“Let’s take them in to her before we go.”
Chance held Ana’s free hand as they wandered into the house.
“Mom? Ana’s here. She brought something for you.”
The scraping sound came from the other room, then Aiyana walked in to meet them. Her face was drawn and her eyes glassy.
Ana offered the flowers to Aiyana. “I picked these for you today. I’m really sorry about your father. He was a wonderful person and I’m going to miss him.”
A sad smile played across Aiyana’s lips, as she said, “Thank you, Ana. I know he cared about you. He considered you part of the family.” She gave Ana a sideways embrace, careful not to disturb the flowers.
“Eva made something, too—and Mom sends her condolences.”
Chance lifted the Tupperware dish and then disappeared to deposit it in the fridge.
Aiyana looked tired when she responded, “Please thank your family for their thoughtfulness. It was very kind.”
Chance returned to Ana’s side and said, “Mom, we’re going up to Grandfather’s favorite spot to say goodbye. Is there anything else you need from me before we go?”
Aiyana shook her head and said sadly, “Go do what you need to do.” She held the vase and breathed in the sweetness.
The two left the house and returned to the driveway. Chance turned to Ana, his face blank and asked, “Okay, are you ready? You want to walk or are you going to be my koala today?”
“You know what? As enjoyable as it is being carried like a backpack, I’ve been feeling strangely energetic. I’ll give it a try myself.” Chance looked sideways at her when she added, “I don’t know what you did to me yesterday, but if you could bottle and sell it you’d be rich.”
He took her hand and kissed it gently. “Makes me happy to hear that. I’ll take it easy on you just in case. I don’t ever want to see you in a hospital again.”
They headed into the woods. The afternoon warmth had dried the leaves and rocks from the storm the day before. The air was moist and filled the forest with bold smells. Wildlife seemed determined to use every moment of daylight. Noises and movement erupted through the forest as they wandered and Chance pointed out a family of ground squirrels hidden from view.
Ana noticed the trees change as they climbed to the top of a ridge. Evergreens thinned out to make room for elderberries and a beautiful grove of maples. She could see the lake from where they stood.
“This is Grandfather’s favorite spot, or. . .was.” He flinched. “He loved coming here to watch the sunup and sunset. We’d come here and talk.”
At that moment something clicked, shifted and changed inside Ana. Everything seemed so familiar, like she had been there before.
“Weird. Déjà vu,” she said and shook her head.
Chance pulled his brows together. “Huh?”
“It’s like I’ve been here before.”
“I’ve never taken you here. Did Markus?” His eyes flared.
“No, no. It’s like. . .wait, you hear that?” Ana trailed off, as she began to hear voices and stood stock still.
Chance craned his neck and shook his head. “Ana, you okay? I don’t hear a thing.”
Ana clearly heard people talking. She plugged her ears to give herself better clarity. The voices become recognizable. And they echoed in her head.
“. . .It’s like I see everything differently now. . .I don’t know what to do. . .”
“Don’t question it. There’s nothing to do, but love her.”
“I love her more than I thought possible. I just met her. . .and I feel like she’s meant to be with me. I’d do anything for her. . .”
A ghostly form materialized in her thoughts and stared at a sunset. Niyol turned to look at her before dissolving away.
What a relief to see Niyol again. It brought tears to her eyes. She lowered her hands to her side.
“What’s wrong?” Chance said, scrutinizing her closely.
“I just saw your grandfather.”
His eyes focused on her warily. “What are you talking about?”
“He was talking and turned to look at me before disappearing.” She gazed out at the distant lake through her tears.
“What could it mean?” he asked in confusion.
“Maybe he was saying goodbye. . .”
“Maybe.” But he didn’t sound sure.
Ana stared at the horizon in silence before she asked, “So, have you had any more memories or visions or whatever from your grandfather since last night?”
