural force was at work?

What do you mean? she asked.

Today it dawned on me. That day in the market, Franchesca. It was the same bright light that covered Kyle, the same light that kept him safe from the attack of those wild dogs. He stopped them!

Franchesca looked at him as though he had lost his mind. Do you hear yourself? Where are you getting this from, Pablo? asked Franchesca, visibly confused.

No, I haven’t lost my mind! said Pablo. But you were not there that day at the market to witness what I saw, Franchesca! I didn’t understand it either that day, but it just happened again. There is something special about him--I just know it! It is the second time his life is in danger and this white light covers him, and he comes out perfectly safe and without so much as a scratch. Pablo had an intense look in his wide eyes as he tried to make his wife understand.

What do you think could be happening to our son, Pablo? asked Franchesca at length. Could you find an explanation to all of this?

Pablo looked at her with concern on his face. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I will find out. It will require investigating, but I will get to the bottom of it.

Later that night, Franchesca awoke in the dark to find Pablo out of bed and gone. She sat up and swung her legs out of the bed, the cold floor under her feet waking her senses as she walked out of the bedroom.

Pablo was alone in the living room, deep in thought.

Is everything okay? she asked.

I’m trying to piece together everything, trying to understand what is happening to our son, but I’m getting nowhere. Tomorrow I will talk to him and see what he has to say.

But he is only a child! said Franchesca.

I know. But I must start with him. He may be able to shed some light on what’s going on with him.

The following morning, Kyle was finishing his breakfast, when Pablo went in and sat across from him, watching him intently as though he were trying to read him. Kyle, how have you been feeling lately? Is everything okay? Do you see yourself as different from other children? Kyle thought for a moment and said, No, not really, but I do notice that other children get hurt and sick, but I never have been. With an impish grin, he added, It kind of feels like no harm can come my way!

Well, there’s only one way to confirm what I’m thinking right now, said Pablo.

And what are you thinking, Dad?

I think that you are very special. Come on, let’s go and find out.

Kyle followed his dad to the oven behind the house. He was confused as to what they were doing there, and his face looked perplexed.

Do not worry, son. I would never hurt you, but I want you to slowly put your hands over the fire and be careful not to burn yourself.

Kyle smiled. I’m not going to get hurt. He said it with so much confidence that Pablo grew silent.

He carefully processed his feelings before asking Kyle, What makes you say that?

Because I just know it. As those words left Kyle’s mouth, he proceeded to place his hands in the fire.

Pablo yelled, What are you doing, Kyle? No!

In an instant, Pablo realized that the look on Kyle’s face was not