"Yes, I will teach you. I will teach you everything, son."
The boy went over and gave Nikolas a hug, being careful not to hurt him. Both Alexander and Anna took turns feeding Nikolas bits of melon and peaches, and then a garbanzo bean and tomato soup. Later they moved a bed close to Nikolas's and all lay down to sleep together. Anna's arms extended over both of them.
***
The round east side window received the first of the sun's rays and filtered them through its heavy glass, casting light on the memorable scene of the family lying there. When Plato flew back early in the morning, bringing a physician, medical supplies, and a stretcher with him, he discovered the three much as he had left them the night before. He went outside and waited quietly.
The bright light woke Anna first. She kissed Nikolas and then Alexander, and then she went to her small private chapel to pray and give thanks to God. Upon returning, she found Nikolas and Alexander in an animated conversation about ships. With the help of Alexander, Anna finished removing the bandages.
Nikolas could still not open his eyes. His skin and eyelashes had become glued together during the healing process. Anna cleaned them well and removed the dead skin the best she could. She then applied a soothing ointment and put a pair of dark sunglasses on him.
"I want to get up, Anna," Nikolas said. She brought him a pair of crutches, and with the help of Anna and Alexander, he raised himself up and took his first steps.
"See, you can do it!" said Alexander.
"You can do it!"
"Thank you son."
"Let's go outside and play," said the boy.
"Okay, son, let's go."
Anna placed a white robe around Nikolas. "Now you're ready to go," she said, helping him to the door. The light was blinding as they stepped outside. Alexander ran to hug Plato, who was coming toward them.
"Good to have you on your feet,
Nikolas."
"Thank you, Plato. Now, if only I could see, too."
"I brought a doctor, Nikolas."
"Very nice of you, Plato."
"Let him take a look."
With the help of a local anesthetic, the doctor was able to separate the eyelashes and some of the skin, which enabled Nikolas to see some light for the first time.
"Light!" Nikolas said, "I can see some light! But everything is a blur."
The doctor put small bandages around each eye and replaced Nikolas's dark glasses.
"Patience sailor, patience," the doctor said.
* * *
In the meantime, Plato was back in his helicopter again. He left without a word. Stavros Bouras was waiting for him anxiously at his cruiser's heliport.