Chance nodded and answered distractedly. “Earlier today when I was digging my grandfather’s grave I had one. In the vision, I was digging a hole too. A deep hole. Then Grandfather buried a carved wooden box. The funny thing is. . .” Chance scratched his forehead. “I know where it is. Grandfather took me there. He went out of his way to show me the area. It was the exact place I saw in the vision. It’s on his ranch in Montana.”
Ana tilted her head and looked at Chance who continued to gaze at the lake shimmering in the distance.
“But I don’t know what’s in it. I didn’t see him take anything like that from his father when he left home. And his home just looked like it was made of sticks, wood and mud. So I’m guessing he didn’t bring any valuables with him when he left Arizona, besides the talon.”
“Hmmmm. Okay, so, what do you think your grandfather could have buried? That’s kinda exciting. You think he wanted you to find it?”
“I guess so. It was our special spot we went when I visited him.”
“Wow. A real life adventure! I wonder what would happen if you thought about Sasquatch,” she said.
“Maybe I should think about dragons too.”
Chance bumped shoulders with her and gave a big sigh. “I’m going to miss Grandfather. And um, tonight, I think I need to be alone—to think things out and to say goodbye. I’m going to head back up to the top of the mountain.”
Ana shrank back and said, “Are you sure?”
He nodded numbly. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
When Ana got home from Chance’s, she found her mom in the kitchen washing dishes.
“Hey, your sister tells me you were out walking today. Feeling good?”
Ana dropped her keys and wallet on the table and plopped herself onto a kitchen chair. “Yeah. It’s funny. I’m feeling really good. I didn’t even get tired.”
Melissa surveyed her daughter closely. Suspicion clouded her face and she squinted her eyes. Ana saw her mother’s reaction and stood up. To demonstrate, she faced the stairs and dashed to the second floor and returned just as quickly.
Melissa’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. She appeared to wait to see if Ana grew faint from the exercise. When she didn’t, Melissa put her hand to her lips.
“You’re face has color and you look good, healthy. Did this suddenly happen, or have you been feeling it come on slow?”
Ana thought lying right now would be best. The truth was far less believable. “I’ve been feeling better throughout the last week and today I just felt fantastic!”
“When’s your next doctor’s appointment?”
“In a week and a half, I think.”
“Want to see if you can get in earlier? Just to see. I don’t want you falling down when your heart. . .I’d feel better if the doctor checked you out before you start climbing any mountains. Got it?” Melissa’s eyes narrowed.
A wave of guilt washed through Ana as she recalled her carefree day. If her mother saw her hike up the mountainside with Chance, she might just reconsider her trust in him and her.
She didn’t need the doctor to tell her she was fine. She knew it.
How it would be explained, she didn’t know. Miracles seemed few and far between, but that was the best term to describe it. A miracle.
“’Kay, I’ll call tomorrow. Maybe there’ll be a cancellation.”
“So, how are they doing?”
Ana knew who her mother was referring to. “They seem ok
ay. I picked a bouquet of wildflowers to take to Aiyana. She seems a little shell-shocked. Chance’s having a hard time with it.” She paused in consideration. “But they’re moving forward. They’re a strong family. Survivors—like us.”
Melissa combed her hands through her hair and pulled it on top of her head. “Good people.”
“So where’s Eva? You feel like a game tonight?” Ana looked over the back of the couch.
Melissa wrinkled her nose. “Ah, it’s a work night.” Then she added wickedly, “I think I could squeeze one game in though—I’ll go get your sister.” She scampered up the stairs in search of Eva.
The three of them played a vigorous game of Uno, which Ana nearly won twice. Eva eventually won, as she always did.
“You’re lucky Miss. D. If I wasn’t so tired, I’d throw down the gauntlet,” Ana said when they lumbered upstairs to bed.
Chapter 39
Trees blurred past Chance as he flashed through the wilderness. The wind on his face made him feel free. He pushed his body to the point of exhaustion, his legs aching from the distance and speed. Muscle burn didn’t stop him. He only pushed harder until he mounted the outlook that was seared in his memories.
