Daniel could hardly wait for the bus to Haleiwa. He had gotten the first flight back to Honolulu and knew he would have to wait for the bus. But now that it was happening, he was beside himself with excitement. He sat at the station watching people come and go. The month long Festival of the Legends was just winding down and tourists were still arriving to catch the last few days of it.
The evening sun dipped behind the tall Hawaiian mountains, and Daniel breathed in the glorious island air. He had only been gone for two weeks, but it felt like an eternity. His heart was beating out of his chest with excitement, and yet he felt a calm and peace come over him now that he was finally back on the island.
The bus arrived on time, and Daniel boarded with thoughts of Michelle and their future. There were very few people on the bus and Daniel was glad to have the time to think about what he would say to her. When he left California, all he thought about was Michelle. His only concern was getting back to her. It wasn’t until this moment that he realized he actually had to explain his return visit to Michelle and share the longings of his heart. Fear gripped his insides. What if she didn’t want him? What if she wasn’t interested in him the way he was in her? What if she wanted to get back with her old boyfriend or worse yet, that Kana guy?
Daniel exhaled and let the worries escape. Closing his eyes, he thought of the plans God had for him. He thought of his talk with George and his conversation with Elizabeth. He believed he was doing what God wanted him to do and knew that he was supposed to be exactly where he was. He also knew that the words would come. He trusted God and had faith that everything would work out the way it was supposed to.
The bus arrived in Haleiwa as the moon rose in the night sky. Daniel thanked the driver, got off and began walking toward the road that led to Trinity Ranch. He passed the Hula Surf Restaurant and saw the lights inside. Kaiko was serving a couple of teenagers and looked as happy and carefree as always. Daniel really liked her and thought she was a very friendly girl. But his heart belonged to Michelle. Although he knew Kaiko would be glad to escort him to the farm, he knew this was a journey he had to make alone.
Daniel walked the dirt road in silence, listening to the sound of the surf lapping the Haleiwa shoreline. As he got closer to the ranch, the surf noise was replaced by crickets and farm animals. The lazy music drew him nearer, and he yearned to be back on the ranch. As he reached the crest of the hill overlooking Trinity Ranch, his pace quickened. He could see the lights of the farmhouse in the distance and knew it would only be a few minutes until he could be with Michelle again and tell her what was in his heart. He began jogging toward the familiar house that felt like home when a loud explosion stopped Daniel dead in his tracks. His body tensed, adrenaline surging through his body as he helplessly watched a wide cloud of black smoke billow into the sky.
What had happened on Trinity Ranch? Was everyone safe? Was Michelle safe?
The questions raced through Daniel’s mind. He knew the Clemens family desperately needed his help, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to return their hospitality. With the exception of Larry, the heartwarming family had embraced him as one of their own and now it was his turn to show his gratitude. Without any hesitation, Daniel bolted toward the large ball of light hoping he wasn’t too late.