Page 69 of A Second Dawn

Wow! Just wow!

I’ve never seen so many stars.

There are hundreds, maybe thousands more than when Tiero and I slept on the beach on his island. Back then, I thought nothing could ever beat that experience. I was wrong. This here tonight… I’m left speechless.

“Are you coming, Ella?” Miriam calls over her shoulder. They’re already much further down the path, and I hurry to catch up.

Keeping my gaze down so I won’t trip over anything, I admire the colorful patterns laid out on this walkway. They’re dimly lit by the solar lights, and probably best admired in the daylight.

“When Claudette first mentioned‘Mountain Breath’and the way it was built, I pictured an austere place with little in it. But everything I’ve seen so far has blown my mind. It’s so homey and welcoming,” I say when I reach the others.

“Thank you. I take full credit for it,” Miriam says, smiling. “If it had been left to my brother, it would have been exactly that. Austere, functional with no color or warmth.”

We follow Miriam through a little forest before I spot another building. I love how the cabins are spread out with plenty of room in between, but still interconnected with these colorful paths.

You know you’re not alone, but others aren’t in your pocket. You can have solitude but company isn’t far away. It’s the best of both worlds.

“Life up here is hard enough, especially in the winter,” Miriam continues. “People come to us to heal from the traumas they’ve experienced. But how can you do that, how can you appreciate the beauty of life, unless you surround yourself with beauty and warmth? We have natural beauty here in spades, but our living environment needs to reflect it as well. I’m very proud of what we created here.”

“As you should be. I’m surprised people ever want to leave.”

We arrive at a small log cabin with a steep gable roof. It reminds me of an oversized gingerbread house.

Wooden stairs lead up to a small deck, with handrails on either side. The attention to detail is astounding. It’s entirely made from thick branches with carved wooden native animals placed in between, making it look like a burrow or nest.

As we enter the cabin, a fire is already burning in the fireplace, warming up the entire space. We shed our coats and boots and take a look around.

It’s cosy and welcoming, and I relax right away. This is so nice!

A dark green sofa is placed by the fire as well as a couple of beanbags. Throw cushions and blankets are on every surface, just inviting you to get comfortable.

There’s a little kitchenette in one corner and a door to what I assume will be the bathroom. A set of stairs leads to the upper level. Each step is covered in a different colored and patterned piece of carpet, adding to the warm ambience.

“The bedroom is upstairs,” Miriam tells us. “I’m sure you guys can work out the sleeping arrangements. I’ll be heading back to the main cabin. That’s where Ian and I have our rooms if you need anything.”

With that she hugs us goodnight. “See you bright and early. There’s a yoga and meditation session at six if you’re up for it.” She looks at Claudette with a raised eyebrow.

I guess Miriam knows her friend isn’t a morning person and, as expected, Claudette shakes her head.

“Too early for me,” she mutters, making Miriam laugh.

“Nothing has changed, hey Claude?” she teases.

When the door closes behind her, I eagerly climb the stairs to the upper level. The walls and roof are clad in wood, making me feel like I’m a child again in Austria, completely protected and safe. Four mattresses with thick blankets and pillows are in each corner.

But my attention is drawn to the only window up here. It spans over one entire side and the starry night once more captivates me.

“There are no curtains to shut out the light,” I say to Claudette when she joins me.

She groans. “I should have expected this. Everyone up here lives in tune with the natural rhythms of the day. They go to bed early and get up with the rising sun. This window faces east to capture dawn. I’ll be sleeping over there in the darkest corner,” she says, pointing to the mattress tucked away behind the railing of the stairs.

“Miriam told me they built a cabin with a magnificent view over the valley as the meditation and yoga studio. That’s where you can go if you’re up that early. Breakfast will be at eight, and after that Ian wants to have that chat.”

Aiden joins us upstairs, glancing around and nodding in approval.

“Ian didn’t give anything away. What do you think, Claudette? Will he let us stay?” I ask, hoping that her psychic ability is switched on.

Claudette lets out a long sigh. “Ian is a man who shields his thoughts and emotions carefully. He’s one of the few people I find impossible to read. God knows what’s going on in his mind. He has a responsibility to protect the people here. If he accepts us, then this will be the safest place for you to be.”

---