“Of course.” Eriska beamed at me. “Why do you think I made sure you saw the advertisement for the practice for sale?”
“That was you?” I thought back to the number of times the ad for the vet practice had crossed my path.
“Aye, it was. Your great, great, grandmother was a healer there. One of the few places we stayed for a long time. I always wanted to get back there, but life led me elsewhere.”
“You didn’t tell me, though. Not much about it. That would have helped.” Frustration twisted low in my gut. All those years of feeling alone …
“Everything comes in its own time, my sweet girl. And now?Nowis the time for healing.”
“How? I’m here,” I said, annoyance lacing my voice. I was frustrated. Angry with Luch for hiding from me, and at myself for losing my focus during an intense healing session.
“Well, here is a good place to be.” Eriska smiled at me, her eyes full of love. “I know I was never one for many gifts, as I didn’t have much to give, but let me give you this, my love.”
“What?”
“Come, sit with me, one last time.”
“Last time? Won’t I see you again?” I asked, confused, as I dropped to the ground with her, nestling among the tall wildflowers, their petals fluttering gently around us in the breeze.
“You will, here and there, in your dreams, and I’ll always live in your memory. But like this? This is special. So let me give you a gift.”
“Wait, maybe I don’t want it. Maybe I want to stay here with you.” Tears filled my eyes, and stubbornness took over. Life with my mum had been far from perfect, but at least I’d known I was loved.
“You can’t, my darling child. The only truth in life is that nothing ever stays the same. All we can do is linger in moments, celebrating them for what they are, and learn to move forward with grace.”
“I don’t know what moving forward looks like. Not from here. Not with him.” I gestured to myself, harsh bruises standing out on my arms.
“That’s what makes it even scarier. But just because you can’t see the way doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the first step. So let’s do it, here and now, together.”
“But what if it’s not the right choice? What if he’s not the right choice?” I scrambled to keep asking her questions, to linger here in this moment with her.
“Do you love him?”
“I do.” The truth of it sat there, hanging in the air between us, and Eriska’s smile widened.
“Then you’ll figure it out. Love always finds a way, Faelan of the flowers. And how exciting! My baby girl has finally found love. With a most unusual and exciting partner. You’ll never have a dull moment, the two of you. I think you need to give this a chance.”
“He hurt me,” I whispered, blinking back tears as the image of my mother began to blur, the dream state I was in starting to slip away.
“And he likely will again. Loving someone doesn’t mean they’ll never hurt you. We’re all human after all.” Eriska laughed and shook her head. “Well, mostly human.”
“I …”
“Wheesht, Faelan, our time fades. Let me help.” Eriska squeezed my hands. “Look at me.”
I did, my love for her on my face, and she smiled. “Repeat after me.”
I nodded.
“What I took,I took in care,
But pain not mine, I cannot bear.
By root and river, flame and mist,
I break the hold of pain’s dark fist.
Through skin and soul,I set it free,
