Chapter 16 - Page 231 - Flying To America

   Rhasha and Shanha sat on the sofa. Jackie and Simbatu plopped down in recliners. Jim went to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth. When he came back, Shanha was standing in front of the entertainment center. The door that covered the front of the television was open. "What is that big box?" Shanha asked. "I opened the door and it had a window behind it."

   "That's a television," Jim told her. "Do you want to see what it does?" He picked up the remote control and turned the television on. As the picture began to focus, he adjusted the volume.

   Rhasha and Shanha had never seen television before and didn't know what to expect. Suddenly they heard an explosion, and the television screen displayed an image of running people. Jim had turned the volume up to loud. With surround sound, it sounded like the explosion was in his living room.

   Shanha screamed and ran for Rhasha's arms. Rhasha was just as terrified. Jim recognized an action-packed thriller on television, but to Rhasha and Shanha, it was as real as life. Jim turned the volume down.

   "Papa," Shanha screamed, "Papa!"

   Jim turned off the television and rushed to comfort Rhasha and Shanha. "It's only a movie," he said. "It's not real. It's just make-believe." They both clutched Jim, crying. Fear had control of them. They shook uncontrollably.

   Jackie and Simbatu knew what television was, but they understood why Rhasha and Shanha were scared. After a few moments, Jim was able to calm both girls. He left the television turned off.

   "I don't know why anyone would want that thing in their house," Rhasha said. Shanha agreed.

   Jim released Rhasha and Shanha. "The only reason I have it," he admitted, "is so I can watch the news."

   "Papa," Shanha asked, "does everyone in America have a box like that?"

   "Yes. Most people have three or four televisions."

   "Well, I don't ever want one, Papa," Shanha stated.

   "That makes two of us," Rhasha agreed.