4 The Tragas Traditions

4 the tragas traditions THAT EVENING AT HOME, Zeke explained his problem to his parents. "I received three chocolate bars for Valentine's Day," Zeke said. "What is Valentine's Day?" asked Quar, his mother.

"It is a day on Earth when people let each other know that they are liked and cared about," Zeke explained. "I got a chocolate bar from Harris and one from Roxy, but I already knew that they liked me." "They have been good friends to you," said Xad, Zeke's father. "We are very happy about that."

"Me, too," said Zeke. "But I also got a third chocolate bar from someone who did not the sign the card that comes with it. So I don't know who gave it to me or who wants to let me know that they like me." "This Valentine's Day reminds me of Hole-tania Day back on Tragas," said Xad. "In the card, did this person invite you over to look at their discarded furniture in a hole?" "No, it doesn't seem to work that way here," said Zeke.

"Maybe this person wants you to stack boxes until the tower is taller than themselves," suggested Quar. As Quar said this, Xad looked into her eyes and smiled. Quar smiled back. They grasped each other's hands, started glowing, and transformed back into their true alien forms. On Earth, Quar, Xad, and Zeke took on human appearances to blend in.

When the transformation was complete, Quar and Xad both had purple skin. They each had multiple eyes. Tentacles extended from their shoulders. "I have not thought about stacking boxes for some time now," Quar said. She wrapped one of her tentacles around Xad's body.

Zeke sighed. "I don't think Earth people know about stacking boxes," he said. "On Valentine's Day, people give each other things like gifts, paper hearts, cards, and candy." Quar and Xad quickly reverted back into their human forms. "Ah, and they must put these things in a hole for others to see, right?" asked Xad. "No, I don't think so," said Zeke.