By K. Osorio-Teamer

If you missed it, here’s Part 1 of Terra Spirit.

“Are you done coating yourself?” She tried very hard to keep the corners of her mouth down. 

“Done! Give it a go.” Once again, she put her hands on either side of the head and slowly pulled upwards. It finally moved! In a few short pulls it was off completely and Arturo’s real head, glistening with grease, was visible. He had dark brown hair that went in every direction. Olivia wasn’t sure if it was helmet hair or that was just what it did. She expected him to be dorky – she just didn’t think she would like it. 

“Thanks,” Arturo rubbed his neck and looked around uncomfortably. “sorry for interrupting… whatever you were going to do here.”

“Actually, I came in here for a private cry.” She walked to lean by the sink, the weight of why she was here and who she had lost coming back to her. 

“I might join you.” He followed her lead and leaned against the opposite wall. 

“How did you know Ms. Dario?”

“I didn’t. As you can see,” he pointed at the discarded bear head on the floor, “I’m a big fan of the Terran series. She was the lead costume designer for the original 1976 Terra Spirit movie.”

“Yeah and she was still a part of it. The costume designers for the new series consulted with her, too.” Olivia was starting to realize how long they’d been in the bathroom. “We should go. But I hate to break it to you, there aren’t any other cosplayers here.”

“I realized that when I walked in.”

“And you didn’t let that stop you, huh?” Her tone was a mix of admiration and judgement. She couldn’t imagine the resolve something like that would take. 

“If anything, it made me want to do it more. Her creations were such an integral part of the canon. Every fan I know still goes by her original designs.”

“Of course, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to come here in cosplay. Anyway, there’s other places to honor her part in the Terran series.”

“Who’s to say what’s appropriate? This means a lot to me. My big brother was obsessed – people always made fun of him for his Terran gear. He never cared, though. He would walk out of the house with his giant lion head with his mane held high.” Olivia was laughing again. Arturo was a natural at lightening the mood. 

“Why didn’t he come?” she asked as he picked up the bear head. He stiffened at her question.  

“He passed away.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks. I knew he would’ve been here in his Lion head, so I had to come represent.”

“Naturally.” Olivia hesitated for a second, planning her words carefully. “I appreciate what this all means to you, I really do. But her closest family and friends are here to mourn her absence. This isn’t about Terra Spirit, you, or your brother.” They were out in the lobby now. The mourners were taken aback by Arturo’s appearance. “It’s about Ms. Dario.”

“Did you know her?” Arturo asked without taking notice of the gawkers. 

“I did. She was a regular patient at the clinic where I work.” Olivia walked out to get a bit of sun and Arturo followed. The sun’s rays hit her and warmed every part of her. She felt lighter in a way she couldn’t explain. 

“Really? What was she like?” The sincerity in his voice warmed her heart. He truly admired this woman.

“She was the kindest person I’d ever met.” Olivia told him about one of the last times Ms. Dario was in the clinic, she was wearing all black with her favorite flower print scarf. Olivia had just checked her weight and blood pressure and they were walking to the examination room. 

“Aja senorita, what is new with you?”

“The usual, Ms. Dario. School, school, and a little more school.” 

“Ay, Olivia,” she sighed as she hooked her arm around Olivia’s, “why are you still fooling around with that nursing degree. You need to take those sketches, meet with my contact at the Art Institute, and start living your dream.” They reached the room and Olivia helped her onto the chair. 

“Ms. Dario, you know I have to finish school. My parents are counting on me. ”

“I promise you, at the end of the day, they only want what’s best for you. And the best for you is to do what you’re passionate about.” 

“It’s mostly just a hobby. I couldn’t make a career out of it. It’s not stable enough.”

“Those sound nicely rehearsed, señorita. I just want you to know, you can always find reasons not to do something. Why don’t you start looking for reasons to do them instead?” The tears finally won their battle. Olivia was outside St. Mary’s balling her eyes out. Arturo stood by uncomfortably. He patted her back, but kept his distance. 

“I’m not sure what to do here. I can’t tell if you’re a hugger.”

“I’m not. Keep your paws to yourself.”  She was the one that got a chuckle out of him this time. He stopped patting her back and put his hands in his pockets. 

“That’s amazing, though, Olivia. She obviously saw something in you.”

“She did. She was always so sure of herself. It was one of my favorite things about her.” I can be sure of myself too, Olicia thought to herself. 

“I could see that in her work. Which reminds me, I still want to say goodbye.” He looked over at the door and back at Olivia, unsure of how to end this strange meeting. “You know, I just wish this bear head fit, this isn’t at all how I pictured this moment.”

“Follow me, Arturo.” Olivia wasn’t sure why she was leading him to her car, but she knew she had to. “I’ve got something to show you.” Once at the car, she popped her trunk, and smiled at his gasp. 

“You really downplayed how much you were into Terra, huh?” His eyes studied her trunk which was full of masks and traditional Terran warrior regalia made with faux fur. 

“I don’t want you to think I approve of your decision, but…” Olivia felt a breeze run through her hair. “I think Ms. Dario convinced me.”

“Convinced you of what exactly?” Arturo smiled brightly, his excitement oozing from his eyes. 

“Let’s honor her the way a Terran warrior would.” She grabbed a bird mask adorned with black and turquoise feathers. “Take your pick, Arturo. I don’t have any bear masks, but I do have a lion.” He placed the mask on his face and although only his brown eyes were visible, Olivia knew he was beaming. 

They walked back into St. Mary’s Funeral Home to the shock of the mourners. Olivia took each step with a clarity she never felt before and knew she was making Ms. Dario proud. 

To be continued…