2/17/14

I ran, clinging to the calling of silent woods, even though everything I had ever been taught told me I was an absolute idiot. I was running straight into a dark, empty grove, late at night, alone. 

Can you say stupid? 

The voices faded the further away I got. I could still hear Tess though, shouting for me to come back. Her thoughts were less kind than her words. 

What the heck? She’s going crazy. 

“Shut up Tess! I can’t help it if I’m going crazy!” I screamed. The other voices had mellowed to whispers now, and I could feel my pulse begin to settle. The darkness was soothing and terrifying all at once. My past told me it was scary, but the solitude was balm on a wound. I breathed deeply, fighting for control. 

“What is happening to me?” I said aloud, the sound of my voice breaking the silence. The next sound I heard nearly sent me jumping with surprise. My phone rang clear and sharp through the still night air. 

“Hello?” 

“Hi honey.” It was my mom. I gasped in relief at the sound of a familiar voice, steady and real. 

“Oh my gosh, it’s so good to hear from you!” I said earnestly. 

“I have some bad news, sweetheart.” She said, and I caught the hint of tears in her tone. Fear rising again, I was afraid to ask what was wrong. 

“Your grandma died. Dad and Uncle Geoff went up to visit Granddad this afternoon.” 

“Oh,” I breathed, surprised. “I’m so sorry. Was she sick?” 

“No, she’d been sick over Christmas remember? But that was just a cold. I think it was just her time to go.” 

You’ll see someday, Wren. 

My hands shook. 

Just her time…

Her time. 

My time. 

Your time will come sweet pea. You’ll be someone someday. 

“Mom?” I said. “Did grandma leave me anything?” 

“Yes, how did you know? Dad said there was a letter addressed to you on her nightstand. Do you know what it is?” 

“I don’t know. Not exactly.” 

“Do you want dad to open it for you?” 

“No,” I said hurriedly. “But have him send it here. On second thought, just save it for me. I’m going to come home this weekend. I think—“ I stumbled, not sure what I should say. I didn’t need everyone in my life thinking I was a lunatic, least of all my own mother. “I think it might be important, that’s all.” I finished. 

“Okay. If you’re coming home be very safe-“ 

“Yeah will do. Gotta go bye.” I said all in one breath, hanging up. She phoned me back but I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. I had to think, and to be alone and to remember. 

Your time will come Wren. You’re going to be somebody someday. Just wait.