Serenity Falls(80)
“You know, there are very few things in life that we are guaranteed.” The quizzical look on my face must speak volumes as she continues. “We are born into this life and we are taken from it. The sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. We will all experience our own extreme highs and extreme lows. But, it’s not the guarantees that make this life worth living. It’s the surprises. It’s the fight that we have within ourselves to make this the life that we were meant to live. Sometimes, we have to step into the shadows to see the meaning of true light.” She pats my knee and pulls my attention from the sunrise. She stands and looks down at me with a smile. “On another note, I’m gonna make everyone a big ol’ breakfast before the kids arrive.”
“Need any help?”
“No. Take your time out here. Enjoy this beautiful sunrise,” she says as she walks away, disappearing into the house.
As the door closes behind her, I ponder Mrs. Sandy’s words for a while. The red, orange, and golden rays of the rising sun highlight against my skin. A breakthrough as I have never felt before surges through me. I’ve spent my fair share of time in the shadows. I’ve overcome debilitating depression. A depression so strong, that at times I thought I was drowning. There were moments I thought I’d never live to feel the warmth of happiness coursing through my veins. And now? Now, I’m finally basking in the light. The light of Wes. The light of us. The light of our love.
“Is this seat taken?”
The rough, burly voice of Mr. Will pulls me from my thoughts. I look up at him and shake my head. “No.”
“May I?” he asks, gesturing to the opposite side of the stair that I’m perched on.
“Of course.”
“You’re up early.”
“I know. I wanted to watch the sunrise. When I go back to campus, I won’t get days like these.”
“It’s nice, isn’t it? The way the morning rays cascade along the hills.”
“Yeah,” I reply with a nod. “I really enjoy how the sun touches the peaks of the hills before it blankets the valleys.”
“But you know that eventually, the light will touch everything.” Peering at me out of the corner of his eye, he adds, “Sandy and I, we’re really glad that you have decided to come back this summer.”
“Me, too. Y’all know I love being here. It’s hard for me to believe it’s almost over.”
“Yeah. Look, I know I’m not a big talker, but thank you.”
My eyebrows furrow as I ask, “For what?”
“For saving my son,” he replies quietly.
“Mr. Will?”
“No. Hear me out. I know he’s gotten better. His mother and I went through a lot with him when he moved to Dallas. I’m sure he’s told you, or at least I hope he has.”
I nod in agreement.
“Well, then there’s no need for me to rehash everything, but even after he quit all the drinking, there has been this bleakness, hollowness in his eyes.” He rakes a hand through his salt and peppered hair as he takes a deep breath. “For a while now, we’ve been so worried about him. I know I’m not the most affectionate man, but I love my son. After you left last summer, my meddling wife would call Wes every day just to talk about you. For some reason, she knew that once he met you, he’d change. You have put a spark back into my son’s eye. I can’t pin point what it is, but I can tell he’s happier. You’re a good person, Kenleigh; you are good for him. You’re genuine, sincere, kindhearted, and honest. We all saw it last summer, and now, my son has, too.”
We sit in silence while we wait for the rest of the sun to make its appearance above the horizon. Honestly, I’m blown away by Mr. Will’s confession. I’ve never pictured myself as that person he just described. I feel the tears beginning to form. With everything in me, I will them to stop as I screw my eyes tightly shut. Finally, feeling more in control of my emotions, I clear my throat as I look at Wes’ dad. “Mr. Will? Your son saved me too,” I reply softly.
He reaches over with a grin and squeezes my shoulder. “You saved each other.”
No more words need to be said. It’s a silent understanding that’s been spoken between us. Movement catches my eye. I look at Mr. Will as he stands. “Well, I’m gonna head on in there.” He nods toward the house, looks at his watch, and adds, “In about an hour, the kids should be arriving. Make sure you eat something, okay?”
“Yes, Sir,” I answer, sending him a genuine smile.
An hour later, I’m dressed and feeling like I’m in a food coma from breakfast. June, the filly that Autumn foaled, is just as beautiful as her momma is. Her dark, brown coat dotted with white spots is just as rich, and her deep, brown eyes stare back at me with such recognition. As I stand here, leaning against the stall, I’m still amazed. I know I didn’t get to see the entire birthing process, but I saw enough to realize the miracle of life. There was a point in my life that I actually wished that the fire that took my parents would have taken me too, but now, I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to live.