by Nikki Lewen
“Why?” Caleb tries to control his anger, but there’s a slight edge to his question.
Jose isn’t sure if he’s being tested or if he’s done something wrong. Trying not to hesitate or anger Caleb any further, he continues, “I had to make sure the perimeter was clear. I didn’t want to jeopardize our safety...or the cave’s location…by heading straight here without checking. It’d be a huge mistake and…I’ve made enough of those today.”
The boy’s logic is sound; Caleb realizes its wisdom and is slightly ashamed of his emotional reaction. There’s an awkward silence before Caleb attempts some type of explanation.
“The shot…I thought…I’m sorry…I was worried…I thought somethin’ happened to you…and…I had no way of findin’ out…or…helpin’.”
Jose understands his friend’s concern and appreciates the sincerity of Caleb’s words. It’s been a long time since someone’s worried over him. It touches the youngster, and a memory of his mother surfaces. He struggles finding the image of her face and just as it begins to take form, it fades and quickly disappears. Caleb realizes that Jose made sure to take the time to do his job correctly, even with his adrenaline pumping and all the excitement. He acted methodically and with a sense of duty, then, hurried to update Caleb. The kid’s actions give an indication of how he’ll handle future emergency situations.
“Ya did good…real good.” Caleb says. “You were correct to finish the patrol. Come on…let’s grab some food and get you moving.”
The two men make their way back inside and this time, Caleb asks all the right questions. Jose answers with enthusiasm and in detail. It was the first time he’d ever seen a mountain lion, and he couldn’t believe it was chasing the deer he tried to kill. When they talk about Jose’s first shot, the two men review it at length, discussing every aspect imaginable. Finishing up, Caleb reveals he has something he’d like the boy to help with. He wants Jose to design and build some type of portable ladder or stepstool. Something simple, lightweight, and easy for Caleb to use so he can get over the massive log that he’s still unable to climb over on his own.
With some type of steps, Caleb could get over it and begin taking short hikes, or be ready to help in an emergency. They sketch a couple of ideas, talk about materials that could work, and plan on getting something started when Jose visits next. Afterward, and a little later than originally intended, Jose rearranges his pack to accommodate the next batch of supplies and heads out. Hiking away, he contemplates the day’s events and the fondness he has for Caleb.
Jose wants to help with the step idea, but isn’t sure if Caleb should be hiking yet. His injured friend can barely get up and down on his own, and when he does move, painful grimaces always follow. Even more important is Sadie’s approval. The boy’s not sure she’ll be okay with their system, or with Caleb hiking about, and Jose doesn’t want to do anything that would upset her in any way.
THIRTY
“Almost there, kiddo,” Sadie encourages Anna.
Their trip’s been brutal and even Sadie feels it. The extra weight not only slowed her, but it’s been havoc on her shoulders and low back. They’ve taken extra days of rest along the way, providing recovery both physically and emotionally, since Anna’s a wreck and grew worse as they approached the opposite side of the island and traveled the southern border. Going on her family’s quest to discover the truth about the land’s shape has brought a deep sadness because she’s constantly thinking about them. The journey itself, even though strenuous and at times tedious, is the motivation that drives the girl’s every step. She’s doing this for them, in their honor, and at this point, that’s the only thing keeping Anna going.
When they near the bottom of their final descent, Sadie removes her pack and lowers it the last couple of feet, letting it drop onto the dry creek bed. Anna does the same, and—one at a time—they hop down. Suddenly, Sadie straightens an arm across Anna’s chest, forcing the girl to stop. With Sadie signaling silence, they lower into a crouch. Anna’s scared and hears nothing but her own breathing as they tuck behind a twisted root burl while Sadie draws her crossbow. Nothing happens until a low whistle floats toward them. Sadie lowers her bow and softly replies in her own way, then leaves Anna, who remains hidden.
“Ooooohh, child. I’m so glad to see you!” Clara cries, wrapping Sadie in a hug. “I thought it was you I heard comin’ down.”
“And what if it wasn’t?” Sadie puts her hands on her hips. “You gave your location away. You have to be more careful.”
