Aquifer: A Novel
Page 38
*
Clayton’s thoughts drifted back to his adoptive childhood, living in his luxurious home in their exclusive gated community. His parents had given him every material comfort imaginable. He wanted for nothing, except for the things that really mattered. His childhood memories were filled with the ball games his parents missed, the birthday parties they hadn’t attended, the coldness and distance between them, and his feelings of always being in the way.
Though he would always be grateful for the opportunities his adoptive parents had provided him, Clayton’s interaction with Opal’s family allowed him to understand the meaning of the loneliness and the ache he had always carried in his heart. Love, time shared doing things together, closeness, acceptance and support - these were the ingredients of a happy family.
*
“No, they’ll give him a much better life than I ever could here,” The young Valoura sadly stated to her sister as she glanced back over her shoulder at the ram-shackled, run-down, Ozark cabin which looked like a good sneeze would destroy. “But inside, in my heart, I feel like dying every time I think of him. I will always love him,” lamented Valoura as she silently began to cry. “I'd like to be alone.”
Ellen nodded, patted Valoura’s hand and stood to leave.
Moments later Valoura descended the path along the face of the bluff on the far side of Blue Spring. Reaching the bottom she turned to her right, toward the triangular grotto with the parallel white limestone veins near the top.
*
After completing their Sunday afternoon dinner, Clayton and a jubilant Opal went to Blue Spring. They descended the steep path along the face of the bluff on the far side of the spring. Reaching the bottom of the trail, they turned to their right and headed for the grotto.
Entering, they sat upon the ground with their backs against the rock wall.
“And now,” said Opal, “I’ll tell you all about your family.”
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– The End –