Prologue
July 2017
Swirls of oil,like the feathers of a peacock, in hues of blue, green, and turquoise memorialize a moment in time.
Pearl’s tranquil, warm water ripples around my feet as I revere in the horizon's beauty—the thin line that separates the ocean and sky, rendering a mirrored reflection from one side to the other.
I close my eyes, welcoming the Hawaiian warmth to penetrate my skin, and my mind drifts out to sea, recalling the day, which President Roosevelt warned, would live in infamy.
Any source of clean air is sparse as black clouds of smoke bloom in every direction, and the world shatters beneath me.
The hum and whistles of explosives raining down from the sky are striking recollections of a nightmare that will never fade. Like film spinning on its reel until there was nothing left to view, I stood there still as a statue, frozen in time, with only seconds to ponder my options: to run away or step into the fire.
There were so many lives to save, but all I could see at that moment were arms, waving and pleading from the sloshing waters as their bodies incinerated. They were boys; young men who sacrificed their futures to protect our country and shouldn’t have had to die on American territory.
I couldn’t ignore the screams, cries, and pleas for help, and I questioned if I was the only one who could assist. My life was in jeopardy, like theirs, but I wanted to save as many as I could. For some, that meant merely holding a hand as they took their final breaths. Nothing could be worse than dying alone, and I knew offering comfort in their last moments was more important than saving myself.
I have lived a lifetime since this tragic day, wondering if I could have done more, but just as we can’t predict the future, it’s impossible to change the past.
Now, I’m left to wonder how far I must travel to findmyway home. I don’t know whether the waters will carry me gently to familiar shores or if the currents would pull me away, out to the white cap peaks beyond the clear blue water.
“It’s already been such a long, fulfilling journey, but it was always meant to be with you,” I speak into the wind. “I miss you terribly, darling, and like Frank Sinatra said, ‘I’m afraid I’ll never smile again until I smile at you…’”
This is where my life began, and where it shall end.
1
Current Day - October 2018
My apricot-colored chaise lounge,two matching guest chairs, and a small mango wood stand are all the furniture I need on this terrace.
Years ago, we had all the outdoor-living accoutrements. With a brick oven and grill, a stone centerpiece made up of sea glass, and several spots to sit at a weathered picnic-table, we had plenty of space to fit our large family. The sides of my tongue tingle just thinking about the sweetness of grilled pineapple. There was something special about the cool tangy taste among a humid night embodied by the whisking scent of rich botanicals and salty Pacific mist.
It has certainly been a while since I’ve hosted a dinner here, but I prefer simplicity these days. Plus, with the abundance of potted greenery and the sheer walls designed for a full view of the ocean, I’m complacent most of the time. At least, I presume to be. Not everyone can say they look in a mirror and find an unfamiliar person staring back at them, but I suppose this is just another one of life’s mysteries.
The low roar of a car’s engine crawls along the winding driveway to the left of my chair. I don’t believe I’m expecting company, but an invitation to my residence has never been necessary. In fact, I enjoy surprise visits.
I bend forward and take hold of the armrest for support while seeking a glimpse of the car. A sharp, sporty black sedan parks along the left side of the driveway, but I don’t recognize the vehicle or the well-dressed man stepping out onto the pavement.
Keiki, my live-in caretaker, will handle whatever the man needs. She’s the sole reason I can continue to live in the luxury of what we once built as a forever home. If it wasn’t for her, the upkeep of the house would be far too much work to take on alone. And I refuse to burden my family with such nonsense.
I release my hold against the armrests and lean back into my chair as the shine of a red ribbon catches my eye. I don’t recall bringing the new notebook outside with me, but maybe Keiki left it on the table in case I wanted to make some notes. My granddaughter—Makena, she was such a sweetheart to gift me the book. It even has my name etched into the leather. I open the pages to the ribbon marked spot, but there aren’t any reminders about appointments or visitors today. I suppose the gentleman must be a tourist trying to find his way downtown, but knowing Keiki, she will gather a notepaper and a pen from her pocket and write out precise directions for the poor man.
A faint knock on the outside of the room draws my attention through the open glass fixtures. “Yes,” I call out. “Keiki, is that you?”
The bedroom door swooshes open just wide enough for Keiki to poke her head in. Her long, silky dark hair falls to the side of her shoulders and her teeth glow against the coral pink coloring of her lips. With eyes that can tell hundreds of stories before speaking a single word, she appears perplexed.
“Good morning, honey. You have an unexpected visitor. I also have your breakfast if you’re ready.” Her voice is serene and dainty, but also clear and crisp. Keiki worked at a rejuvenation spa before coming to care for me. She has the patience of a saint, the calmness of a monk, and an essence of an angel.
“You know I will never turn down a surprise visit,” I reply, “and yes, I am ready for breakfast whenever you are, of course.” Keiki used to insist I eat up here alone because she seems to think it’s unprofessional to enjoy a meal with me since I pay her to be here, but the idealism behind such a thought is ridiculous. We should eat together like family. She takes care of me and helps in every way possible. The least I can do is enjoy meals with her after she spends the time preparing the food.
“Wonderful,” she says, blowing me a kiss. “I’ll be right back with breakfast. In the meantime, is it okay if I allow Daniel in to visit?” Keiki glances over her shoulder into the hallway. I suspect whoever Daniel is must be nearby.
Daniel?I don’t think I’m acquainted with anyone by that name. He might be one of the nice sailors from down the street. They stop by from time to time to say hello. Although, he didn’t resemble a sailor by the look of those fancy clothes. Gosh, sometimes my mind acts like an old record player hitting a pesky scratch. I’ve become so awful with names. “Of course. Send Daniel out here.”
My eyes aren’t bad for a woman my age, but unless I’m familiar with the sight, it’s hard to make out particular details. Daniel possesses familiar features, but I can’t place my finger on where I would know him from.
I adjust my position within the chair, waiting for Daniel to make his way outside. With a moment to jog through my thoughts, I can only wish there was a way to reconnect the loose wires that make up my memory.
