AUTHOR'S NOTE; If you would like to feel the full affect of the piece, please click on this music sample right here.
Another Afternoon
The sun shone through the trees in glittering shafts, each spot filled with warmth from the heat of mid-day. I walked barefoot through the forest, trailing my hand along the scattered rows of trees, feeling each trunk lightly with the tips of my fingers. I could smell the sweet scent of summer in the air, much less see it as clear as day. The grass was soft, each leaf that had fallen from the trees over time creating small beds that were spread out among the forest floor.
Bushes of every kind were scattered about, including blueberries and strawberries. Apple trees could be found every now and again, but the real treats were the cherry trees. They smelled heavenly, laden thickly with small, black cherries that could be eaten as soon as they were picked, which was usually upon sight.
Maple trees were my favorite though, their bark smooth and worn while their branches reached upward to greet the sky. They were somehow majestic, commanding authority no matter the cause.
In the distance, I heard a call. It sounded strangely like my name, and puzzled, I looked up to see if I knew the person. He was small, a tiny figure in the distance, but I could tell that he was running, even through the distance between us. I lifted my hand from the side of the maple tree, and started to walk toward him, noticing how the wind created an affect that almost resembled music. It brushed by me lazily, rustling the leaves that were close enough and within reach.
A tiny stream flowed by me, the gurgling water slipping now and again, stepping over rocks that were in its way. Small minnows swam with the quiet current, following it wherever it lead them. I stepped over the stream cautiously, then turning around to watch the water sparkle for a while. When the sunlight hit the water, it would explode into a rainbow at times.
I heard my name called again, this time clearer and softer. It felt as if the wind carried the sound along on its breeze, circling me softly, almost like an embrace. I stood, turning to continue my walk to the mysterious figure in the distance.
Walking by yourself reveals much time for thought, but I ignored my mind for the time being. My enjoyment of the summer forest was too great for thought, and I noticed with pleasure that it wasn’t hard to lose myself in its beauty.
The wind continued to cradle me as I walked, slipping under my footsteps every now and again, and causing me to laugh. Every passing minute seemed like an eternity, but every second passed as quickly as the next. When what seemed like a day had passed, I entered a small clearing that was completely emerged in sunlight.
A familiar figure stood in it, off to the side by a garden of roses. I crossed the clearing to meet him, and as soon as I recognized his face, tears sprang to my eyes. With the scent of roses and the afternoon dimming around us, he pulled me into his arms. “I never left you, and I never will.”
Fireflies started to blink, their lights winking happily in the evening that was approaching fast. I leaned my head on his shoulder, breathing in him, relaxing in his arms. Closing my eyes, I murmured, “Can you promise me that?”
He leaned down to whisper his answer in my ear. “I promise on the light of the day and the shine of the stars, not matter what.”
We stood together for an even longer time, matching our breathing and memorizing the feel of the other person’s embrace, the exact outline of their arms. The cheerful breeze that had played along with the summer sunlight now embraced us both with warmth from the night air. I could see the stardust floating along with it, shimmering slightly.
Pulling back from his arms, with my eyes still closed, I rested my forehead on his chin, whispering against the quiet of the night that had darkened. “I never would have imagined this.” I looked up into his eyes, not noticing the change of scenery.
The quiet essence of the forest faded, and white walls rose in its place. I found myself in a bed, with various IVs and wires connected to my arms and a head bandage around my head. I was still gazing into his eyes before I noticed the hospital setting and the chair that he sat in.
“And I never thought I would see you again.” He murmured, entwining his fingers with mine. “Welcome back.” Tears sprang into his eyes as he held my hand delicately, and his lower lips trembled a bit. “What did you dream about when they operated?” He asked hesitantly, his gaze searching.
“I dreamed about you. And me.” I smiled weakly, finally realizing that I was awake. “Another afternoon.”
“I promise on the light of the day and the shine of the stars, not matter what, I will never leave you.” He stated suddenly, causing me to smile wistfully. I squeezed his hands, murmuring back.
“You don’t need to tell me, Joe.” I closed my eyes. “I already know.”
It was amazing what dreams could do to one’s conscious.
And it was amazing what the sunlight in the afternoon could do to one’s heart, even if one only witnessed it in a dream.
