Singularity

Ciara dug her toes in the sand as she walked casually through the surf. Waves gently caressed her bare ankles as the sun turned from yellow to orange and eventually red as it lowered into the horizon. She took a seat on a piece of drift wood and watched the waves as they hit the shore while the sky burned with a brilliant shade of crimson at sunset. For the moment, she was at peace.

“Well, hello there Ciara.” Michalei said with a smile as he walked up beside her.

“Hi,” Ciara smiled as she looked up at him.

“Strange seeing you all the way out here.” He commented. “Mind if I sit?”

“No, please do.” She said and scooted over to make some room.

He took a seat beside her and stared out to sea as he asked. “So, what brings you to these parts?”

“I was looking for some peace. When I closed my eyes I found myself here.” She replied casually.

“Well, I can see why.” He chuckled. “This is the most peaceful place in all the land. But, what would drive you to seek it out?”

Ciara sighed, “I feel like I’m losing my mind. Whether awake or asleep I see things that can’t possibly be true.”

Michalei laughed and put his arm around her gently. “I do not believe you are one to misplace a mind. Perhaps these flashes are your minds way of trying to return to you.”

She raised an eyebrow and said, “How do you figure that?”

“Who are we to say which of these places is real and which is a dream? Perhaps it is this place that you go when you leave here that is the true nightmare.” He shrugged.

“You’re odd,” She chuckled as he squeezed her tight.

“Well that’s beside the point.” He laughed. “Don’t sell yourself short or be afraid of what you see. Embrace it, you just might learn from it.”

“I get this strange feeling around you Michalei.” She said looking deep into his eyes.

“You have to figure it out on your own Ciara.” He replied as he gently touched her cheek.

She clutched her stomach as the ache told her it was time to go. “Michalei.”

“It’s alright, go.” He kissed her lips quickly. “I’ll miss you. Find me when you return.”

Ciara nodded and disappeared into the darkness. She opened her eyes to see Derek sitting by her side holding a cup of tea. She sat up and took the cup from his hands.

“Feeling better?” He asked.

“Much,” She smiled and kissed him softly.

“No bad dreams this time?” He put his arm around her and hugged her tight.

“Nope, I was watching the sunset on the beach. It was very relaxing.” She replied.

“Good, I spoke to the doctor. They called some medicine into the pharmacy for you. I didn’t want to leave you without telling you where I was going.” He said.

“Oh stop worrying so much. I’m alright. You can go.” She smiled.

“Alright love, I won’t be long. Try to stay awake. They want you to start the medicine as soon as I get it home.” He replied.

“Of course darling. I’ll make us some supper.” She kissed his cheek and followed him downstairs.

“Good idea.” He said grabbing the keys from the counter. “I love you Ciara.”

“I love you too Derek.” She smiled and then he was out the door.

Ciara busied herself in the kitchen as she waited for Derek to return. Her mind wandered back to the dream and the words Michalei had spoken. She wondered what it was that he thought she needed to remember. She then laughed at herself for believing even for a second that dreams were meant to make sense. She finished cooking and set the table just as he returned from the pharmacy.

“You’ve been busy.” He chuckled and set the bag on the kitchen counter.

“Guess I over did it again.” She smiled as she looked over all she had made.

“I don’t mind one bit when you do. You’re going to make me one fat happy old man.” He smiled and took his place at the table.

“So, what’s in here anyways?” She asked as she dug through the pharmacy bag.

As she read the labels she cussed and then said, “Sedatives and tranquilizers, you can’t be serious. I’m not taking these. They can’t possibly be good for the baby.”

“The doctor wouldn’t have given them to you if they weren’t. Now, sit down and eat your supper.” He scolded.

“Fine,” She huffed, rolled her eyes and sat down at the table.

“Thank you,” He smiled and took her hand across the table. “I just want you to be healthy again love.”

“I know,” She sighed. “I’m sorry I argued darling. If you think it will help then I’ll do it.”

“Good,” He squeezed her hand. “Now eat your supper take your meds and get your butt back to bed.”

“Yes dear,” She chuckled as he released her hand.