“Jason, why are we here?” Asked Kiera, pondering her mind, thinking about guessing the kind of work he would have here.
Jason smiled gently, glancing at her without answering her question. Taking Kiera’s hand in his, he walked her with him to the meadows, to a place that’s very close to his heart.
“Jason,” Kiera said, pulling Jason’s hand, and stopping him from walking any further. “You’re scaring me, this place looks so scary, and as far as my eyes go, I can see no one here,”
With Jason’s eyes, focused on Kiera, and he doesn’t know what to do. He is trying very hard not to laugh at listening to her words.
“We’re still friends, right, or you’re planning to kill me.”
On hearing this, Jason couldn’t stop himself but laughed hard. What kind of story is she building in her mind? “Why are you laughing?”
“Then what do you accept me to do, murder you,” Jason said, in between laughter. “Never think like this again, I can’t lose you,” Jason confessed, placing his hand on her waist, holding the body close to him as if he is afraid of losing her just by hearing her words. With his eyes concentrated on her with all seriousness.
“Sorry,” Jason said, realizing how close they both were standing with each other, with only mere inches different from their bodies. Their faces are evidence of the awkwardness that the moment created. With both of them looking at each other, acting like teenagers “So shall we,” Jason said, changing the topic.
Both of them walked together without glancing at each other or speaking words to each other. Slowly they walked farther into the meadows, both Jason and Kiera silent because of their past behavior with each other.
They both walk for an hour, but it seems too far. Suddenly Jason stopped, holding Kiera’s hand in his hand as he was staring, jogging, taking Kiera with him. The awkwardness between them that bothered them moments ago seems forgotten.
“Come,” said Jason, holding Kiera’s hand in his, making her run with him with a child-like, excited expression.
Kiera doesn’t question Jason or stop him. She is now very curious to see the place that can make Jason’s face light up like a child’s.
“Stop,” Jason said. Kiera looked at Jason, pondering what might make Jason stop in the middle out of a sudden. “Close your eyes,”
“Why?” Kiera asked about Jason’s out of nowhere demand.
“You’ll know. Close your eyes for now. Please,” said Jason, emphasizing ‘please,’ at last.
“Fine, but promise you’ll hold me and not let me fall,” said Kiera, closing her eyes.
“Trust me. I’ll take care of you,” said Jason, placing his one arm around Kiera’s shoulder and the other holding her hand. “Follow my direction and lean on me.” Kiera nodded her head at Jason’s words as both started walking, gradually step by step, with Kiera holding on to Jason and guiding her through his words and Jason holding on to her body tight, taking care that he could escort her safely.
Suddenly, Kiera felt Jason leaving her standing alone. “No…, Don’t open your eyes,” said Jason, separating himself from Kiera. “Concentrate on the birds that are chirping above your head. Open your arms wide, and the caressing of the air that’s passing through your body.” Kiera did as Jason guided her, somehow closing her eyes and making all her other senses activate freely. the chirping of birds that were singing a calming medley attracted with the breezing of the air that was touching her body, granting her a sensation of relish. Everything around her feels heavenly. As if someone has ended up in a place of great solace and calmness where no one can disrupt the true meaning of life.
“Now, take a deep breath and smell the air around that is consoling your soul.” Kiera did as Jason repeated, taking a deep breath and inhaling her surroundings, the smell of damp earth mixed with old fallen leaves, something sweet and some that were sour, the earthy smell that was granting an instinctive, harmonious effect on Kiera.
“Now open your eyes slowly and look around,” said Jason, standing close, placing his hands on both sides of Kiera’s shoulder.
Kiera opened her eyes and was awed to see the beautiful, breathtaking scenery in front of her eyes.
The forest was oak-brown and primitive. The grasses that Kiera stepped on were moist beneath her feet because of the recent downpour. She was awed at the size and majesty of the trees. Their knotted arms rose ever upwards, as far as my head could lift. They were hoary fortresses and stood proudly. A pair of jays were screeching high in the canopy of the trees. Kiera can see the sunset through the gorges of the colossal trees. Wood sorrel flecked the blanket of grass and the soul-soothing peace of the evening. And with so breezily beautiful surroundings around Kiera, there is the only thing that Kiera can utter from her mouth.
“Wow…..,”