Page 26 of Serenity at Seagrove
She watched as her students settled deeper into their meditation. Even Tom, who had declared himself to "not be the sitting still type," had found a moment of peace.
"But sometimes," she said softly, "the biggest changes happen to us in the quiet moments. The moments when we finally stop pushing so hard and realize that progress can be found in the stillness."
She didn’t look at Archer, but she felt his attention on her. From her peripheral vision, she saw him push away from the tree and walk a few steps closer to the deck.
As the session continued, the sound of the waves provided a natural rhythm to their breathing. When Luna finally brought them back to awareness, the group seemed reluctant to even break their peaceful silence.
"Well, that was different," Tom said, standing slowly, "but a good different."
Luna answered questions, scheduled private sessions, and watched her students leave. When she turned back to where Archer had been standing, he was gone.
Later, as she prepared for her afternoon clients, she heard footsteps on the deck. Archer was standing in the doorway.
"Those breathing techniques," he said, without any preamble. "Do they really help? I mean, with pain?"
Luna met his eyes. "They can. Would you like to learn some?"
He waited a moment, hesitating, an internal struggle playing across his face. "Maybe, if you have time."
"I always have time to help people with their healing." She gestured to a quiet corner on the deck. "We can start now if you’d like."
He hesitantly moved toward the space. "I don’t need a whole session. Maybe just show me the basics, and I can take it from there."
"Oh, of course," Luna said, keeping her voice neutral, professional, although her pulse quickened at his proximity. Why did he smell so good? What was that cologne?
"Let’s start with something simple." She demonstrated a basic breathing pattern, watching as he attempted to follow. "So you’re going to breathe in through your nose for four counts. Hold your breath for seven counts. Purse your lips and blow out for eight counts."
He tried it a couple of times but seemed very tense.
"May I?" she asked, gesturing toward his posture. He nodded, and she moved behind him, her hands hovering near but not touching his shoulders. "So imagine releasing the weight you’re carrying and letting your shoulders drop naturally."
"Easier said than done."
"I know." She stepped around to face him. "But that’s why we practice. Try again."
Their eyes met, and something shifted in his expression, a softening around the hard edges. He nodded, closing his eyes. This time, his breath came deeper, more natural, and Luna watched the tension ease from his face. She caught herself memorizing the strong line of his jaw and the way his hair fell across his forehead.
"Better. Actually, much better."
"How often?" Archer asked when he opened his eyes.
"Whenever you need it. That’s the beauty of breathing. You can do it whenever. It’s always available to you."
"So it’s that simple?" he asked, skepticism on his face.
"Simple doesn’t mean easy," she reminded him. "But yes, it’s that simple."
"When the pain comes, when you start to feel frustrated?—"
"When I want to grab a golf club and pretend nothing’s wrong?" The vulnerability in his voice caught her off guard.
"Especially then."
"Thank you for this. For not making it a whole thing."
"You don’t have to explain. I understand."
"Yeah, I’m starting to believe you do."