He stopped at the rocky crag where Ana had lain so recently. He could still visualize her body lifeless and unmoving. Like death.
Right beside the crag was his grandfather’s final resting spot. He dropped his backpack to the ground and stood in a daze, like he had just been given emotional anesthesia.
It was dark. The sun had dropped behind the mountains hours ago, but his eyesight allowed him to see clearly. He unpacked his one person tent. His camp was set up and he sat on the pine needles staring at the open sky.
Unanswered questions and a profound sadness filled him. With a deep breath, he stared out at the tall pines and sought understanding.
A memory crept into his thoughts, as though it had a life of its own, willing itself to be remembered. A familiar open field materialized. He would know it anywhere—his training grounds. And there, before him was Grandfather guiding him through a transformation. It was all so vivid and colorful. Grief washed over him, and he knew he would never share more time with Niyol.
An unfamiliar vision filled his mind and stilled his misery. His body froze and he watched in silence.
A beautiful coastline stretched out before him. Soft blue water lapped at a pale sandy beach. Large gray rocks broke the smooth lines and created a private cove. Lush tropical plants flourished all around him.
While Chance sat rigid, engrossed with his new vision, a pair of small eyes stared out at him from a bracken covered branch. Silence and stillness settled around the campsite.
A gasp broke from Chance’s lips and his jaw dropped open. “No way. . .”
The yellow eyes above blinked and a bat flitted across the sky hungrily in search of dinner.
Chance’s form relaxed and he shook his head, bewildered.
Now I know who taught Grandfather.
***
Ana woke early the next morning when she heard her mother’s car door slam. Alert and refreshed, she hopped out of bed.
It was another beautiful day. The sun was bright and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
From the lack of noise in the house, Ana assumed her sister wasn’t up yet. That was a first. As Ana walked past Eva’s door, she heard soft snores.
Hunger pangs hit her when she descended the stairs. Scrambled eggs sounded good, so she cracked the fridge open to retrieve the ingredients. Normally too fatigued in the morning, she didn’t prepare a breakfast that required more than two steps to complete. Cereal and frozen waffles were common and easy.
A door creaked upstairs and Eva slunk down to the kitchen, her eyes droopy and tired. “Ooooh, you making eggs? Can I have some?”
“Sure. Go ahead and sit down. They’ll be ready in a sec.”
After breakfast, Ana did a load of laundry and dishes until it was late enough to call her doctor’s office. She lucked out and got an appointment on Friday, only three days away.
Ana knew Chance was probably still up on the mountain and decided to look around. It was time to vacuum and mop she noted, as dust bunnies floated across the floors. She whipped out a rag and dusted everything within reach.
While she shook a floor rug outside, her phone rang. She dropped the rug on the shaded deck so she could answer.
“Hey, you back?” she asked.
“Yeah,” Chance answered.
“How was it?”
Silence.
“Well, I had another memory-thing. I need to talk to you about it. Can I come over?”
“Sure. See you soon.”
“Bye, my love.”
Twenty minutes later, Chance’s black truck pulled into Ana’s driveway with a dust plume trailing behind it.
“Hey,” Ana said as she rushed up to welcome him. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
“Why don’t we go out to the rock for privacy?”
“Sure.” She grabbed his hand and they sauntered down the trail together.
“Man, what a night,” Chance said and sat down upon the granite slab.
Ana joined him, frowning in concern. “Tell me.”
Ana took hold of his hands with hers. She enjoyed the electricity they still shared when they touched.
