The rainforest's treasure

The days grew into weeks, and the bond between Pemuya and Jackie grew stronger. Despite the language barrier, they communicated through touch, gestures, and the unspoken understanding that had formed between them. The baby grew, and so did Pemuya's curiosity about the world outside the jungle. One evening, Jackie decided it was time to introduce her to the basics of modern living. He led her into the kitchen, pointing out each appliance and explaining its function. The microwave was met with wide eyes and a gasp, while the fridge was greeted with a gentle touch, feeling the cold metal for the first time. "Jackie," she whispered, "these are like magic." Her fascination was childlike, and Jackie couldn't help but smile. "No, Pemuya," he said gently, "it's the talismans which are magic. But this is just technology." He showed her how to use the stove, the oven, and even the dishwasher, which she found particularly amusing. Each new discovery was met with a mix of amazement and trepidation, but Jackie was patient, explaining everything in a way that she could understand. The TV was the next challenge. She was just staring at the screen, not understanding anything. "Jackie," she asked, "What's this?" He chuckled, taking the remote from the coffee table. "It's a TV," he explained. "It shows us stories, news, and music from all over the world." "I can't see anything," she shook her head. "Just a big spot of bright pixels." Jackie recalled what Uncle had said to him once. The people born in wild nature just can't see the TV screen. They see only bright pixels. Their vision is simply not adapted to modern devices. "It's okay," he assured her, switching it off. "It's just not something you're used to yet. But we can entertain ourselves some other way." He brought her a child's book he got from his home when he visited Uncle. He was determined to teach Pemuya how to read. "Look," he pointed at the letters. "These are the building blocks of English language." Pemuya leaned in close, her curiosity piqued as she studied the symbols. "Jackie," she said tentatively, "can I try?" He nodded, his heart swelling with hope. She took the book from him, her fingers tracing the letters with a gentle touch. The sounds that emerged from her lips were a blend of English and her native tongue, but Jackie understood the effort she was putting in. Days turned into nights, and their routine grew into a dance of learning and love. Jackie taught Pemuya the basics of cooking and cleaning, while she shared her knowledge of the jungle's bounty and its hidden dangers. They laughed together when she tried to use chopsticks for the first time. One night, as Pemuya's stomach grew larger and the baby kicked with impatience, they sat outside under the stars. The city lights didn't allow for a full view of the cosmos, but Jackie pointed out the few constellations that peeked through. "Look," he said, tracing a line with his finger, "that's the Big Dipper. In your jungle, it's known as the Great Bear." Pemuya's gaze followed his gesture, her eyes lighting up as she recognized the pattern. "Ah," she murmured, "the protector of the night sky." Jackie nodded, smiling at her insight. "Exactly. It's like we're not so different, after all. We all have our own ways of seeing the world." The night air was cool, carrying with it the faint sounds of the distant city. Pemuya shivered, and Jackie wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. She was still getting used to the cold, having grown up in the perpetual heat of the Amazon. "Jackie," she whispered, her eyes on the stars, "I miss the jungle." "I think I can help you," he said thoughtfully. "But tonight it's time for bed." He led her back into the house. As they settled into bed, Jackie held her close, feeling the warmth of their unborn child between them. The comfort of their embrace was a stark contrast to the cold, unyielding world outside.

* * *

The next day Jackie went out to a cassette shop. He was looking for an audio cassette with the recordings of jungle sounds: the voices of birds and animals, the sounds of running streams and so on. "You want this?" The owner looked surprised when he found Jackie's choice. Jackie nodded. "It's for my wife. She's from the Amazon jungle. It'll help her feel at home." The shop owner's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, I see. I have just the thing," he said, digging through a dusty box in the back. When Jackie returned home, Pemuya was sitting cross-legged on the floor, her eyes closed, meditating. She had picked up the habit from watching Jackie's morning routine. He approached her gently, not wanting to disturb her peace. "Pemuya," he called softly, "I've got something for you." Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him with a smile. "Jackie," she said, her voice a gentle melody. He held out the cassette. "It's the sounds of the jungle. I thought it might make you feel closer to home." Her eyes lit up, and she took it from him with trembling hands. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "How it works?" Jackie showed her the cassette player he had found in the house. He inserted the tape and pressed play, the comforting sounds of the jungle filling the room. Pemuya's face transformed, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. She closed her eyes, and for a moment, she was back in her home. "Jackie," she said with a smile, "this is beautiful." The cassette's rustling sounds grew clearer, revealing the symphony of the Amazon. Pemuya leaned back into the pillows, her eyes drifting shut as the serenade of the jungle wrapped around her. The distant cries of howler monkeys echoed through the small speaker, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the simple life she knew. Jackie watched her, his heart aching with a mix of love and guilt. He had taken her away from everything she knew, thrusting her into a world she didn't understand. He vowed to make it up to her, to give her the best life he possibly could.