Shores of Eden (part 1)

“This isn’t what I expected,” she said calmly, scanning the horizon for a glimpse of the promised glow. Seven years of preparation wasted, she thought, disappointment etched on her face. She searched the eyes of her guide, expecting answers but finding only experience beyond his years, a resolve that claimed nothing is impossible, and the glint of love that captivated her on their first meeting.

“Did you expect to see it your first day?” he countered, staring at the same horizon but apparently seeing something entirely different. “Have faith. The same faith that called you here will reveal your desire. It is late and you must rest.”

Angowai gestured back to their gear, and silently walked away. She watched him disappear into the jungle at the abrupt edge of the beach. Angie reflected on her journey thus far, on Angowai, and on this seemingly average white sand beach with seemingly normal waves lapping at her tired feet.

“Angowai,” she called, suddenly remembering that she needed his help to set up their camp for the night. No response came from the slightly ruffled vegetation, the only indication that someone had recently passed through to the jungle that lay beyond.

“Why am I here?!” she cried aloud, feeling abandoned, tired, and overwhelmed by feeling underwhelmed.

-Do you think I’ve left you?-

The familiar voice of reason spoke loudly, commanding, yet loving and soft. “The voice of reason”, she mused, recalling the beginning of her adventure, seven years ago tonight. The same voice only less pronounced and more like a gentle thought had put it in her head that paradise was an actual place. The Garden of Eden was real. She devoted the next years pouring over myths, legends, and every traveler’s tale of parasidic visions. The voice of reason grew stronger and louder, taking on a personality of its own as she drew near the expedition.

-Did I bring you here to mock you?-

Angie had to admit that the voice of reason was no longer some personification of her own longing for adventure and was in fact a source outside herself, communicating, guiding, revealing pieces of itself.

-Do you think you can fully experience all that I have to show you in this state? Rest Angie. For tomorrow… -

-This is your last day as the Angie you know.-

Angie tensed, momentarily frozen by the weight of Reason’s declaration.

-This is your last day as the Angie you know.-

posted by Renovo Creative @ 4:08 PM