A frustrated Chilly was heading towards Theo’s Café. Parsley and Aaloo had also left for the café to make arrangements for Chilly’s surprise party. Even though Parsley had warmed against it, Aaloo had also invited Koko along. Let’s see what Chilly saw when he arrived at Theo’s Café…
I couldn’t believe my eyes when at the café I saw the banner that read, ‘Chilly = Best Singer, Best Friend’
I was even more surprised when I went downstairs. Theo’s Café had turned into a party venue. My photograph was on all the cups; a photograph of me singing. Did Aaloo change the name from ‘Aaloo Shake’ to ‘Chilly Shake’ again? But I hadn’t even won! There were photos of me everywhere: my first singing class, my first song at the river bank, my first competition, my special ‘singing’ T-shirt that my parents had bought me… All these memories were captured in these photographs. I felt as if someone had whisked me away in a time machine. My body no longer felt heated up.
Theo was still unaware that I had arrived at the café. Theo and Zoey were prepping in the kitchen and talking. I heard Theo say, "Aaloo is the best, but there is no one like Chilly." Zoey replied, “Absolutely! Who else would change a song at the last moment just to let Koko win? He has such a big heart…” I thought to myself, ‘What were they talking about? I let Koko win?’
Before I could understand or ask anything, I heard the noise of skates approaching. When I turned around I saw Aaloo racing toward me at full speed. His big belly bounced so vigorously that five passing flies got caught in its draught, lost control and tumbled down, dazed.
Before I could say anything, I could tell by glancing at his face that Aaloo had lost control of his skates. I needed to move from that spot to avoid ending up like the flies. Just as I was getting ready to fly off, Aaloo bumped into a tree and fell to the ground. ‘How is he a skating champion?’ I thought. Before I could say anything to him, a familiar croaky voice cried out behind me, “Chi…lly…” Before I could turn around, Parsley bumped into me, spun me around, crashed into the same tree, and fell on top of Aaloo. It is understandable for Aaloo, but Parsley, even after growing up, still doesn’t know how to fly! Ultimately I ended up dizzy just like the flies.
As if they hadn’t done enough already, Aaloo then said, “I won!” Parsley spat loudly and said, “No, I won!” and the two burst out laughing. Had they lost their minds after crashing into the tree? I was still feeling dizzy. Just then, someone held my hand.
Phew! I felt so relieved. I said, “Thank you! Parsley made everything spin.” When my dizziness subsided and I looked behind, I saw that Koko was the one who had grabbed me. She was smiling widely at me. She asked, “Chilly, are you okay?” I wanted to tell her, ‘How can I be okay when you’re here?’
