A Distant Memory

The ride through the forest was peaceful and relaxing and she barely took notice that he was riding behind her. The sunlight barely filtered through the leaves of the canopy creating a cool green cast on the fern covered forest floor. She took in a deep breath and released it slowly allowing the feeling of peace and contentment that she found here nourish her soul. The sound of the horses' hooves and occasional snuffling was all there was to be heard other than the songs of birds. They rode for several hours as her mind and soul fed on the peace and tranquility of the forest. Finally, the trees thinned out opening up to a clearing, where she passed the remains of a charred cabin and the still standing stone chimney. These were remains of another lifetime for her and other people she had once loved.

The sun shone brilliantly in the sky that was speckled with a few fluffy white clouds. She looked down at the thick, tall grass of the clearing and did not glance toward the chimney for it would bring the tears that she was not willing to contend with on this beautiful day. She continued until she neared the river's edge where she dismounted and led her horse to the water so it could drink. She stood beside the horse and stared out across the width of the river. The trees were reflected in the smooth water on the far side of the river leaving their greenish cast upon the surface. Its glassy surface was flat, silken and reflective. A few ducks swimming broke the surface near the bank leaving their little v-shaped trails that sparkled like diamonds in the bright sunlight. She smiled as she watched the ducks for they reminded her of her little sister who had loved them so much. He had dismounted silently and stood behind her not wanting to interrupt her solitude. He would be there, if and when she needed him.