Crashing Back Down

Epilogue

The sound of the ocean waves rushing to shore, and sea birds squawking sang me awake. I could feel hot rays of a glorious sun glistening down on my face. I slowly opened my eyes to see one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches. I was lying on a lounge chair in my favorite pink bikini with a cold bottle of beer in my hand. The salt air filled my lungs and I felt completely at peace. My golden, sun kissed kin was soaking in the warmth. It felt like I hadn’t had a good dose of vitamin-D in decades.

I closed my eyes again, taking in the moment. It seemed like I was alone in this paradise. The beach was just here for me, and I couldn’t help but be glad for the silence. I startled a little when I heard someone walking towards me. I rolled over onto my side to see Randy walking closer to me, shirtless.

He took a seat at the foot of my lounge, with one hand on my leg. Sitting up, I hugged him as tightly as I could. He looked down at me, smiling beautifully and pressing his soft, warm lips to mine. We stayed embraced for what felt like a lifetime, but even that was not long enough. Randy brought my head down to his shoulder, running his fingers through my sea dampened curls.

“There is nothing more perfect than this moment,” I whispered against his skin, as I kissed his chest. The smell of sweat and salt water was dulcet on his smooth tanned skin. A smell I would never be able to forget, it was so beautiful to me.

Randy’s fingers slowly traced the bird on my hip, sending chills down my spine. Staring, he leaned closer to my ear, breathing softly, “Sooty terns are my favorite. So brave, spending almost all their lives out to sea. I’m almost jealous of them.” He laughed a little, still staring at the flying seabird on my skin. Just to hear his laugh again was breathtaking.

“I’ll always love you. Promise, Promise.” His voice sounded so distant, even though he was sitting right next to me. As I looked up into the face of the man I promised to love until death do us part, I could see all the love in his heart pouring out through his eyes.

I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I love you too. Promise, promise,” I responded, pulling him in for one more kiss.

We lay back on the lounge chair and Randy pulled me close to him, his fingers curling in my damp hair. I traced my fingers over the muscles on his stomach and chest, staring out at the beautiful ocean. Slowly, sleep washed over me like a calm, warm wave.

I could hear a distant beeping sound, growing louder as I tried to stay in my perfect moment, fighting to stay asleep. My efforts were futile. I opened my eyes to the sting of a bright white light hovering overhead. I could hear Cali and my mother talking in hushed, nervous voices somewhere in the room. I tried to find them, but the light was blinding me. I choked out a cough. “Mom? Cal?”

I felt cold, damp hands rest on my arm as my mother called to Cali, “She’s awake!” Her voice grew softer, kind and reassuring. “Honey, you’re going to be just fine. You’re safe now.”

Rushed footsteps came crashing down the hall and into my hospital room. A man’s voice was over me, but the light made it impossible for me to make out his features. “Margret, I am Doctor Tuttle. You suffered a major panic attack and your body went into shock. You passed out from the stress, but you’re going to be just fine. We’re going to monitor your heartbeat and make sure it stays at a safe level tonight. You’ll be able to go home tomorrow.” The doctor’s voice was cheerful as he reassured me that I was never in danger of dying and that I would feel fine soon. He made a phone call to someone requesting my medication and dinner be brought to my room.

Hot tears started running down my cheeks as I started to remember what had brought me here. Cali came over to the side of my bed, grabbed my hand, squeezing tightly. “Walker brought you here, Mags. He called me and your mom to come be with you and then ran away. None of us have been able to get a hold of him. He’s gone.”

The Ens