Almara’s PovThe media tightens the circle around Robert and Roman, thrusting eager questions their way and shutting me and Arthur out. In the midst of this, one voice captures my attention.“Almara! Almara!” I hear over the excitement. I turn around and instantly see who’s calling me. My mom and dad are pushing their way through the crowd.“Mom? Dad?” I respond, mostly to myself. Wasn’t expecting that. Lily jumps in. Her voice startles me.
Almara’s PovThe moon is a silver crescent high in the sky casting just enough light on my parents faces to accentuate the concern wedged in between their furrowed eyebrows. I lock my eyes onto theirs hoping they pick up on the utter exhaustion and save this conversation for later. Of course, they don’t.“Why have you guys been so cold to Arthur? You’re acting like you don’t even know him.” I say and slightly regret the attitude in my voice. I’ve never been rude to my parents, but they barely know the half of what I’ve been thro
Almara’s PovArthur and I retreat back up to our bedroom with Grace. I have her sprawled out on the king-sized mattress while I lie my side next to her. “I’m sorry about my parents.” I tell him absent-mindedly as I stroke small circles on Grace’s pudgy belly.“Nothing for you to be sorry for,” Arthur calls out in reply from the walk-in closet. “Can’t say I really blame them. I mean, does it sting? Sure, but there coming from a caring place.” Arthur returns down the hall with two designer suitcases in his hands.
Almara’s Pov“Arthur, where are you taking me?” I ask for the fifth time since we’ve gotten in the car. I mostly want to know because the suspension is killing me, but also Arthur blind folded me and I’m starting to feel car sick.“We’re almost there.” He says, which is what he said the last two times I asked.“Will you at least tell me what Grace is doing?” I ask.
Almara’s PovWe’re about to dock at Azaela National Park. It’s noon, the sun is shining bright, giving Arthur a warm glow to his skin. We stand at the front of the boat with Arthur’s arm looped around my waist and Grace seated on my hip. I can’t believe how big she’s gotten over the last few months.We stand united soaking in the ethereal beauty of nature. The air is crisp and cool, and the only thing taller than the trees that line the permitter of the water are the mountains in the distance.
Almara’s PovI finally catch a fish. I pop up from the water and wave my arms in the air. “Did you see that?” I call out frantically to Arthur and Grace who are sitting on the shore watching and cheering me on.Well, technically I caught a fish before with Arthur’s help, but this one I got all by myself. Arthur lets out a howl of approval and I see Grace try to mimic him and I sound my own back. Arthur was right, we do rule this land.I swim my way back over to them, wat
Almara’s PovI stomp my way through the jungle, pushing foliage out of my way and cursing through my blurred vision. I know I’m not being the most effective searcher right now, but I can’t seem to get my emotions under control. So, I stop trying to.I sink down onto the sand and let the softness hold me. Bringing my knees up to my chest, I burrow my head into my hands letting my hair fall down and weep. I cry uncontrollably and just allow myself to feel every anxiety, every worry, and every concern.
Almara’s PovWe don’t find Grace. Darkness has now blanketed the sky and with it the feeling of defeat. The once welcomed dazzling stars now seem to mock me as a reminder that time yet another day has come and go and I am’ without my daughter.Arthur and I sit side by side mindlessly watch the waves lap one another. My open wounds from getting cut my branches and torn skin from stepping on shells stings in the salty air. I don’t mind the pain though, I hardly pay attention to it.