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I woke to the sound of the shower. The sliding wooden door that led to the bathroom kept steam and song from rushing into the bedroom. Jessica hummed a light melody I didn’t recognize, but I knew the nature of it. A childlike bliss that appeared so seldom but floated on the air like a flock of birds soaring in the morning sun.
I pushed the covers back and placed my feet on the floor.
What now?
My heart wrestled with the plans I carried with me onto this island, plans to get through and be rid of her. They crumpled in the fire of last night’s spiritual supernova. I watched them in my mind’s eye as they crackled and reduced to ash.
Why do I need a plan, anyway? For once, Ron, live in the moment.
I rose and went over to my suitcase, unzipped it, and stroked the folded soft cotton shirt on the top. I took a deep breath and pulled it back along with several others stacked, giving me access to the bottom. And there it was.
Why did I bring this? Did I know? Somewhere deep down?
The tip of my index finger grazed the ring I wore for years that left an indention in my skin. At times, it represented a prison of torture for my soul. But at that moment, it represented the precipice of a new adventure.
Dare I jump?
I picked it up and held it in the sunlight that poured in through the glass doors. Tucking it in my palm, I turned towards them and slid them open. The ocean breeze and the sound of crashing waves washed over my face and ears. My heart swelled in the magic of that place and the memory of an unforgettable night with Jessica. Like no moment we shared before. A culmination of years. Learning each other, suffering at each other’s hands. And remaining.
But you were ready to leave, Ron. The divorce is almost finalized.
