The River Beyond
Something random….unfinished…untouched for a year or two…
When the river flows beneath my fingers I do not move, it’s something so pleasant. So much so that the rest of the world seems to float away.
After all, that’s how I like the world. Quiet, digestible, and absolutely mysterious. It’s a suggestion to god in some way.
“Sam?” Vicky’s voice rumbles through my ears as she leans by the riverbank with a hand on my shoulder.
“Yes, Vick?” My tone is edible, and as she swallows the air my words flow down with it.
“Papa wants you in the hut,” her brown hair brushes across my face as the wind caries her whisper, “he says the storms are going to be bad tonight.”
I trail my eyes from the water and carefully pull my wet hand out to rest on the bank.
“Is it gonna be another lecture?” I know very well that the only time my father wanted me was when I did something he didn’t like. It seemed to be the only thing I was good at here.
“No, Sam. He just wants you to learn that there’s better things to do than sit here and play with water. Besides, you could be helping with the haunt.”
“Playing with water,” I mumble as I sit up straight, falling back against the grass, and her hand falls away from my shoulder. “That’s what you all think I’m doing everyday?”
“That’s exactly what you do, Sam. I mean, be honest with yourself…you just…sit here and stare at this lake like you’re in love.”
“Maybe I am.” I hate that I admit that but it’s just a scientific type of love. Vicky doesn’t get that, and neither does anyone else here.
“Whatever you say, Sam. But you really need
to—“ her voice fades out as she gently wipes a water droplet from her forehead. “Rain,” She whispers, “get to the huts, the storm begins.”
With one sharp nod I jump up and walk in a heavy pace, Vicky following close behind in a strut.