Chance cleared his throat and said, “It was weird going back. Lots of ghosts up there.” He paled and continued. “I had another vision triggered when I remembered training with Grandfather. It was the one I’ve been waiting for. I think he was my age and he was traveling along the ocean—probably avoiding the US after his dad’s death. I think he could have been in Mexico ‘cause it just makes sense. That’s where he met Grandma. So, he’s cruisin’ along the beach and finds this young beached whale. He decides to try and save it and then after a full day of trying, he gets it back in the bay. He realizes he’s hungry and turns into a parrot and goes to eat some bugs. That was nasty by the way. I’ve never eaten in animal form, never wanted to,” Chance said and trailed off when he saw Ana’s impatient frown. “Well, then, bam! He looks over and surprise. . .the orca phases into a man!”
“What?! Are you serious?!” Ana’s eyes grew wide.
Chance continued in a daze and said, “Yeah, the guy told Grandfather his name was Balam. Guess he trusted Grandfather after he saved him, but it took a while for Grandfather to trust him. Although, he must have, because in another vision I saw them in the jungle together training,” Chance mumbled.
“Really?! Do you think this is the guy your grandfather mentioned?”
“Probably, but I don’t know for sure.”
“Mexico,” she said softly.
“Yeah.”
They sat in silence awhile, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
An eagle glided over a distant field. Ana could almost see the air currents ripple through the sky like silk or smoke. The summer day was so bright and colorful. I feel alive, she thought.
“Um, you feel like heading to Spokane with me again on Friday? I think I’ll have big news,” she announced.
“Oh, yeah? How so?” Chance asked, distractedly.
“Oh, just a feeling. Will you come?”
“Couldn’t keep me away.”
Chapter 40
On Friday afternoon, Ana and Chance walked back into the medical center. Ana went through the same series of tests she was used to. Chance waited beside her for the doctor to come in. It took almost an hour until a faint knock came from the door.
Dr. Tilgan’s curly hair emerged first followed by her flustered face. She immediately launched into an apology and said, “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but we seem to have some sort of mix-up. The ultrasound you had earlier seems to have been switched. We’re trying to find the right one.”
“Why? What do you mean?”
“Well, the one labeled with your name isn’t your heart’s anatomy.”
“Well, how does th
e EKG and x-ray look?”
Dr. Tilgan frowned and opened the manila folder she had tucked under her arm. “I actually haven’t looked at them yet because of the whole sonogram mix-up.”
The doctor sat down while she reviewed the results. Her frown deepened and her head rolled to the side as she scratched her temple.
Ana spoke up and said, “Um, I’m not so sure the ultrasound results were switched. I’ve been feeling, um, different recently. Actually, really great. I feel energetic and healthy and I no longer get faint or winded. No more dizzy spells.”
Dr. Tilgan stared at Ana. “All of the test results reveal a healthy heart. I don’t understand it. Just a couple weeks ago your heart was enlarged and hardening and now it appears you’re fine. I have no explanation for it. Has anything happened since your last visit?”
Ana shrugged and said, “Nope, it’s weird. I just kinda started feeling better. No explanation.”
“Well, there’s no way I can let you leave the clinic without me personally double checking the results. You are going to get tired of me real quick, because this doesn’t just happen. Let’s head down to the ultrasound room. I hope you didn’t have plans this afternoon…”
***
“You did it,” Ana said in awe.
“What?”
“Healed me—it’s official,” Ana said and waved at the big white building across the parking lot. Its windows gleamed bright in the afternoon sunlight.
Chance rested against the side of his black truck and Ana leaned in to hug him.
“Thank you,” she whispered into his ear and pressed him close, holding her breath to slow the stinging tears.
He lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. “I’d do it again,” he said seriously.
Ana frowned. “You won’t have to. And I wouldn’t want you to.”
He shook his head and kept silent.
A flock of birds traveled through the cloudless sky. Ana reached up and pinched her thunderbird talisman between her fingers and smiled.
I’m free.
***
“WHAT?! That’s not possible!”
Ana held out the test results to her mother who dropped her things to the floor. Too excited to wait, Ana hit her with the news as soon as she entered the door.
“What do you mean the doctor gave you a clean bill of health? Did they do an EKG, X-ray AND ultrasound?”