The Nightingale Circus Read Free Page B

seen similar images before when Rake and Spinner
were fixing their arms after the tent had collapsed. Their
prosthetics were more complex, with tons of add-ons, but followed
the same basic principles.
    “We came up with another solution,” Rake said
in answer to her silent question. “We replaced the femur with a
metallic, shorter one… so, one day, if the need arises, you can
have it grow to the right size without another surgery.” He pointed
at a fine line that crossed one of the extremities. “Here. With the
proper code and charge, it will elongate … like the stilt men?” He
made eye contact for a brief moment. “There will be pain when the
flesh and muscles extend so you mustn’t do it unless you’re decided
to keep it that way for a long time. Do you understand?”
    Cielo gave a slow nod. She couldn’t imagine
why she’d want to do that.
    Since Rake refused to continue without a
proper acknowledgement, she nodded again. “Okay.”
    A cheerful whistle interrupted the staring
contest, and Spinner entered the room, holding something behind his
back. “Aww, you started already? But I wanted to be here when you
explained—never mind … I’ve got something better!” He produced an
adjustable crutch and showed it to her. “Isn’t it pretty? You’ll be
up on your feet in no time.” A big smile split Spinner’s face in
half, and he waved his free hand. “Come on, up, up! Let’s try
it!”
    Showing no sign of excitement, Rake
methodically detached the sensors and straps that kept her
connected to the chair. Once she was free, he removed all the
objects that could get in her way and signaled for Cielo to lower
her feet on the floor.
    The limb was stiff and unresponsive at first.
Cielo had a fit of panic at the thought that they had screwed up
somehow, but despite the sluggishness, the leg smoothly executed
the command. She felt the hard floor under her feet, both of them,
though the right thigh remained numb and distant.
    “Lean on this.” Spinner handed her the
crutch. “Careful, the leg is heavier than what you’re used to. You
need to find a new balance and get used to it before doing any
sudden moves.”
    “You need to strengthen your muscles,” Rake
said. “Walk along the corridor from one end of the car to the other
several times a day. You don’t have anything better to do until we
set up shop again in another town anyway.”
    The words might have sounded harsh, but they
were true. She had no particular occupation in between shows.
    Cielo first leaned her weight on the good leg
then tentatively tried to balance it with the use of the other one
and the crutch. The injured leg was indeed heavier and felt
partially asleep, but the pain didn’t increase when she moved it or
leaned on it. She let out a small sigh. She could do this. The
worst part was over, and the first step was a small victory by
itself.
    “Wonderful!” Spinner clasped his hands. “Come
to the factory. We want to show you something.”
    One step after another, Cielo crossed the
room. Spinner led the way while Rake walked next to her, ready to
catch her. She was out of breath long before making it to the
adjacent room but kept on walking out of sheer stubbornness.
    Cielo’s hand was shaking on the crutch when
she stopped in front of the large workbench. An unfinished cage
made of golden wires lay on it, and inside, the silhouette of a
bird swung on a delicate chain.
    “Meet … the Nightingale,” Spinner said.
     
    * * *
     
    Two days later, the train stopped in a
station outside another town. The crew marked the perimeter of the
fair with yellow tape on the other side of the tracks and erected
the massive blue and yellow striped tent right in the middle.
    As usual, the news spread quickly, and before
nightfall, the fair was bustling with lights and life. They would
make a lot of money from the sales of food, trinkets, and games,
and even more money from the tickets after the first show.
    Cielo cast a glance towards the