6 Affirmation Okay. There you go. We tried to make it as much as possible Story-ish, but sometimes, there are things in life that are never repeated. I will have to close this letter soon, because of the ceremony, so I want to ask you to come out to the West Coast sometime. It's been a great while. Wow. I'll put the date down for a record alright? **Thursday, August 26, 2094** A triumphant and bittersweet day for me. A welcome and a departure. Am I going to miss her? Yes. Every atom of her being. Her confidence, her hazel eyes... I'll miss her inspiration, -in a sense. Oh God... Making love...I will definitely miss that.  But what I will miss the most, is from that first night we made love... Through the darkness, those red roots.    Your friend indeed, Jarod   6.5 Affirmation Katey entered and picked up the envelope from the table. "To Russell?" "Yes. Will I see you about nine?" "Oh, definitely. I am so excited! I wish you luck too." "Oh yes, me too. I'll be alright." I opened up the storage locker on the left, and pulled out a gift-wrapped 3' by 3' present for Morrigan. I knew she would not be able to stay for the ceremony, so I had this one thing prepared. So did she. The little she decided to take at least. The rest she had given to Katey. I walked through the door and I saw her standing there. "I know you are going now, and-hell, I'm going to miss you." He walked up to her and held her, I have something for you, before you go. This has been finished for four years now but I wanted to wait until I knew you were leaving. Open it after you leave okay?" "Okay... I'm sorry-" "No no no. It's alright." He had to let go now. And so did she. "Goodbye. I love you." One more time please. He kissed her again. For the last time. Jarod walked her to the car and she got in. ...They spoke a language only they knew... Then you have to let go of her hand and you two drift apart. As you do, you say your loving vows and forget me nots...      Morrigan gave him a final little wave. She backed out into the street, and sped away. Jarod walked inside... At nine-thirty Jarod was up on the podium with a speech he had written the night before. He begins... Morrigan pulled over to the side of the road and peeled away part of the wrapping. "Someone told me once: "If he wishes anything, he ought to come to me. Seven years ago I made that wish. It came true..."  Morrigan drove back to the Bowl. She could see him standing there finalizing his speech. She is going to miss him... Jarod pulled a rope. Yes, the mural for the new Redlands Theatre and Arts Festival. It was even more beautiful than the thumbnail sketch. Jarod went through the crowd and met people, shook hands until- "Hello? How are you?" At first, when Jarod turned around, he did not recognize him. A teethy smile invaded his face, and he remembered. "How in the-I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!" He gave the older man a hug. The old man started to laugh. Dead? No! I woke up in a different room and they told me I could go! So I left. I told them there was nothing wrong with me! I'm sorry dear, Jarod; I want you to meet someone. This is Elsie. This is who I was talking to you about remember? You thought we were still together? Well we are now!" "Pleased to meet you madame." When Jarod took her hand he felt something. ...Something Morrigan... "Likewise- Ohh, you poor thing," Elsie leaned towards him and whispered, "She had to go didn't she?" Now she smiled, "It's all right dear. Sometimes we come back." She winked... Morrigan made it back to her home after the four hour flight. She carried the gift with her to the basement. It was dry down here. Warm. Like she always remembered it. She turned on the light, and peeled away the rest of the wrapping. She turned it over to read the inscription:      Si quid vult, ad me venire oportet.     Jarod She hung the portrait next to the other. The colors matching... It was eerie... The picture was of a woman in the nude on one knee holding a flame in her hands. As if she was offering... It was almost the same piece as Michael's but what had separated it was the artist's own view. Morrigan looked at the two women. And she could see the difference: It wasn't in the stance, or the colors, they were the same. It wasn't the type of canvas or the type of wood for the frame. It wasn't any of the clothes on her; she's not even wearing boots. But it was the colors of her shiny black hair, and those amazing Red Roots. <---Previous   Home