Autumn was drizzling outside. Rain softly rustled against the protective dome that shielded the city from winds and sudden weather changes. Inside the apartment, a cozy semi-silence reigned, interrupted only by the sounds of water.
Grandma was bathing Mio before bed. In a small blue rubber-plastic tub with curved edges, bubbles of fragrant foam floated in the warm water. The boy sat quietly, watching the soap bubbles with wonder. While lathering his shoulders, Grandma suddenly noticed something strange. The birthmarks on his body had become more defined. One of them—under the left rib—looked like a turtle and seemed to slowly move downward, toward the center of his abdomen, as if drawn to his solar center.
Chatting sweetly with her grandson, she asked:
— Sweetheart, what does this look like to you?
With unexpected seriousness, Mio said:
— Like a turtle that wants to warm its head in the sun.
After a short pause, he continued:
— You know, Grandma, in the past, I was wounded… by comrades, allies. I was a battle general, and they betrayed me. These are the marks left by their wounds…
Grandma stopped. Her eyes became wet, and she covered her mouth with her hand to avoid making a sound — afraid to interrupt his story. The boy didn't look at her, but he sensed her worry.
— I'm still alive and flying through cosmic skies, — he said quietly.
— I just need to be awakened.
When they came out of the bathroom, Mio was wrapped in a big towel. Sitting on Grandma's lap, holding onto her shoulders, he instinctively reached toward the kitchen area, where Mom had already prepared herbal tea with linden and honey. On the table sat fluffy cheese pancake dusted with powdered sugar — made with Grandma's recipe.
With a smile, Mom said:
— Fresh from the bath, Mio. Your favorite tea and Grandma's dessert.
And with a little laugh, she added:
— Grandma really spoils us… So many treats at night!
After the evening walk, Dad and Grandpa returned home. Bounding beside them was the puppy Tim. While Dad was wiping the pup's paws, Grandpa replied to his daughter with a smile:
— One sweet cheese pancake won't hurt. We can just skip the sugar in the tea.
The men dove into the dessert, and Grandma looked at them happily. Her eyes sparkled with joy. She saw her loved ones smiling and enjoying her treats.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mom turned on the holographic world map:
— While you're all busy, let me show you what I've picked out.
The global map lit up on the transparent panel. Mom zoomed in on the subtropical line (along the latitudinal meridians) and selected several points. She described each location, and when she reached one island, she pointed and said:
— Mild climate, sea, frequent warm rains, velvet air, no industrial zones…
Grandma squinted:
— Darling, doesn't this remind you of something? Look — the island looks like a turtle.
Mio's mom exclaimed:
— Oh my God, yes! Like the birthmark on Mio's body…
Dad looked at them meaningfully:
— Did you know this island is made of volcanic rock? I've already considered it as an option for relocation. It's an amazing place. The soil there is rocky, with high drainage. When it rains, the water doesn't stay on the surface but soaks deep into the ground — right before your eyes. Almost no puddles remain. Nothing like here… In the city, after rain, it's just clay mixed with water, all sticky and messy. Mio and Tim love splashing through puddles when they run across grassy lawns… They'd love it there — the water pools gently on the surface, clean and clear, and it's fun to watch as it disappears, as if melting into the earth.
He opened the reference:
The Turtle Island and its surroundings are partially formed by volcanic rock. Though the island itself isn't an active volcano, it contains strong fiery energy.
Mom pressed the button for more information. A summary appeared: the island's area, around two million inhabitants, humid climate, stable temperature year-round, high ion content in the air, soft terrain, frequent rainfall. In the coastal areas, turtles come ashore yearly to lay eggs.
Grandpa asked:
— What do people say about it?
Reviews popped up. One read:
"It's hot in summer, but the sea breeze helps. The sea is always warm."
Another said:
"Technology is decades behind. But there are lots of cats and dogs. Locals take care of them. They say hunters often bring them in and abandon them in the mountains or suburbs. These are rich people who can afford expensive breeds and just dump them. Control over this needs to be tightened. Kind people bring the dogs to the local animal care center, and they look after them."
Grandpa and Dad exchanged glances. Dad said softly:
— Yeah, there are lots of purebred stray dogs there. Maybe we can find one to adopt. I contacted the center — they've set conditions to ensure we respect animal rights.
After a pause, he added:
— Tim has a tendency for speech learning. His breed is one of the few potentially capable of real communication with people.
Grandpa said to his son:
— Your presentation impressed the investors. After the past forty years, many are tired of robotic toys and want real, direct interaction. The idea of intelligent pets inspired many. As investors, we're ready to subsidize your project. We'll let you go. But the school and business are based here, so we can't come with you. And who knows how the subtropical climate will affect us — at our age.
Grandpa tilted his head slightly to the side, narrowing his eyes cunningly, and continued:
--- You know… we've reached that age where our friends have long since become legends. And yet, we're still here.
Dad tossed his head in admiration.
Grandpa continued:
— I dreamed that Mio would study at my school, that I'd pass on my legacy to him. But… sometimes fate has other plans.
He looked at the map.
— Don't worry. He'll be taken care of. This is definitely fate.
Noticing the little boy rubbing his sleepy eyes, Mom asked:
— Mio, what story should I read you tonight? Or would you like a lullaby?
The boy replied seriously:
— I want Grandma to tell me what she was like as a child.
The whole family exchanged knowing smiles. Grandma sighed with a smile:
— Well, I wasn't a well-behaved girl. But I can tell you a few stories. And trust me — you won't find many of the things from your world in them.
Meanwhile, Mom was clearing the table, listening to her husband and father talk. They were weighing the pros and cons of the move. Mio's father seemed excited by the idea. Mom nodded in agreement. It seemed they had truly found the place to call their new home.