By Jessica N. Arzola-Grissom
Maybe it was true that red hair brings a level of fearlessness. Some in the kingdom resisted her free ideas and unconventional ways, but she succeeded one victory at a time. She’d always been brave pushing the limits. Her heart evoked courage until she saw the love of her life slowly slipping away from her. It was subtle at first, but they knew each other so well she knew the fog was hovering over his body.
It started with the little things. He sat next to her, and he forgot he’d just asked her a question. She looked quizzically at him and gently reminded him she’d answered his question. Later, when they were working in the garden, he asked her the same question again and she knew something was wrong. His mind was fading. Gently, she spoke with him about seeing the local healer. He shook his head adamantly and said he just needed rest.
Arianna set out to find a cure. No one could adequately explain what love is, but when one has experienced it then one knows when it is right. She would not lose her greatest treasure. In her readings, she knew the first sign of a daffodil meant a sign for new beginning. It was a symbol of rebirth and although it would not cure the disease, it would slow the progression.
It was also known that the aquamarine stones would calm the mind and nerves. Its powers would act like cleansing water, bringing everlasting youthfulness to the person who held it close. Arianna must set out to find the first daffodil and an aquamarine to help her beloved.
Early the next morning, she planted a kiss on her husband’s head and assured him she would return from her journey soon. She hated leaving him, but he needed help. She packed her satchel and left quietly in the early morning.
The mountain journey was long. Perhaps her heart was too hopeful. As the day wore on, the sun beat down on her back. Perspiration filled her brow, and she wiped it away. Her body ached from the trek up the mountain. It had been more difficult working through the uneven terrain. For the first time, she let herself cry where her husband couldn’t see. She didn’t want to let him know how bad it was. Her strength must carry him, and she’d always been quite strong. Now, as reality set in, she felt the weight bear down on her soul.
Eventually, she found the daffodil and the aquamarine. Her heart leapt with joy. She bowed her head in thankfulness. Maybe it would delay things for a while. Even an extra day with the one you love is worth a long journey up a mountain.
Jessica N. Arzola-Grissom lives in a small Texas town with her husband and son. Her writing has appeared in various print and online publications including The Image, Logo Sophia, Valiant Scribe, Reedsy, Digging Press, and Latine Lit. In 2022, her poem Adventura, won 2nd place in the Irene Emmerson Poetry competition. The Rainbow recently appeared in the anthology titled Scars. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, yoga, tea lattes, bookstores, libraries, and traveling. Her great-grandmother’s name was Cinderella, which has evoked a passion for collecting vintage Cinderella items.
Northwest Indiana Literary Journal 