Chapter 57
I set the watering can back when I’d taken it and walked over to see better what she was doing. "I have no idea," I replied.
"There is a theory in science that postulates that all life, or at least what the common person considers ’life’, originated from the sea," Aunt Yeung began she worked the pestle on the plant vines, turning them into a paste. "Whales came up on land, grew feet and hands, then some decided to return to the sea while some decided to remain. Those that returned, eventually lost their feet and their hands became flippers, but they never ended up losing their toes. Slice open a whale in the right spot and you’ll find them: their toe bones."
She stopped her mashing and pointed at a brass tool across the table which I quickly grabbed and gave to her. She took it without thanks and used it to strain the liquid from the paste into yet another glass jar.
"Some people think that the future is in the past, that humans have destroyed the earth beyond repair and that the only way forward is to regress backward. Some people believe only in progress, that humanity should quickly strip itself of its past to better stride into the future, strip away tradition and all other barbaric, backwards practices and mold together to become one. Little Dragon, which do you think is right?"
I was startled by the sudden question and had to think a moment to bring myself back to the present.
"I think... I think there shouldn’t just be two options," I said weakly. "I think... it’s probably not so simple." I spared a look at Aunt Yeung and found her smiling.
"That is why Whale Toes exists," she said then held out the now full glass bottle of green liquid. "Here, after the bandages come off, apply this ointment anytime the wound feels itchy."
I took the bottle. "Thank you."
"Alright, shoo then," she said, waving a hand. "And stay indoors. This fog may linger a while."
I quickly went to the door but as I passed through it, I paused and turned back.
"Aunt Yeung, what’ll happen if you don’t redo Bran’s seal?"