He realized a great many things as he held Theia: That he had a great deal to teach her, to protect her from, and to watch her go through. Every single thing she needed to experience, learn, and endure, he was excited to go through with her.
“Life is hell,” he told his baby. “I can’t change that, but I can make sure you’re never alone.”
This is what I was meant for.
–––––––
As they walked this time, Theia held her father’s hand. It reminded him of the times when they walked through parks, along sidewalks, or across beaches, when he would swing her through the air, as a way to make it fun. She was bigger now; tall enough to truly walk beside him hand-in-hand. Too big, now, he thought. He never wanted his little bird to leave the nest. His child would always be a baby in his eyes…
There came another junction, where turning right would have brought them to Seaside, a larger town, or left to Cannon Beach. Ethan turned left, of course, but pondered somewhat about the prospect of going to Seaside instead. A while later, the two started passing signs indicating they were within the Cannon Beach boundaries. The coast wasn’t yet visible, with all the trees, hills, and dunes still blocking its view. Several smaller, private roads and driveways would have led them into town, but to play it safe, Ethan waited until the highway itself led into town. The scarce number of times he had visited the town, he remembered turning right onto Sunset Boulevard.
And he saw that junction up ahead. The branching road was fenced and guarded, though. Ethan knelt down and lifted up his daughter, then they approached the town entrance.
“What’s your business?” One of the three guards asked him.
It struck Ethan with shock; he had no idea of what to respond with. So, he simply spoke honestly. “We’re looking for a new home.”
The guards looked at each other. Then, the same one asked, “Are there any more with you, and do you have any possessions?”
We’re the first ones to make it? It was confirmed, and Ethan was at a loss for words. No need to complicate matters for the time being, he figured. “Just us,” he answered. “Just as we are.”
As the men started opening the wooden gate, another guard informed them, “People have been moving here for the past year, since things started getting ugly. We can’t promise there’s a place for you to stay, unfortunately.”
“Thanks, but we’ll make it work,” said Ethan as he carried Theia forward.
The town was quiet; as quiet as he always remembered from years past. The boulevard was narrow, without sidewalks. The buildings were a seemingly random mixture of houses and former small businesses; none more than two stories high. The ocean’s waves were louder than ever, but still hidden from view.
Before passing the first intersection, a man ran up to them from behind. He seemed to come out of nowhere. “Excuse me!”
Ethan set down Theia and she cling to his side. “Yes?” Ethan answered.
“Are you looking to live here?” Ethan nodded. “We might be able to find room and board for you both, but we’ll need to evaluate you first.”
They followed the man across town, exchanging small talk along the way. From their brief chat, Ethan learned that the town was run entirely by its mayor, who took charge during the Collapse to assure that the townspeople remained civil and safe. They were brought to the mayor’s office, where the leader wasn’t presently in. A nurse checked Theia’s health first, then Ethan’s. Another man, who carried himself like a soldier but was not dressed as one, asked Ethan a series of questions. Ethan managed to avoid bringing up Tyson altogether; a difficult feat. He also successfully kept from mentioning his family and history, which was fairly easy. But he knew one day, possibly even later that same day, these matters would surface.
After their evaluation, they were driven to a conference center which served as the town’s homeless shelter. Whatever the exact time was, dinner had just begun being served. The building was packed, but the people were quiet, peacefully conversing while eating their meal. Some exchanged kind greeting gestures to them. Even Theia looked surprised to see such civility. Lightbulbs and candles illuminated the inside, and jazz music played in the background. When they stepped into the main cafeteria, from where the food was being served, Ethan approached the buffet table, but Theia remained still. He looked back, seeing his daughter’s eyes fixated on the lights, and the clean carpet, and the people. It was as if she had ventured into a new world. Ethan reached out his right hand, gesturing for her to come with him.
Theia copied his every choice. Ethan grabbed an excessive portion of salad leaves, excluding the croutons. Then he took sandwich meat and toasted bread with two slices of cheese. Since no one was confined to eating in that room, there was plenty of space to sit on the floor. Ethan claimed a back corner, and Theia followed. He made a sandwich from the toast, ham and cheese, and when Theia saw that, she did likewise. The two ate their food in complete silence, but facing and sometimes staring at each other.
Like he had felt the day he had given her away to Mercy, it was a joy and a relief on his soul to see his little girl alive and healthy. In her eyes he could see a great deal of emotional scarring – scarring he feared might never completely heal – but he knew she was at least happy to be alive as well.
They finished their food quickly. Easily the most delicious meal Ethan had devoured in a long time. His belly felt larger, and that made him laugh a little. When Theia finished, Ethan took the plate then stood and walked over to the nearest garbage can. When he was walking back, he saw that Theia had walked to the windows. He stood behind her, peering out as well, catching more of a glimpse of their new home town. Main Street seemed to be the only road with a sidewalk. Ethan spotted an elderly couple holding hands, walking together for a late-afternoon stroll. Perhaps they were what caught Theia’s eye. The couple made Ethan think of Kayla, the woman whom he’d never have a chance to have such a future with…
Before he knew it, Theia was gone. She had walked out the exit doors by the time Ethan’s thoughts returned to the present. For only a moment he was alarmed, but calmed when remembering they were now in a safe, civilized town. When he stepped outside, he saw his little girl walking toward the beach.
In case she might want to be alone, he followed far behind, almost enough to lose sight of her. Finding beach access was easy enough, and once Theia stepped onto the sandy path, she removed her shoes and socks.
When it came into view, Ethan beheld the great Pacific ocean. A most beautiful sight second only to Theia, and both were in view, together. Tears stirred in his eyes. Finally, he was happy, completely and undoubtedly.
When he stepped onto the sand, he too removed his footwear. Theia had briskly run to the shoreline, walking ankle-deep into the water. Ethan remained closer to the mainland, but found a large log half-buried in the sand to lean against. From there, he watched his daughter enjoy herself, with his arms resting on his knees. She walked away from the water and dropped to her knees in the dry sand, then buried her hands in it. Ethan smiled. For once, he worried about absolutely nothing.
Theia spent a few minutes repeatedly burying her hands and feet until finally she stood, found Ethan with her eyes and walked toward him. The way she approached, slowly and directly, he pictured she had risen from the ocean. It reminded him of the last story Kayla had written, shortly before her death. Theia stood in front of him, then knelt down. Ethan placed his fingertips on her cheeks, and they looked into one another’s eyes.
“I love you, Dad,” she whispered.
Ethan smiled as she leaned forward and rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes. He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “I love you, Theia.” He held her head with his right hand, feeling her hair as it blew in the wind. “We can start over now. New people, a new family… A new life.” He felt Theia squeeze him tighter. “I’m here, baby. I’m here.” He stared toward the setting sun and the clouds, in their glowing pink hue. He listened to the ocean, the seagulls, the
people, and he listened to Theia, who peacefully hummed a song. “I’m here.”
END OF BOOK TWO
Resurrection Page 44