Page 65 of Chasing Sunsets

“I’m terrified of heights. We planned for Zack to perform the high elements. That’s why he went to skydive, and I hiked. It dawned on me I was continually going upward on the hike, but I figured a path would lead down somewhere. When I realized I’d have to cross the canyon, I put my anxiety aside and started across. I did well until something startled me, and I jerked the rope handles. My body began to bob from side to side. The harder I tried to stop it, the more off balance I became. Then I accidentally looked down. I dropped onto the tree trunk, clutching it with my arms, praying not to fall. I’m sure our amazing cameraman Truman got it all on video.”

She searched the audience for him. Upon spotting him, she pointed.

He raised his hand. “I got it.”

“Don’t send me a copy of that footage.”

Truman laughed, as did the others.

“As many pep talks as I gave myself, and although people offered to help, I just couldn’t move. I was stuck. After being frozen for a while, I realized my predicament mirrored my life in every way. I couldn’t go backward, life doesn’t allow it. And I couldn’t figure out how to move forward.” She took a deep breath. “Life can be cruel. No question about it. Cruel and relentless. Stopping us in our tracks and leaving us wondering how to move.” A chill shuddered through her. “I’d like to explain why Zack and I separated.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Zack called.

“I do.”

He frowned and shook his head.

Sadie faced the crew and the other racers. “As much as we wish it was different, things happen that are out of our control. We want to fight it, blame someone, anyone. The sad truth is some things can’t be explained, understood, fought, or made right.”

“There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world.” ~ Unknown

Chapter Nineteen

Cold sweat beaded onSadie’s forehead and her hands felt clammy. “I should start from the beginning. Zack and I applied for this show three years ago. We were on vacation with his best friends and all of us sent in applications. When the show called and offered me a slot, I jumped on it, hoping to win the money. Dread and relief swamped me when I saw Zack on the other side of the curtain the first day. Relief because I knew we would be competitive. Dread because I didn’t want to discuss why we separated.”

She quickly glanced at him. His expression remained solemn and his jaw tight.

“So we agreed we wouldn’t discuss our private lives during the competition. I listened to the others talk about their problems, and I sympathized. Everyone’s story is unique and difficult. While trying to understand what everyone was dealing with, it made me examine my relationship with Zack.” She walked over to him and grabbed his hand. “Thank you. Thank you for everything you did. Everything I couldn’t. You stayed sane in an insane situation.”

“You don’t have to do this,” he urged again, squeezing her hand.

“I do. For you. For me. And for Dylan.”

She kissed him softly and returned to the stage. “We went to the same grade school, then Zack moved away the year we started high school. I didn’t see him again until we both attended Texas State. From then on we were together. Falling in love with Zack was so easy. Our relationship was what poets write about. Well, happy poets.”

The crowd laughed.

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