Flushes of a Peaceful Spring by Alexander S.

I pull at the branches from my view. The smell of dirt, grass, and rain wafts towards me, in a delighting aroma. Taking in the smell through the branches, a lot is taking place; picnic tables overfilling with foods, grasses greener than ivy, and the park covering quickly with colorful people wearing colorful clothing. I step closer to a lady dressed lavishly decorated in multitudes of blue shades of fabrics and say to her, " Hello miss, I have a question and I am wondering if you may answer?" The beautiful woman's expression opens up and she smiles, "Go on, then." Shooting a grateful look at her I begin, "I've heard that somewhere along this enchanting park lies a new kind of magic that promises rebirth to a newer self and inner peace. If you don't mind sharing with me, where do you think it rests?” The woman looks at me warmly and points in the direction of an enormous tree covered in new little sprouting buds. Beaming, I stare at the tree, then back at her. She giggles, encouraging, “The magic sleeps in that tree, if you celebrate with it, its spirit will guide you to what you've been seeking.” Pleased I begin laughing, grateful to have found such a helpful person, the woman slowly turns and cheerfully begins to walk away, humming a catchy uplifting tune. I thank her wholeheartedly before she gets out of sight. Looking at the tree, I begin walking closer to it. Getting closer, an abundance of people began to clear up and many are sitting next to the tree. Nature's sweet smell fills my nose as I take in a deep breath to reassure myself that I was in the present moment. Willing myself not to be shocked, I maneuver to an open place of grass and sit on the soft earth. Looking around, I take in and see that everyone is chatting, laughing, eating, conversing, drawing, and or reading. Trying not to become distracted from my mission, my attention draws back up to the vibrant tree. Taking off my backpack I unzip it, reach into it, taking out my journal and pen. Opening up my journal I glance at what's written there. *** You glow differently when you are healing. Everything that made you a victim is not your definition. Your life's purpose is to be doing anything that makes you satisfied and fulfilled or maybe highly content. There is so much more to you than what any situation, thing, or person has put you in and through. It is time to stop ignoring the call deep within. To stop telling yourself that you don't deserve small moments of happiness leads to more happiness. To let yourself feel. Let yourself be in the present moment and simply feel all your senses. You deserve to be loved so dearly, that you wouldn't believe that it doesn't exist for half the world. You deserve to be held so dearly, that you feel safer, happier, and more joyful. You deserve to be doing something that makes you so happy that the sun will forget how bright it shines compared to your brightness from within of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. *** Pausing, I lift my head and stare into the clouds. They are bright, welcoming the sun's rays as they land throughout the earth. Sun rays hit me and I bathe in the warmth, feeling the richness of a hug that isn't physical. I put my hands on the ground and intertwine my fingers with the grass feeling the coolness of it. Feeling the magic of peace and serenity laying over me. Something sharp jabs me at my spine, turning, I see someone extending their hands to catch themselves to cushion their fall. They cry out before falling on their face, as their massive tent-sized gown falls over me like a mushroom cap. Lifting the skirt, I crawl out from inside of the person's admirable flowing gown. Flattering colors of coral, salmon, and peach were exquisitely knit together in mesmerizing ways, that each way the fabric lifted, it glowed cheerfully in the beauty of its colors complimenting the person's figure altogether. I stand and move over to the mystery person. A deep groan comes from the dress and I ask, “Are you alright in there?” No one replies. Aimlessly, I search for the person's hand through the large amounts of fabrics. Worrying, I shamelessly feel around for a face. Like a butterfly shedding out of its cocoon, a head of dark dreads pops out, along with a face that compliments them. Straight, dark, and firm brows, with almond-shaped, enchanting, cinnamon-colored eyes, a strong fitting nose, along with a strong sharp jaw and a full-lipped pink smiling mouth that rose with a muffled laugh. I start laughing too. It was so ridiculous yet spectacular to have met such a strange yet beautiful person. Though this was our first impression of each other. I wonder who they are and how they fell over me. I peer over at the person, bend down, and begin dusting off their dress covered in grass. Smiling into their face I ask them, - “What’s your name?” They blush and look down, replying, - “Lend, my name is Lend. I so freaking apologize for that. I was run-, I um, I mean, I was late for the spring park festival. I was trying to-” I cut Lend off, “You’re fine, though you shocked me. I accept your apology. You don’t have to explain anything to me. Let me just ask, are you okay? That was a pretty hard fall.” Lend blushes even harder, his face darkening to a bright red. “Gooossshhh, well thank you for not blowing up on me. Your right, I won't explain. I am okay, although my bum aches. May I ask though, what is your name?” I look him straight in the eyes and answer, - “My name is Nona, I’m here on a goal to just try and have hundreds of people fall over me so that I can meet them through unusual circumstances.” Lend cracked a smile then whispers, “Hey, I know we just met and all, but how do you feel about the idea of me making a gorgeous dress that compliments your eyes? I know that sounds kind of creepy because we've just met, but your eyes are the most subtle colors that I have ever seen. Like after a storm passes and a bright gray-blue sky comes through. What do you think?” He asks. I look at him and back to his awfully beautiful dress. If I let him make a dress from his inspiration of me, I wonder if in return he could try and inform me of the best ways to celebrate with the tree to reach inner peace. I offer to Lend my hand which he accepts firmly with a look of gratitude. He stands to a full 6´6 feet, blushes again, and waits for my answer. Finally confident I tell him, ¨Yes, that sounds like a fun thing to do.” Lend gives me an appreciative look full of inspiration ready to take off. ¨Great, thank you for agreeing to my offer, Nona.” Lend says softly, while firmly shaking my hand. “Follow me, quickly though, I have lots to do. Also, do you know where inner peace lies?” Lend asks. I walk with him, shocked at the specific question. “You know, I don't. Proceed and tell me, if you’d like.” Lend begins to tell me, and while he does I began thinking to myself. I found it. The direction. The guidance. Already being present with the tree was a celebration enough, the tree spirit-led Lend right to me. I found exactly what I was looking for on this journey. Peace. My peace. Inner peace. I will find you my peace. I am coming. We will meet soon. My peace, you shall finally settle. Welcome home.