Page 64 of Broken Heat
“We did not succeed in curing what ails you.”
Elon lifted his chin. “I have not had a heat yet, if that’s what you mean.”
“It is. We had hoped to induce one.”
I looked at Elon, watching his face, waiting for his grief to manifest. But his gaze remained clear, his eyes bluer than the sky, his lips curved upward.
Elon shifted his weight toward me. “I came here to release my last barriers that kept me from starting a new life. That was a success.”
My thumb rubbed his palm.
“I am happy for you both,” Senta replied. “Even though you did break the rules.”
Elon gave a little grimace. “Maybe. But I can’t lie and say I’m sorry. You could have put up thick walls between me and Mykel and that wouldn’t have kept me from him.”
“I know. I didn’t realize you had begun the bond.”
Elon shrugged. “Well, in all fairness, neither did I.”
“Nor did I,” I said softly. “I would have told you.”
Senta nodded. “I know. And now I’m incredibly happy for you both. Another match made on Omega Island.”
“This truly is a magical place,” I said.
“I know your plane leaves in a few minutes,” Senta gestured toward the gate. “I want you both to keep in touch. Tell me where you end up. Let me know how things go. I care deeply about everyone who has crossed this space and inhabited this island whether for a week or five years.”
I had always wondered about Senta. He struck me sometimes as some fey, beautiful god who oversaw the island in more ways than simple financial control. He was a part of the island’s energy, its fire. The beauty, the healing and the magic revolved around him. He often stood mysterious and ageless and apart from us, a figure too busy and big to imagine, yet he was as friendly and solicitous as any of my friends. And a trained healer, though he no longer did therapy work.
“I will send you weekly reports. How’s that?” I offered.
Senta laughed. “I’ll welcome it. You will both make your best life together. I know it.”
Once we got on the plane and I knew it was real, that I was leaving for good, I felt the sting in my eyes, the catch in my lungs.
I looked out the window toward the clear sapphire Caribbean, its heaving, undulating presence so huge it made me spin. Tears burned down my cheeks.
Elon leaned his head against my shoulder. “We can come back.” His soft breath against my neck reminded me of what I wanted. Him. This bond. Our new life. Maybe even children one day.
Omega Island had a giant reunion party thrown by Senta once a year. For a week, no patients were booked. We took over the island. Employees, ex-employees, friends and family all gathered to celebrate, play games, have wonderful food and enjoy each other’s company.
Of course, we would return. Again and again. If nothing else, at least once a year for that party.
Elon’s head pressed heavier against my shoulder. His palm rested on my thigh.
My tears quickly dried.
Out the window, the ocean scintillated, hot and cold, bright and dark, mysterious and yet bending back to let itself be seen. It was inside me all at once, the awe and the wonder. The astonishment of being alive in this moment to experience my greatest love.
I placed my hand on Elon’s and curled my fingers. My eyes closed as the jet rumbled, sped forth, and took off into the sky.
20
Elon- Unbroken
Our house sat at the end of a scenic highway, nestled in a sweet and friendly neighborhood. Hedges of night blooming jasmine and oleander surrounded the front. We had actual seasons here. Snow in winter. Fireflies in July. Trees like sunsets and long, patched and cloudy skies in October. We had tidy lawns, which Mykel loved to trim and keep neat, and Christmas lights on the porch year-round like the parkland of Omega Island.
“Mykel. Mykel!”