“But…it was you,” Clara replies, dismissing Sadie’s concern. “And you brought company!”
Sadie turns to see Anna timidly standing just within eyesight. “Clara, this is Anna…and Anna…this is Clara.”
Anna takes a hesitant step forward as Clara closes the gap, wrapping both arms tightly around the girl.
“Welcome, child…welcome,” Clara says, gently rocking Anna as she does.
For the girl, it’s strangely comforting and the embrace offers a sense of security. For the old woman, it’s pure joy—like the happiness gained by hugging a grandchild—but she senses the despair lurking deep within Anna. When the old woman looks to Sadie, whose eyes confirm what she’s sensing, it obvious they have much to catch up on.
“So, Anna,” Clara begins, looking back at the girl, “what has Sadie told you about me?”
The question’s designed to get the girl talking, and it works. Anna goes on and on about everything Sadie’s said—especially, about Clara’s garden and cabin. As they speak, the ladies continue walking along the creek bed until it abruptly ends at the cliff’s edge, causing Anna to gasp.
“That was my first reaction, too,” Clara says, leaning close to the girl.
They stand in silence, looking at the ocean below, until Sadie speaks. “Anna’s home is on the north side…” she pauses, looks to Anna for confirmation, and then continues, “She’s recently lost both her parents.”
This time, Clara gasps. She looks at the girl and wraps her in another hug. “You’re not alone. I was…for a long time…so was Sadie.” She releases Anna to make eye contact. “But now…we’ve got each other.”
Clara’s words and demeanor touch Sadie. The old woman has such a way with people it’s hard to imagine she’s lived without others for so long.
“Come on, you two...let’s get home. You can clean up…we’ll eat and chat around the fire. I want to hear everything.” With Clara’s words, they turn and leave.
Retracing their steps to where the packs were left, they once again sling them on. Anna’s tired of carrying a load and is really sick of hiking. In truth, she doesn’t really enjoy it, can’t wait to get to the Clara’s place, and feels like sleeping for a week. Entering the cozy cabin, she finds everything’s beautifully crafted as she slowly walks around the furniture and stonework, taking in the astonishing details. When finished, the young girl joins the others, who’ve been talking softly in the kitchen.
Clara looks up and addresses Anna, “Water’s just about ready. Why don’t you wash first,” she turns to Sadie, “then you. By the time you’re done, dinner will be ready.”
Sadie shows Anna the bathing procedures, and then gives her privacy, returning to Clara’s side, anxious to share more with her. They have lots to discuss, and it’s important to show Anna unity in their decisions. When Sadie takes her turn washing up, she returns to find the girl listening to Clara and hanging on the old woman’s every word. It already seems a natural fit between these two, and it warms Sadie’s heart. They sit down, Clara has them hold hands while offering thanks, and as they eat, Anna asks questions, mostly directed towards the fresh produce, herbs, and seasonal varieties the garden produces.
Between the two of them, an entire gardening seminar seems to be taking place. Sadie simply smiles, thinking these two were meant for one another. As the thought takes shape, Clara pats the top of Sadie’s hand, then squeezes it briefly, seemingly in agreement. With dinner done, the women sit near the fire, holding mugs of hot
tea. Talking starts with updates on Caleb’s health and then turns to Jose, as Sadie fills in the latest information for Clara. Then, everything is directed back to Anna and the family quest she’s undertaking in honor of her parents. Clara, aiding in the girl’s efforts, suggests a vantage point that offers a view up the coast. Upon hearing this, Sadie looks at Clara sideways.
“You’ve been hiking? How much?” she asks the elder.
“Ooohh...not too much,” Clara replies, winking at Anna, who giggles.
“Let me see.” Sadie says, shaking her head and kneeling in front of Clara.
Clara rolls her eyes while removing the blanket draped over her legs. It’s another attempt at getting a giggle from Anna, and it works. While Sadie examines Clara’s injury, the old woman continues where she left off.
“I think the view may reach to your property. When you’re ready, I’ll take you there,” Clara offers.
At the mention of “her property” Anna feels odd, as it’s a little overwhelming being acknowledged as its owner.
