The night sea was making its familiar lapping noise. Soft waves crashing, ashore. I sat still with my knees drawn to my chest, toes digging deep into the cold beach sand. Inhaling the scents, I was taken back to a moment in time. I remembered how soothing I once found this position, how the smell of the sea wove its way into my senses enticing me enough to make a playful dance. I danced. A woman in her prime. Just married. In love. I laughed. With all my teeth bared, had thrown my head back in delight. My screams of pleasure had rent the air. I was naive without fear. Except it had all been an illusion. There was nothing carefree about me. Romance had illuminated promises. Promises that were easier said than done. And when the going got tough. He hadn't stayed. Life had dealt me a blow. Needing to move, I set off treading footprints into the wet sand that were eradicated almost immediately by the waves. Just as my marriage...
Rebecca sent me a letter last year for my birthday that I still haven't recovered from. Here goes: LETTER TO A WARRIOR Hi, I remember the first time I saw you, Cute, funny, a lovelier version of me; You seemed so at peace with yourself, Embracing the weird side stronger than I ever had. You charmed me. Lol, no homo. I got to know you better, your cares, your fears, I even got to see some of your battle scars. They were lovely and reminded me even the prettiest things go through a war. You're the sun rays that meet my eyes on cloudy days. The moon light reflecting on my skin on sad and lonely nights. We may not be as close as we are with other people, but I see you as my better half. Let me tell you a secret; I've wished you were my sister , best friend, a lover even. But even if all we get is the plain "hi's" and "hellos", I'll cherish them and find a room for them in my heart. I want to remind you that although the battles seem long,...