"I love your poems." The girl sitting next to Davina excitedly said.
"Thank you." Davina smiled at her, happy that someone recognized and appreciated her work even when she didn't.
"I'm glad to be able to meet you." The girl beamed as if Davina was some royal she was happy to meet.
"Me too." Davina chuckled, moved by the girl's innocence.
A few minutes earlier, she felt like an outsider who didn't belong at that table but now, Davina was feeling relaxed and comfortable. Making jokes with everyone, laughing and chatting like old friends while downing delicious food. The mood and peaceful energy nearly brought her to tears, it had been so long since she felt that way.
'Is this what family is?' She wondered, wiping away the stray tear that ran down her cheek.
The feeling of returning home to have your family waiting for you with warm food prepared. The feeling of home.
Davina caught Father John looking at her. She knew what he was going to say; "This is your home too, child. Why don't you just stay?" Averting her gaze from his before he could utter the words she was sure would make her walls crumble, Davina stood up and excused herself. "I would like the take a walk around the premises... Thank you for dinner." She smiled at them before walking off as quickly as her feet could carry her.
Lost in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions, Davina found herself instinctively drawn to the peaceful sanctuary of the garden. This timeless retreat held a special place in her heart, serving as a place of comfort during her younger years whenever she grappled with uncertainty. "Old habits die hard," she murmured softly, the bittersweet undertone of her laughter mingling with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
She settled into the weathered embrace of the wooden swing, her gaze fixated on the glassy surface of the lake, where the rippling waters mirrored the complexity of her thoughts. It was beautiful, still, and clear. The kind of life Davina dreamt of but couldn't have.
"You look lost in thoughts."
Davina nearly lept up in surprise. She was so focused on the lake that she hadn't felt Father John's presence until he was already seated beside her. "Father, I didn't see you there."
"I can tell." Father John chuckled. His small eyes creased in the process. "Let it go." His voice came out as a gentle breeze.
"What?" Davina confusedly asked.
"Let everything go, child." He grabbed her by the hands, "You don't have to tell me what's plaguing your mind but the only thing you can do for me is let it go." He turned to face the lake once more, his gaze softening at the sight. "Take in the beauty before you... You've been too preoccupied with worries to fully appreciate the world around you." He paused for a second, letting her soak in the full effects of his words before resuming. "Even if it's for a second, we all owe it to ourselves to let go, don't you think?"
Davina stood with her eyes closed, feeling the cool breeze on her face as she inhaled deeply, her chest rising with the intake of air. "You're absolutely right, father," she murmured softly. As she slowly opened her eyes, a genuine smile spread across her face. With the heavy burden she had been carrying lifted, Davina's mind felt unburdened, allowing her to fully take in her surroundings and truly appreciate the beauty that surrounded her.
The moon's reflection on the water looked like the most beautiful painting she had ever seen. Father John was right, her worries occupied her mind so much so that she didn't realize she was surrounded by art.
"I was too busy searching for gold to realize there was an abundance of diamonds and other precious gems around me." She found herself saying.
"That's an interesting take you have there..." Father John paused, taking a moment to stare at the moon lingering above their heads, "Remember child, you can search for gold all you want, but never forget the gems around you... In the same way, you can appreciate the beauty of the stars without forgetting the moon is also within your reach... Find what you want to find child, but don't get lost on the way."
"You always did have a way with your words." Davina smiled. She was deeply moved by his words... he told her exactly what she wanted to hear -- what she needed to hear. "Thank you, Father." She looked at him, a wave of intensity washing over her eyes.
"I'm just doing what a father should." Giving her a light pat on her head, Father John stood up from the swing. "I won't ask you to stay but I will, however, ask you to take care of yourself wherever you may be going and whatever you may be doing... But remember-"
"I will always have a home here." Davina finished his sentence for him.
They both chuckled and shared one last hug. "Take care, my child." Saying that, Father John stared at her affectionately one last time before walking away. He knew she would be just fine.