Page 12 of The Mirror

Afterwards, we walked along the beach, enjoying each other’s company in a way that was different than before, no lessons, and no understandings just two people at peace and happy in the world. We kicked the sand, paddled in the sea and collected driftwood that had been smoothed and shaped by the power of the sea. As the evening was coming to an end, we returned to the cottage to watch the sun set. We sat together on the gingham cushions drinking our tea, enjoying and marvelling at the creation of the colours that the sun made as it retreated to its bed, bringing to us the end of a perfect day. Looking at Miriam in the fading light, she looked different, her hands were less wrinkled and her bone structure had changed: there was a lightness and familiarity about her that made me feel that I had known her before, even before I stepped through the mirror all that time ago.

  I awoke to a horn being sounded. I leapt out of bed and looked straight out of the window. There anchored off shore, was a beautiful sailboat. I dressed and ran downstairs, the kitchen table was laid with warm pancakes with fresh fruit and warm tea. I looked around for Miriam and she was heading up the path from the beach. “Eat well” she said as she entered the kitchen. “We need to leave soon as the tide is turning and we need to catch it to take us to our next destination.” Soon we were on board and preparing to raise the anchor, I looked across at Miriam and to my surprise did not recognise her, her hair was long, blowing wildly in the wind; she was tall and slender and far from the Miriam I knew. She smiled and this time I could not stop myself. “Is that you Miriam”? My face must have been a picture as she threw her head back and laughed out loud, “Yes, my friend it is” she replied. “I don’t understand” was my reply. Miriam looked at me and said, “All you need to know is that, when you understand your truths, you will feed your soul, then your destiny could be within reach and with it bringing on the winds of change.” “Trust me and all will be revealed: for now Angela, tell me your understandings of the voice within.” The anchor raised, Miriam reached into her velvet pouch on her belt and threw the golden dust across the deck and as it settled the following verse was revealed,

  Feel it here, feel it there

  Wonder what it is think and stare

  But have no doubt it’s talking to you

  Providing Guidance and friendship in all that you do

  The anchor locked in place, Miriam took the helm, the golden dust gathered itself and drifted back into the velvet pouch and we set sail for where I did not know.

 
AJ Harvey's Novels