Page 38 of Aug
Meditating.
Reading.
Relaxing.
Sleeping.
Tending to the plants inside that required an enclosure.
Through the well-manicured lawn, past the tennis court, past the outdoor theater, alongside the handmade pond, I trekked, ending in the maze of a garden that I considered a sacred gem.
I lowered Tiana to the ground. She held her dress in one hand and laced our fingers with the other.
“The night still feels so young.”
I listened as she poured out her thoughts.
“And, this place is so magical. Right in Rome’s backyard.”
“Tell me your story, Ti.”
Curiosity determined my words.
“Born into a two-parent home. Became obsessed with Black ballerinas after I got my first music box. Inside was a brown face, brown arms, brown legs, and a leotard. Around and around it spun. Music played but all I could see was the little figure. I knew that I’d be able to twirl just like that one day. When I became of age, my mother signed me up for ballet.
“I’ve been perfecting my craft since. Five years ago, I joined Huff Theater of Clarke. A year ago, I was poisoned and my system shut down completely. I ended up in a coma. During those months, I stayed in bed alone every day, wishing someone… anyone could hear me screaming to be freed from my body.
The loneliness nearly made me give up. Give out. I hated the thought of waking up mentally but still sleeping physically. I couldn’t escape. No matter how hard I tried. Til this day, I hate sleeping alone. I hate the idea of being alone. I struggle with my own company. It reminds me of those months spent in that bed. Just existing, barely.”
I listened, not passing judgment but taking note of her struggles.
“I’m sorry that happened to you, Ti. You didn’t deserve that. I’ll kill everything moving if something happens to you. You’re safe now.”
“I know,” she sighed, leaning in. “But, I still feel lonely some days.”
“I’m working on that.”
“It’s not your issue, Aug.”
“I’m making it my issue.”
“Where was God keeping you?” She asked. “Why didn’t I meet you sooner?”
“Because I wasn’t ready. He knew it and so did I.”
“Perfect timing, huh?”
“Perfect timing.”
I tipped my head toward the roses.
“So this is where magic happens?”
“This is it.”
Astounded, Tiana rounded the bush.
“Beautiful.”
