Chapter IV

Chapter IV

Meanwhile far away in the decertified area

Flossie and Mike had reached the dry river bed and crossed it. The wind had died down. Everywhere were sad-looking tree trunks standing on a huge sandy desert. Flossie looked at one tree when she was passing it. It was gray in color and its branches without leaves looked like almost as it would have had praying fingers raised toward the sky, asking for rain. ‘Is there still a long way to go?’ Flossie asked and she almost ran into Mike because he had suddenly stopped and pointed something with his hand in front of her. ‘There it is!’ Flossie looked and she saw a hill, and on top of it, there was standing a huge and very old Oak tree. It was dying. Flossie remembered how green its leaves had been in her dream. Now, it had no leaves. Tree trunk was damaged and the sight was so heartbroken that Flossie could not prevent the tears to come. Mike was standing next to her, and they were in that position for a long time, in silent. Mike spoke first. ‘Sad, isn’t it? Flossie nodded. They sat down at the foot of tree. Flossie was leaning on the tree trunk and looked sad. ‘Why do you live here just by yourself?’ she asked suddenly, looking at the sky at the same time, which was as gray as always. Mike tried to look at what she saw in the sky, but did not see anything other than a hopelessly heavy cloud. ‘Well, you see, I am an orphan. My mom died when I was six years old, and it broke my dad’s heart utterly. He was a carpenter. And he was really good in that what he was doing. But after the death of my mother, my dad was not able to work as before. Moreover, he was troubled of arthritis which had got worse. And because he did not avail of the government, we were driven out in the end. In the name of the common good and in the name of the Chairman of the Board we vanquish you until you are able to work or to demonstrate your value in any other way to the Board of Directors.’ Mike said the last sentence in a voice that reflected the deep sense of disgust. ‘What, did the government really drove away a sick man and a young child? Flossie was genuine astonishment, and angry because of what the government had done. Flossie expressed how sorry she felt for him and for his dad. Mike smiled. ‘Well, we got along somehow. My father crafts furniture and he went to sell them at the market, as traders were allowed to stay inside the fences of sales time. When he was there he brought the food packaging that was paid for with the money he received. I remember that I often accompanied him on these journeys. I remember what he said to me before he died. ‘Take care of yourself, lad and stay here. Soon you’ll find the flower in the middle of the desert that brings back the sun and the rain.’ He died when I was thirteen. But that’s enough about me. I’m curious to know why so pretty girl as you would want to come here in no-man’s land?’

‘It’s a long story.’ Flossie said looking at the same time at her own shoes. Her hair partly covered her face. But her voice told Mike that it would not be a happy one. ‘Tell me everything, Flo.’ Mike called Flossie unknowingly by her great grandmother’s nickname. Flossie began to speak.

‘I had this dream…’

When she had finished, Mike was silent for a long time and stared into the distance. ‘Do you believe me?’ Flossie asked but at the same time she was afraid to hear his answer. Mike turned his face towards her, took her hand into his and smiled warmly. ‘I believe. There is in this world a lot of what we do not understand and I want to keep my mind open. My father used to have these presentiments. ’ Flossie sighed with relief. ‘Then let’s begin.’ Flossie took her shovel from her backpack and started to dig. Mike helped her. At last shovel hit something, and she lifted from the ground a box that was covered with mold. Having cleansed the box, she saw that it was made of skillfully of wood, and it had beautiful chiseled patterns on it. Flossie opened the box and found it contained a small crystal bottle and the message on a paper. Flossie read it and then pushed it into her pocket seeming obviously upset. Then she took the little bottle which glowed in different shades of blue. The bottle had only these words; Drink me. Flossie turned to look at Mike and lonely tear ran down her cheek. ‘I promised to my father that I would save the planet. And I will keep my word.’ Mike looked frantic and took her by her hand. ‘Flo, what’s wrong? Tell me!’ his voice sounded desperate. Flossie smiled at him, took a step closer so that their faces were close together and pressed her lips tenderly against his lips. For a moment they stood there, two souls in one, gold facing the fire. Mike felt diverging from his body and felt how his soul glided into somewhere far away. Flossie whispered in between his lips. ‘Breathe life in me.’ Suddenly Flossie stepped farther away, and when Mike was still groggy because of the kiss, Flossie drank the drink in one gulp that was in the crystal bottle. Flossie whispered; ‘Farewell Michael who is loved.’ And then she fell lifeless-like to the ground.

Mike cried out loud and plunged into Flossie. He tried to listen to her heart, but he did not hear anything. There was no pulse. He tried again, nothing. The pain pressed into his chest like a thousand mountains. Mike shouted out in agony; ‘Flo! Wake up, wake up dear! Do not leave me!’ And he cried. Then suddenly he noticed the piece of paper that was lying on the ground. With his hands shaking he took the paper and after he had read it, he cried out loud in a voice that was more like an animal than a human and fell on her almost as he would have been dead himself too.

 

“Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

The world is dying,

And so are you.”

 

Author's Note

Postscript

“I wrote this very powerful story in part because of that I am worried about the current state of the world and the fact that natural resources are used recklessly and forests are being cleared down. Keep my story in your mind and when you walk in the outdoors, I hope that my story reminds you that this blue and green jewel, which is known as Earth, is the most valuable thing we have.

Take care of it.

And if the story has influenced you, hopefully in a good way, then my work was not in vain.”

Credits of photos goes to the artists.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this chapter. I liked how you added poetry to some of the chapter. I liked the story lone getting stronger and better. You have create interesting story line, feel of human life and sadness. A very good story written dear Sarah.
Coyote

[~Sarah~ Idríel The Fair]

Thank you.

At first I had this idea of a story with flower names.

Secondly, one of my inspiration came about this poem, usually used as love poem.

"Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you."

And thirdly I wanted to deal with important issues, close to my heart, to protect the nature.

[Coyote Poetry]

You did well and you are welcome Sarah.