She drove with the windows down that day, even though it was something she rarely did. Her hair flapped in the thick, humid air, happy to be free as it danced its way around her face.
She allowed no one to come with her to court, mainly because they were on vacation. She wanted to be able to think of them when she was on the stand- sipping drinks by the ocean or making sand castles with the baby-and, as always, she did not want to be a burden.
As she made her way to the beach house, she let her thoughts peel away from her brain, stowing them deep inside so that she would never forget the scar that burned inside her heart. There was no need to over process or to run through the “what ifs”. It was done, and all she had to do was find her way through her new life.
“New life” became her secret mantra-the words that made up the song of her life-the salve the healed her scar. “New life” sustained her and made her realize that indeed, “though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”*
It was fitting, then that her new ending would begin at the same place their love did years ago-at the beach. Sitting in the cool, damp sand, she hugged her legs to her chest and thanked God for everything she had and for giving her the strength to go on.
And God said “You’re Welcome” by setting the sun and starting a new day.
*Carl Bard