“Clara, there’s still swelling.” Sadie interjects. “You shouldn’t be hiking yet. Let it heal…all the way…no long explorations…not for another week, at least.”
The old woman knows Sadie’s right and agrees.
Satisfied, Sadie sits back down. “Alright, then…show me what you’ve discovered.”
Distracted by her thoughts, Anna doesn’t notice Sadie and Clara pulling out their maps of the island. They share a look, and then get the girl’s attention.
“Anna, scoot over here,” Clara encourages.
The youngster slides near the old woman to get a better view, and Clara points out the route she’s talking about, while also showing Sadie a few other additions.
“No wonder there’s still swelling,” Sadie says, giving Clara another look.
Clara smiles, while shrugging her shoulders.
Sadie copies the details, shares her own updates, and then points to a section of the map. “This is Anna’s place, here…we mapped a majority of it.” Sadie glances up to make sure Anna’s paying attention. “I looked for a possible route straight here, but…it’s gonna take a lot more time to find one. This area…” she moves her finger between Clara’s and Anna’s property lines, “is difficult to hike…it’s super steep and rugged.”
Sadie asks Anna to get her notebook and make a copy of the map. Besides the lyrics to songs, Sadie finds something nearly every day for the girl to write or calculate. When she returns, Clara and Sadie are deep in discussion, debating possible routes to Anna’s and how long it could take. As Anna draws, she listens intently.
“It’s steep, which means…lots of backtracking.” Sadie shakes her head side-to-side, glances at the girl, and continues, “We should be able to find a way through.” This time she speaks directly to Anna. “But…if we don’t…we’ll have to hike back around the way we came.”
None of it sounds inviting to the young girl; she doesn’t want to do any more hiking than necessary, and going forward to simply return the way they started sounds exhausting. Honestly, she doesn’t even want to think about the trek. Along this journey, Anna’s discovered, in regards to hiking, she takes more after her mother than her father and she’d like nothing more than to rest for a really, really long time. Sadie, sensing the girl’s hesitancy and weariness, looks to Clara.
The old woman nods, taking over, “Anna…Sadie and I have been talking…there’s another possibility.” She takes Anna’s hands. “I know we’ve just met, but…I feel like we’re meant for each other. I could use some company and you…need…a place…to heal.”
Anna’s eyes open wider, she looks to Sadie, then back to Clara.
“Why don’t you stay with me for a while? Rest, recover, help me with the garden, and then…when you’re ready…return to your home,” Clara cautiously offers.
“We also need to check in with Jose and Caleb,” Sadie interjects. “We took longer than planned to get here…they’re expecting us back. I don’t want ’em worrying, or worse, for Jose to leave his post and come looking. To make up time…it’s gonna be a push…meaning, heading out tomorrow, and…you really should rest.”
Shockingly, it’s not surprise Anna feels. Without the girl realizing it, Sadie’s been preparing her along the way, and Anna, understanding it’s for her own good, still finds it upsetting that they didn’t talk about it before now.
“How come you didn’t tell me ’bout this?” Anna snaps so abruptly it surprises even her.
Sadie, recognizing the pain behind the question, takes a deep breath before replying. “I’m sorry, kiddo. Please believe I’m doin’ my best to make sure you’re okay. I thought about whether to tell you or not so many times.” She glances at the old woman. “But first, I thought it proper to talk with Clara…it is her home.”
Clara smiles lovingly at them both.
“Second, I worried you’d think I was tryin’ to get rid of ya. You needed to meet Clara…see her home…and understand how healing this place can be. And, more importantly…I thought you needed the journey with your own thoughts…I didn’t want it to get muddled with somethin’ new. The time was for you…and your parents.”
At Sadie’s last words, Anna’s eyes tear and she doesn’t even try holding them back.
“Sss-sss-sorry,” she barely squeaks out after a while.
“Oh, child, there’s nothin’ to be sorry ’bout,” Clara soothes her, while wiping dry the girl’s cheeks.
