My Short Short for the Day

Willa raced down the dirt path kicking up dust behind her.  She skidded around the curve nearly colliding with the crooked oak tree but caught herself just shy of impact.  Gaining speed again she dashed up the hill, crested the top and tucked her shoulder in letting momentum carry her in a controlled tumble down the hill.  As she neared the bottom, she untucked and landed on her feet.  Without a pause she sprinted the last stretch and reached the massive stone structure.  The archway over the doors seemed to frown down at her.  She dusted off her clothes, straightened her back and calmly knocked.

Footsteps echoed down the hall as Willa waited.  The door creaked open just as the bell gonged.  Willa’s eyes twinkled in mischief as Garet looked down at her with disapproval. 

“On time, as usual.”  Garet stated.

Willa bowed with perfect dignity and respect.  “Thank you, sir.”

Garet rolled his eyes and stepped back bringing the huge door with him.  “Enter.”

Willa nodded and walked inside.  She forced her mouth to stay shut as her eyes took in the amazing artistry of the stone hallway.  One day, she would create such beautiful imagery.

“This way.”  Garet shuffled past her gesturing slightly with his hand.

Willa fell in step behind him peeking at the tapestries draping the walls.  The adventures they must have had, Willa thought.  One day she would have splendid adventures, too.  She would travel the world, the universe and write stories of her adventures.  She would paint pictures and weave tapestries, too.  People would tell tales of her legendary journeys. 

“Ahem.”  Garet was staring down at her holding a door ajar.

Willa shook herself out of her imagination and blushed slightly.  Bowing her head, she slipped inside the door.  The door shut silently pushing a small gush of wind at her back. 

“Willa, my dear.  Come.  Come.”  The gentle, old voice beckoned her.

She smiled warmly as she walked into the fire light.  She bent and kissed Eden’s wrinkled cheek as the gnarled hand enveloped hers.  Willa knelt down by the chair and looked into the fire. 

“Do you see it, dear?”  Eden asked.

“Yes, yes.  I do.”  Willa said concentrating on the image that slowly came into focus.

“What do you see?” 

“It’s…hard to say.”

“Try, dear.”

“It’s kind of grey but sparkly, too.”  Willa leaned forward as if that would help the image become clear.  “I can’t tell what it is, though.”

“Yes, it is hard to tell.”  Eden shifted.

At the movement Willa turned her head and looked directly into Eden’s eyes.  Eyes that had once 

been clouded now looked just as the image did.  Grey with sparkles.  Willa’s brow furrowed.

“What’s going on?”  She whispered.

“That is the question, my dear.  That is the question.”  Eden turned back toward the fire.

Willa looked down at her lap, still holding Eden’s hand, clasping it for comfort.  “I’m afraid.”

“Yes, dear.  As you should be.  But do not let fear turn you away from your path.”  Eden said gently squeezing Willa’s hand.  “We all depend on you now.  You are the one who must answer the question.”

“Me?  But I still have so much to learn.  Isn’t there someone else?”  Willa wanted adventure but she assumed it would be when she was much older.  It was easier to be brave when adventure seemed a ways off in the future.

“You are the one, dear.  I’ve known for a long time this day would come.  You are ready.  It is time.”  Eden placed her other hand on top of Willa’s head.

Willa wanted to cry but the comfort that flowed from Eden soon filled her heart.  From this comfort came strength which filled her spirit.  “Yes, it is time.”

Willa stood, bowed low to Eden before gently releasing the gnarled hand.  Willa stared for a moment longer, etching the old woman’s image into her mind.  Slowly Eden smiled as if knowing.

“It is time, dear.”

Willa bowed one more time then turned and walked to the door.  At the door she hesitated just for a second, waiting for any last words but none came.  She slipped out the door, down the hall and into the dark of night.