Don't take it Personal

A Healing Haven

Stephanie's Perspective

After an arduous journey that stretched on for an hour and forty-five minutes, we finally reached Trey's childhood haven, perched majestically upon a hill adorned with luxuriant greenery. The melodious symphony of chirping birds serenaded us as we meandered up the winding road leading to his parents' abode. The two-story dwelling, painted a vibrant shade of lime green, presented itself boldly against the backdrop of the hill.

We pulled up to the imposing white gate, where Trey deftly pressed the button, and the gate, as if obediently responding to its master's command, swung open with graceful precision. The place retained traces of its former self, reminiscent of my own childhood memories. To the right, an array of fruit trees - cherries, tamarinds, coconuts, and jackfruits - stood as guardians of the past. The driveway, once a gravel trail of nostalgia, had now been paved with smooth tar.

On the opposite side, memories of carefree days unfurled before my eyes. The swings, anchored firmly in the earth, awaited laughter and play, surrounded by a lush expanse of green grass. It was here that we had waged epic water wars in our youth.

Trey expertly maneuvered the car into a parking spot, and out emerged a petite woman of caramel complexion, standing at a modest five feet. Her broad, welcoming smile seemed to defy the years, her body retaining its petite grace even in her sixties. She donned a floral spaghetti dress, and her silver hair cascaded in gentle curls, framing a countenance that belied her age.

Looking at Mrs. Williams, one would never have guessed her true age. As Trey approached her, he couldn't contain his excitement any longer. "Mom, I have a surprise for you," he announced, stepping back to reveal me.

"Oh, Stephanie, my dear!" she exclaimed, her arms outstretched in warm invitation. Without hesitation, we embraced, and in that moment, I was enveloped by the comforting scent of pineapples - a fragrance that evoked the essence of summer.

Mrs. Williams had always been more than just Trey's mother; she had been a second mother to me. In her embrace, I was reminded of the profound and enduring love that only a mother can provide.

Oh, how I longed for my own mother to possess the warmth and grace of Mrs. Williams. She ushered us into her home, and the familiar surroundings transported me back in time. The living room remained unchanged, adorned with trinkets from her travels and an assortment of souvenirs housed within the mahogany breakfront. Nostalgia beckoned as my eyes landed on the sweets jar, faithfully perched in the corner, just as it had been during our childhood visits. Within those glass walls, treasures of caramel fudge, peppermint delights, black cherry confections, and chocolate bars promised the sweetest of memories. A fresh pitcher of lemonade sat invitingly on the coffee table, accompanied by a plate of coconut drops.

Mrs. Williams herself had weathered the years with graceful resilience, untouched by the passage of time. As children, I cherished the moments when she would sit me on the sofa, still a testament to her impeccable taste in mahogany, adorned with floral cushions that whispered of comfort. The living room wore a coat of white paint with lime green skirting, an enduring testament to her impeccable style.

Seated on the couch, Trey excused himself, mentioning that he needed to retrieve his toolkit from the van to attend to a kitchen repair. Alone with Mrs. Williams, she gazed at me with an earnestness that invited the deepest of confidences. "Stephanie, how is everything, my darling?" she inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

In that moment, I recalled the recent events of betrayal that had left my heart wounded. I recounted the painful details to Mrs. Williams, who gently rubbed my trembling hands as I spoke. With wisdom etched in her gaze, she uttered words that resonated with the weight of experience, "Steph, life is a journey filled with heartache. Some may find love effortlessly on their first try, while others must navigate through storms to uncover the treasures of their hearts. Take this time to heal, to discover what you truly desire and need. Do not be afraid to seek love once more. It may be a challenging path, but in the end, it will prove to be worth the journey."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back. Mrs. Williams drew me into her warm embrace, providing the motherly comfort I had always yearned for. This was the love I had wished my own mother could have bestowed upon me, but for reasons unknown, she had been incapable of such affection.

Trey's return interrupted our poignant moment, and as he made his presence known, Mrs. Williams offered words of reassurance. "Everything will be fine soon," she assured us both. She rose from her seat and led Trey to the task at hand, leaving me alone on the couch.

I reached for a piece of coconut drop, and as I took that first bite, the satisfying crunch and the explosion of coconut and brown sugar flavors on my taste buds evoked a surge of nostalgia, a reminder that amidst life's trials, there were still moments of sweet comfort to be found.