Page 122 of Phobia
***
The next day, we ventured out. Cressida wanted me to try to leave the house, even if it just meant stepping out into the front yard. It was a strange feeling, but I felt like I had control over my life. Transformations would be easier from then on and I would never put myself in a situation where I wasn’t home during the full moon. Cressida vowed to help me. I opened the front door and hesitated.
Then I heard Cressida’s voice behind me. “Listen to my voice, my love. It’s the only one you need. I’ll always keep you safe.” The feeling of safety started to replace the overwhelming anxiety and fear. She wrapped her arms around my waist and stood behind me, laying her head on my back. I was safe but more importantly, those around me would be safe too. I wouldn’t hurt anyone ever again. She told me, “I’ve got you. Lean into me. Tell me what you feel.”
“I feelyou,Cressida. Only you.”
“That’s right. Just me. Turn around and look at me.”
I turned and wrapped my arms around her. She was love, truth, and safety. When our eyes met, I said. “I love you, Cressida.”
“I love you too, Silas. Let’s go.”
Epilogue
SILAS
6 months later
The next six months were full of push and pull. Two steps forward and three steps back. Then, three steps forward and no steps back. We started with small things like having breakfast or lunch on the patio together. That turned into a walk to theendof the block, and from that to a walkaroundthe block. Each day, Cressida and I pushed a little further and each day it got easier.
One day, Cressida came from around the living room corner. “Are you ready? I’m so excited to go to this new mercadomarket. I’ve heard so many good things about the vendors.”
I grinned and leaned in to kiss her. “I’m ready, beautiful. Let’s hit it.”
***
Walking along the streets while holding Cressida’s hand felt unreal. I couldn’t be happier, and I knew how lucky I was every minute I was with her. It was the life I wanted. Visiting the mercado was the first big thing she and I had done together since the transformation with my family. We ate street tacos from one of the food trucks for lunch before visiting each and every vendor booth. We were having a great time, just making new memories.
Cress was looking at a multi-colored serapeMexican blanketthat she could wear in the winter. A man came out from behind the tent and handed her one that was blue, black, and silver. “Perhaps you and your husband would each like one?”
Cress laughed, “Oh, he’s not my...” she paused and when she did, I looked up. Standing in front of us was the Shaman. How was that possible?
Anito looked at me, then at Cressida with a smirk, “Lovely pendants you two have.”
I said, “Anito. How? Why? Where are you from?”
He smiled. “That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you two are together. Does an old man like me some good to see it.”
A young girl came out. “Grandpa, do you need help?”
Anito looked down at the girl. “No mijagirl. Say hello to this nice man and woman, Silas, and Cressida.”
I noticed she was wearing a pendant just like ours. She looked up at us and said, “Nice to meet you. I’m Griselda.”
Cress smiled at her. “Nice to meet you, Griselda.”
I’m sure it seemed like I was scowling at her pendant, but I was curious and wondered what it meant.
“Hi, Griselda.” I said without taking my eyes away from her pendant. She looked so familiar, but I couldn’t figure out why.
Anito spoke up. “Griselda’s future is bright, but not before darkness finds her.” Cressida and I looked at each other, confused. Anito went on to say, “It was nice to see you two again. I should be going. Hold on to your pendants. Only so many people have these celestites. The bond is strong.”
Cressida and I looked at each other. I said, “We will.”
In a moment they disappeared into the tent. I looked around but there was no one. It was like they vanished into thin air.
Cressida reached for my hand. “Let’s not overthink it, Silas. Our life is wonderful and peaceful. Let’s live in this moment for as long as we can.”
I nodded and kissed her, taking one last look over my shoulder, before asking Cressida, “Should we go home now?”
“Yes. Home it is.”
The End
