Sonlight

She sits on the dark rock and watches light appear on the horizon. Pale streaks of red reach toward the fading stars. The wind blows her hair back from her face and I wonder if she can hear me approach. I stop within arm's reach behind her. Silent. What is there to say?

She speaks before I can form words, "Why?"

Curiosity and pain carry the question but I hear no anger in her tone. I want to answer, to explain why I did what I did. But there is still so much for her to discover. She won't understand yet. I shut my eyes but the tears slip through as I stand.

She sighs. Her head bows down over her knees. She leans forwards and crouches, palms flat against the black rock. The sun peeks over the water. A long dark shadow covers my feet.

My stomach knots within me. Please, don't give up now. Now, the blazing light shimmers off the ocean, blinds me so I cannot see what she will do.

Until she rises.
A silhouette, her outstretched arms outlined by brilliant light. She lifts her face to the light.
Seeking the son.