Lost and Found

Gonyaul paid particular attention to how different the world looked when viewed threw tear-filled eyes. Objects in the environment, usually with crisp detailed edges demarcating one thing from the next, blurred ever so slightly. It was an intriguing view; however, he wished he stumbled upon it because of a different reason.

His heart felt flayed open and vulnerable to every thought or feeling of the past, present, and future. As he traveled, slower because of the added weight of the camping materials, a past memory of Voah would bring a smile to his face. It would instantly bring tears of joy and then morph into tears of sadness as he was propelled into the opportunity cost of the future void of such blessings. Then he was snap back to the present long enough to ride this emotional river once more. He wondered if the river itself ever had such experiences too.

He traveled all throughout the night in this way. Visibility was not as well provided for by the moon as in previous weeks, but with the river as a crutch it was easily managed. When the sunrise greeted him, it reminded the young Vaux that today was a new day. He decided, despite the ongoing grieving, that he would rejoice in the opportunity of a new day. It was a test of willpower over how he felt, and his ability to fix his mindfulness towards a positive outlook was strong; a characteristic that was inherently imbued in his kind, even if he didn’t know of it.

He continued in the morning until the heat of the day overcame the ambient soft morning illumination. As he paused for the first time to look about to select a suitable camping site. Having eventually found one he setup camp. It was much more laborious a task by himself and he was looking forward to resting in addition to getting out of the now overbearing sunshine.

Moments before he entered into the tent to sleep, he took one last deep breath and let his eyes trail hopefully over the horizon.

He occasionally did this once he had enough light. A part of him still hoping he would find her. That is when, for the first time, he caught something in the corner of his peripheral vision. He instantly focused on what he thought he saw. His attention narrowed in to what appeared, from a distance, to be a form. He couldn’t be sure though, it was over a hundred yards off into the desert and not really moving. It could have been a multitude of inanimate objects, or a carcass if alive.

Gonyaul began sprinting towards it. In the deepening sand, the further he got from the rivers edge, his gate was truncated and slowed due to keeping balance in a shifting ground beneath his feet. Within fifty yards he recognized it was a human form; his heart soared with anticipation but was scared he may find death instead of life. Within thirty yards he definitely could identify the body as his beloved.

Gonyaul went through the sand like lightning arcing through the sky to reach her prone form. He began calling to her prior to arrival. He almost dove the last yard to be beside her. She was sunburned, but it was something extra like a radiant glowing tan to her skin. Her hair was likewise radiating a feeling of energy and was the glorious blonde he remembered from before her exile.

Gonyaul at first shielded her from the sun and upon simultaneous inspection discovered she was alive, though in dire need of assistance. He was overcome with joy and discerning no obvious bodily injury, besides her arm, wrapped his arms around her brought her into him. He cradled his love close, rocked back on his heels and stood. He needed to get her to the shade of the tent and water from the looks of things.

“My love, you found. I am here. I here.” He continued to speak to her words of security and encouragement, trying not to choke up on the flood of happiness for having been reunited. He carried her, like a bride across the threshold, as fast as he could go and not stumble.

His arms and legs were on fire by the time they reached their camp; however, he ignored it and let his surging adrenaline push him onward. Once inside the tent he prepared her to be as comfortable as possible and brought a waterskin up to her lips.

“Please drink and get ready bathe in kisses.” He was holding back showering her with affection to get her hydrated and comfortable first.