“Oh Billy, I forgot, here’s the key to the fifth wheel. It never worked.” I hand her the key.
“What do ya mean it never worked?”
“I don’t know what to tell you Billy, you’ll have to ask Bubba about that. I love you both. Bye!”
Once I’m in the car I fall apart. The tears keep dripping down my face. I am so relieved to be leaving, but at the same time, I am so sad. I’m sad about everything. Is my outlook on life so simple and childlike that I trust that all things will turn out hopeful and positive? I’m too old to be so naive. Ray telling me what he did about Bubba helps to clear some questions from my mind. I always forget that many people have ulterior motives and are not to be trusted. Maybe I need therapy on this, having the faith of a child like I do. Still, maybe not, I like who I am. I don’t want anybody messing around with my mind or spirit ever again.
I proceed slowly taking one last look at Hacienda. I see Orbona and her growing family walking the road by the fifth wheel. They are coming for feed. This does not help stop the flow of tears any. Good bye Goddess Orbona! I say softly. Bandito is staring at me and then turns to look in the direction of my eyes. He follows the view of the fifth wheel as it slowly disappears. He has seen me pack and leave before. He knows we are never returning. He turns back to me and almost smiles, puts his tiny paw on my arm, and then focuses down the highway.
“You’re such a good boy Bandito. Have I told you how much I love you lately?” His thin arm tightens on mine.
When I reach the first day use area I pull in. It isn’t very often I walk Bandito without Bonita. I am putting Bandito’s leash on when I see it. It is very still and watching me from the edge of the creek. Bandito begins to growl, but does not bark. My heart is racing. It’s the mountain lion. My God, it is so beautiful! It slowly begins walking along the edge of the creek coming in our direction. Its eyes, the color of a wheat field in the sun, pierce into my own weary blue eyes. There is an invisible thread that connects our solitary and private worlds as we momentarily bond through the windows of our separate existences. We have both escaped the terror of an angry ignorant man.
The mountain lion releases me from its probing trance and turns its head downward to lap water from the creek. I watch proudly as my totem gazes at me one last time before disappearing into the darkness of the forest. I suddenly feel limp as if a long time affliction has left my body and calmed the panic I had felt inside. How blessed I am to have seen this majestic creature at this last moment. I will be okay.
I head to the animal hospital to retrieve Bonita. The queen size bed and color TV will be a wonderful recompense for my lost days and nights as a fast-fry cook at Hacienda. We will have many miles and much to see before we reach Lancaster. I will worry about my future later. I do not plan on planning anything. God probably needs a good rest from laughing so much. I’m glad I can entertain the invisible man.
About the Author
Diane Stegman has been an artist throughout most of her life and spends her free time painting or writing. She owned and operated a custom picture framing shop in Carmel Valley for thirteen years and currently resides in the high desert of southern California with her parents, tending to their daily needs and health concerns. Diane is the proud mother of two grown sons and grandmother of four grandchildren. This is her first published book.
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