"Oh wandering spirit, please hear my pleas."
I hurried home and prepared an altar of worship for Meteor. It was not much, but again, it was the thought that counted. I folded Lumi's torn and shabby blankets around into a ring and placed him at the centre. Lumi used a small pillow too, so I added it as a decorative accent.
I adjusted the curtains to let the light shine down onto him. It looked sort of ethereal, at least I hoped so. I dug around my pockets for some spare change along with my empty debit card and placed them in front of Meteor. It was an offering; I needed every bit of divine help.
"Money makes the world go round, so please. Please grant me financial freedom, that is what we urgently need. Some food on the table, some clothes to wear. Some equipment to practice with, some debts of gratitude to repay. Oh wandering spirit, please accept these. They may be nothing, but they contain our hearts. May Lumi be with you and may you be with Lumi."
I opened my hands and removed my clasped hands from my chest. I gazed at Meteor as time ticked by, second by second. Yet there was nothing, and the trepidation in my heart grew with the seconds.
Nothing.
.
.
.
But my nails pierced through the skin of my palms, and in that moment, it was like salvation.
For the second time, I watched with wonder as the pouch on Meteor's belly area unzip itself. I tried to suppress my excitement, but the best I could do was keep my breathing steady. My arms quivering, I pushed the spare coins and debit card into the swirling universe inside.
This time around, I vowed not to let my emotions get the better of me. I held my arm inside, and forced myself still when something brushed past my hand. My fingers, by instinct or by some supernatural happenings, unfurled open.
I pulled out a black card and observed it like a police detective. It was no different from any other plastic debit/credit card, only pitch black. No names, dates, numbers inscribed. I flipped it to the back, where a small blurb in the faintest grey colour sat in the bottom corner. One could not see it if they did not pay close attention.
Hell, I paid close attention and still could not read a thing. But as I squinted my eyes, trying to decipher the text, the words enlarged into reality like a hologram. It was unscientific; it was science fiction.
[A hacked credit card from a distant cyber society. Use with every banking platform without fear of financial regulations or raising suspicion. Card balance of one million dollars and expires in two months. Repay balance then, or suffer consequences.]
One million dollars.
The number was a pipe dream for me who worked odd jobs. It would take me five-six years to earn that much, not to mention a deadline of two months.
I grinned, ignoring how outrageous it was. But I believed in Lumi and ourselves. People called the entertainment industry where money was to be made. A million dollars would only be a small goal for Lumi on her path to be an all round, omnipotent superstar.
"You have my best wishes and greatest gratitudes, Meteor," I said, bowing. "I will not let you, Lumi, and everyone around me down."
I placed the card in my pockets and headed out for a shopping spree.
***
Amenities. Essentials. Food. Clothing.
I scoured every inch of the department store and stayed there until it was almost dark.
New towels. New soaps. New bedding, new mattress, new pillow. I bought a new table and chairs and kitchen utensils knowing how much Lumi liked to eat. Of course, I bought her sets and sets of outfits. They were not anything branded or luxury, only plain shirts and dresses, but I knew she would like them. Anything was better than the rags she wore now.
When time comes, I would spoil her with everything, luxury or not.
I also stocked up on non-perishable food. Buying food in this much of an excess bulk would only be a waste. But I still picked up two nice lobster and a bagful of large shrimps.
I assumed from Daniella's love for snacks and pristine clean kitchen she was not one who liked to cook. I planned to make some seafood noodles as thanks for teaching Lumi today. My cooking skills was not something worth a mention, but I worked in restaurants before. Not as a chef, only menial tasks, but I did have lots of opportunities to observe the cooks. With a little tasting along the way, I was confident I would not embarrass myself.
And embarrass myself I would be, if not for the black card. I had along with me five carts full of items at checkout under the suspicious eyes of the cashier. They had even called the manager over, whispering as if I could not hear them. The other customers around also shot me strange look until I swiped the card.
When the transaction went through, they hurried to disperse. The manager came up to me and said they would help deliver everything to the apartment. I watched with a conflicting feeling in my stomach. I saw myself in the two employees who unloaded everything into their truck.
Filled with more gratitude towards the universe for this second chance, I was silent the way home.