A jeans-clad Nash sat down on a pool lounger and faced his sister. He noticed the empty plate, which meant she’d finished lunch. The frown lines had been etched on his forehead all day. Emotionally he felt spent. He was spent. “Bella, we need to talk. I’ve put off telling you something long enough. It can’t wait.”
“Of course we can talk. What’s happened to you?” Bella lifted her sunglasses. “Whoa, you look like you’ve been in a thought prison.” Her expression showed concern.
“Well, my thought prison threw open the doors to me, and I stepped inside like a fool. Listen, I’ve come to you for help in gaining clarity on what I should do. My head’s jumbled with thoughts pulling me every which way.”
“You make it sound—”
“However I’m making it sound, it’s much worse. I’ve got a decision to make. A hard-as-hell decision, and on so many levels.” Nash rubbed his neck muscles and winced.
Bella scooted forward in her chair. “No. Please tell me you haven’t received—”
Nash said nothing but opened his fist, revealing the gold nugget.
“How long do you have to decide?” Bella asked in a trembling voice.
“Two more days. The irony is Abby’s the one who gave me the charm. She discovered it on her first day here when we visited Angel Cascade.” Nash stood and began pacing. “I know what you’re thinking. Why did I wait so long to tell you—to deal with this? I’ve been asking myself that question all the livelong day.”
Bella went to his side and touched Nash’s arm. “Tell me. What happened today to make you face this? That answer will help me understand more.”
“For starters, I made myself feel the loss of being without you and the kids. That created a huge hole in my heart when I thought of it. Then, there are my feelings for Abby, which came out of nowhere. I don’t even know how to process what’s happening between us. I mean, it’s only been a few days since she landed in my world. How can someone feel whatever this is in a few days?” Nash stole a glance at Bella.
“So, you and Abby do have a thing going. I suspected as much. For the record, she’s got my vote for a sister-in-law. I’d say you found gold a second time with Abby.”
“A sister-in-law? I’m not at the marrying place—”
“Yes, you’re there. Forget that you’ve only known each other a short time. When you know, buster, you know. Besides, it’s evident that you’re in love with Abby, and she with you. That’s marriage worthy.” Bella laughed and waved. “But now ain’t the time for a declaration of love chat. What else happened to bring you out of denial?
“For the record, I’m temporarily stowing your proclamations on my romantic life to move this discussion along.” Nash sucked in a breath. He probably was in love with Abby. To his surprise, letting his mind think it brought a wave of happiness.
“Still waiting to hear more.” Bella prodded.
“All right. The team made a significant discovery during an experiment today. We succeeded in applying specific intentions into structured water. This has huge implications for healing and health. Wouldn’t you know the team voted me to head this next phase? It requires a long-term commitment.” Nash paused, recalling his earlier excitement at the prospect.
“Congratulations. Doesn’t this sort of breakthrough have the potential to shift the negative turn people have taken back home, never mind enhance the quality of life in Charm?”
“It does.” Nash grew quiet.
“I know what’s adding angst. You’re keenly aware that society on the other side is spiraling downward. The polarizing behaviors, the climate shifts, and the emerging diseases have turned life toxic. They’re lost unless an intervention happens to guide them. Think about my words,” said Bella.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Probably not.” Bella paused. “Look, Nash, what I’m saying is if you go back there bringing this knowledge, think of the possible good. Yes, the information gets delivered to the scientist there through the dream state and other means. Still, it’s not the same as your being there receiving insights directly. You know how to use the portals and speed up the process. You know that I’m right.”
Nash stared off, absorbing his sister’s words. “You’re telling me to go.”
Bella playfully tipped Nash’s ballcap. “I most certainly am not telling you to go. You think I’m crazy? The kids and I love you to pieces and never want you to leave us. I’m advocating you finding out if you’re called to help heal things by going back, or is it a call for something else? Seek that answer. Ask to be shown.”
“And if?” Nash pressed.
“And if you’re being led to go back, you should consider honoring that call. If your work in Peru still matters, then return and finish. You must glean what the nugget means regarding your path. You still have free will to go or stay. The option to leave is a gift—to honor your years of selfless work and accomplishments.”
“Thanks for reminding me what the nugget symbolizes. I recognized my contributions can happen in either place but in a different way. Back there, I’d receive input and not give input. My focus would be on implementing. Here, I’m discovering and developing what’s meant to further all living things’ evolvement. Both efforts are rewarding, but not in the same ways. I get your point about me being present on the other side to move discoveries forward more easily. That’s true enough.” Nash hesitated. He felt a slight vibration in his solar plexus. An insight flashed into his mind.
Bella’s expression changed. “Are you okay?”
Nash gave a nod. “I know the next question I must answer. Where do I feel most led to fulfill my purpose?”
“It’s what defines the whole Charm experience. Using our gifts for good.” Bella sighed. “I believe there’s one final question as well. Your answer to both will illuminate your destiny, my brother.” Bella motioned to Nash. “Let’s take a walk to the labyrinth. We both need time inside it.”
Nash felt some of the heaviness lift. “You’re brilliant, sister. That’s exactly where I need to spend time. About that question of yours?”
“Brilliant me will share it at the labyrinth. Let’s do this together, the same as when we arrived in Charm…together.”
“Okay.”
Nash turned his attention to the trees. He smiled to himself, thinking about his last forest bathing outing and the woman who’d come to occupy the empty place in his heart. Worry returned. Indecisiveness was a malady he’d never suffered until the nugget appeared, offering him the opportunity to resume his old life. Thoughts stalked him as he approached the labyrinth. He hoped Bella’s question would soon cancel the swirling confusion inside of him.
Bella stood at the labyrinth’s entrance. “Since you returned to your thought prison on our walk here, I’m wondering if you found your answer?” A small grin appeared.
“Great. I’m in hell, and you want to torment me further by pointing out my failings. Of course I didn’t find my answer. I thought I needed your great and insightful question first.” Nash picked a single white lily growing at his feet. “This bloomed for my apology. I’m sorry for being so—”
“Stop there. No apology required, but I’ll accept the lovely lily.” Bella hugged her brother. “Let’s get you centered and let the labyrinth’s magic bring you wisdom and inner guidance. Yes?”
“Yes.” Nash removed his sneakers to make direct contact with the ground’s energy source. “My question, if you please?”
“Based on Charm’s teachings and our method of living life on purpose here’s your last question. Since heart love is life’s elixir, where does your heart yearn to call home?” Bella stood on tiptoes, kissed Nash’s cheek, and then entered the labyrinth.
For Nash, time ceased until he stepped out of the labyrinth. He felt wiser and closer to a decision, but his heart still lacked a vital piece. And Abby Drake, the woman who’d swept into his life, held it.