Afterglow

A precocious little girl, with ringlets and carrot top hair wears bright colors and lace stockings. From a not so distant place, Zack sits perched on a bench. Enjoying an ordinary spring day, ice cream drips down his granddaughter’s chin. The back and forth sing song of the ocean, sand, surf, her own personal backyard. Innocent and free from worry, she squeals and claps her hands with joy, watching a puppy run and play. Just like Addie and Harry had, many moons ago. A handsome, patient old man whispers in her ear, playfully wiping her chin. Oh, what a young, virile, kind-hearted man he’d been. She missed him so, he promised to find her again, a twinge of regret heavy in her heart. It wouldn’t be long before he had to go, she’d be waiting with wide open arms. He tells Georgia stories of her grandmother, the woman he adored. The beautiful, bold, headstrong, creature, much like herself. He shares Harrison’s most intimate secrets, giving her tools she will need to go on, live a happy, carefree life. Harrison hopes her world is a kind place. She prays cruelty learns from compassion. She hopes time has made earth a softer, more malleable place to visit. Shame and fear obliterated, life colored with happy minutes. The baby grows into the independent, healthy woman, a healer and fearless warrior.