An Australian Love || A Robert Irwin Story

E L E V E N

RECAP

So much for letting them find their own way to you and giving them the space they deserve Robert.

Smiling to myself, I shake my head. This wasn't even my idea of a best case scenario, it wasn't even an idea in my head. I can't believe this. Mari and I are talking. We've made it past the friendship stage. Are we talking? Are we mutual, exclusive? What are we?

You're in a good place is what you are. Live in the now.

What do I do now?

Relax, plan, and get ready for your date, obviously.

MARI

The beach is surprisingly quiet at this time of day, especially for a Saturday morning. There's a beautiful breeze softly blowing past us, the sun is shining, and the water's warm. At least it looks warm. It's honestly perfect, today is perfect. Robert set up a picnic for us, complete with sandwiches, drinks, a fruit tray, and chips, all laid out on a large, soft, white blanket.

"It's almost like you knew how things would turn out?" I playfully punch his shoulder, accusing him. He feigns pain and falls over, grabbing his arm in the process, horribly fake crying.

"Oh my god Mari, why would you do this? I think you've just broken my arm!" He can't even pretend to keep up his act before bursting into laughter, which in turn, causes me to laugh. No sounds are made, we're both dying silently. And I wouldn't have it any other way. It feels good to laugh, a real laugh. I've been doing it so much lately that it feels like I've never had to pretend. Not having to fake laughter and happiness has been such a refreshing change of pace.

After a few minutes, we're able to collect ourselves and that's when it all sets in. I'm on a date with one of the kindest people I've ever met. Not only is he kind, he's honest, funny, intelligent, and selfless. Everything he does is for the benefit of someone, or something, other than himself. Devoting his life to taking care of and educating himself, and others, about the animals at the zoo is something I think not many people could do. He's constantly fighting for others because he believes in others. Having to leave, not just him, but everyone at the zoo is going to be incredibly hard.

I don't even realize I'm staring, a slight smile on my face until he brings me back to reality with his voice. "What's going through that mind of yours, darling?" He cocks his head to the side ever so slightly, like a curious puppy. He wants me to talk about what's bothering me, knowing it'll make me feel better. Again, always wanting to make sure everyone is okay. I will never know how he does it, he must have like this sixth sense. I know I've hidden my emotions well, no one else realized I was upset.

I sigh, knowing I'm going to dull the mood with my emotions. "I'm just thinking. I don't want to go, but I know my mother won't let me stay. I love it here, I love working day in and day out, for the sake of the beautiful animals you home. I've really found my passion, and I feel like, by leaving, by going back to America, I'm letting go of it. I don't want to let go Ri." His eyes soften, and he grabs my hands softly, as if he understands what this feels like.

"You're not letting go of your passion just because you're going back home. You can find a shelter or another zoo to work at. If you decide one day in the future, that you would want to come back to Australia and work here again, just know we will have a position for you. You have a spot on this team no one else could fill. You've not earned, but created a place in everyone's heart that can only be filled by you. By your laughter, your eagerness to learn, your tenacity, your spirit." He gives my hand a quick squeeze, leaving no room for a rebuttal. 

With him, I've learned that a hand squeeze means the conversation needs to pause for a minute for me to soak in what's been said to me. It means that he's listened every time we've talked. He knows I need some time after emotions have been revealed, to truly comprehend what's been said. The muscles in my body relax, releasing some of the pent-up stress I've been feeling. Again, I don't know how he does it. How he learned me and broke my walls so quickly. How he did it all so easily.