Saturday, April 9, 2011

Island of Peace

A black Camero roared down the sharp turn of the off ramp, nearly sliding into the guardrails. It accelerated wildly as it came out if the turn and onto the flat desert road, nothing but pale dirt, scrubby brush and Joshua Trees as far as could be seen.

David's hands clenched and unclenched on the wheel as the speedometer edged past ninety-five, his face a dark thundercloud, teeth clenched. He only hit the breaks long enough to turn onto a seldom used road, winding and almost overgrown. As David made his final turn a small oasis came into view, tall trees surrounding a tiny lake that shimmered in the afternoon light.

David was stripping off his clothes as he climbed out of the car and walked quickly to the water. As soon as his toes hit the warm natural spring water he started to breathe easier and his face started to clear.

He sloshed quickly into the warm spring of water, the warmth creeping up his body and easing the tension from his muscles. Soon enough he was neck deep in water, suspended in the comforting warmth of the silent spring. With a few twitches of his hands and legs he rotated onto his back and began to float, the water buoying him, seeming to embrace him. He stretched out his arms to the sides, tiny movements keeping him stationary, and listened to his breathing as he felt the sun beating down on him.

David began to breathe easier as he let his eyes fall closed.

For a time, he had peace.

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