Anna, looking miserable, needs rest, and seeing she’s done for the night, they make a bed and let her sleep, knowing they’ll finish their discussion and figure out what’s best in the morning.
Early the following day, Sadie and Clara sit in the kitchen talking intently while waiting for Anna to wake. They let her sleep longer, before Sadie goes to check on her. Anna, curled up in bed, and barely awake, stirs as Sadie nears. Standing up and feeling sore, Anna helps fold the extra bedding before joining Clara, who wishes the girl a cheery good morning while handing her a small basket.
“Come on…follow me.” Clara takes Anna’s hand and turns to Sadie. “We’ll be back.”
Anna, still a little groggy, follows her through the garden and up a short path. Clara talks the entire way, filling the girl’s head with interesting tidbits. Anna’s legs ache with each step, especially as the trail grows steeper, but once they reach a gate and enter a small orchard surrounded by overgrown berry brambles, Anna is once again amazed. Of the many trees, she recognizes apple, avocado, and lemon. The others, she isn’t sure about. Clara continues to talk about each, the care they need, and when they’re in season. She moves swiftly and leads them directly to the last two trees, which are filled with a waxy-looking orange fruit. Anna doesn’t recognize it and looks quizzically at Clara, who picks a piece and hands it to her.
“Not sure, are ya?” Clara asks. “They’re persimmons…and they’re just coming into season. I thought they’d be nice with breakfast.”
She teaches Anna how to tell when they’re ripe, and the two of them fill the basket. When they return, Sadie has the rest of breakfast ready and is excited to see the bounty. They sit down, starting with the fresh fruit, and although the flavor is new, Anna is surprised by how much she likes them. After eating several bites, she wipes away some of the juice from her chin and smiles.
“They’re so good!” Anna says, sounding once again like a little girl.
Sadie, smiling back, agrees, while eating another and hoping not to jeopardize the enjoyment by changing the topic. “Anna,” she begins, “we should finish our conversation from last night.”
The girl, knowing what’s coming, feels better prepared. Anna’s thought a lot about it, and the conversation starts with the difficulties both Clara and Sadie faced after losing their husbands, along with the healing they needed. All agree, Anna needs time and it’s just a matter of where it would be best for her.
Thinking about home, Anna knows she’s not ready to run the homestead, nor is she able
to handle all the memories the place holds. Staying with Sadie would mean joining her as she patrols back and forth among all of their places, and Anna definitely doesn’t want that. If she stayed at Sadie’s place, she’d be alone most of the time, and staying in the cave with Caleb doesn’t sound good either.
Really, the best option is staying right here with Clara. The more they discuss it, the more logical a solution it seems. It’s a safe place with someone who cares, where Anna can learn much, and when ready, she can finish her quest. Maybe, by that time, they’ll discover a shorter route that leads directly to her home. All three ladies feel good about the plan, and as Clara gets up to make more tea, Sadie leans close to Anna.
“So…for sure, you’re okay stayin’ here…without me?” Sadie whispers, asking the girl.
Anna, grateful Sadie’s checking with her privately, replies positively. Sadie, reassured, leaves the kitchen, telling them to wait and grabs her backpack. Returning with the behemoth bag, Sadie rummages through it while talking.
“I’ve got a few things for both of you…and I’m looking forward to getting ’em out of this pack.” She removes several packages, and as the pile grows, both Clara and Anna look at each other in shock and with excitement. “Okay…that should do it,” she says, removing a smaller item from yet another compartment.
“Is there anything left?” Clara asks, looking into Sadie’s backpack.
All three women laugh, and it’s a joyous sound. Sadie takes back her bag, lifts it up and down, happy with its lighter weight, and smiles. Then, she begins sorting the pile of goods and hands each of them a package wrapped in brown paper.
“Open ’em,” Sadie instructs.
They do as asked and find themselves holding an item they’re not sure what to do with. Sadie laughs at the looks on their faces and Clara and Anna enjoy seeing Sadie so lighthearted. When Sadie stops chuckling, she leans over and pushes a button on each of their devices.
“They’re tablets. I charged ’em before we left my place so they’d be ready,” she says, as both screens flick on.