Whisper My Name

Chapter 41

March 23, 1992

San Cristobal, Galápagos Archipelago

Ain't it strange how love put things together?

One like you, someone like me

But no one ever moved me like the way you do

~ Lighter Touch ~ Heart ~

As they stepped from the ferry they'd taken from Santa Cruz, Marlena took comfort in having John's fingers laced in hers, and feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. A windward breeze blew briskly off of the Pacific Ocean, pushing Marlena's hair back, and bringing a rose hue to her cheeks. She looked amazing. John stopped walking, caught up in her, and she smiled softly, asking him, "Are you okay?"

"I am. My neck's a little stiff, but I feel fine," he said smiling down at her. There was something about the feeling of the ocean air across his skin that was pulling at his mind. His hand squeezed Marlena's as he whispered, "I feel as if everything is about to change, Doc. As if having that chip removed is going to be the turning point in my life."

"I'll be with you," she told him. "We'll stay here for awhile, continue with your hypnosis sessions, and–" John's face took on a faraway look, and Marlena said softly, "John?"

John closed his eyes. There was something there. He concentrated on the air brushing across his bearded face. He took a deep breath of the salty air, and then he was lost in a memory so strong it was as if he were in another time and place.

"Come here, my beautiful boy," Vivian said, pulling him into her lap. Her delicate hands pushed his sweaty hair back from his forehead. Leaning close to his ear, she asked him, "Do you feel that air on your skin? Do you smell the salt in the air? Don't forget it, Forrest. I want you to remember to live life to its fullest. Every day is a gift. Every single day."

A large man, with broad sun-kissed shoulders laughed loudly, "Vivian, the boy is eight. He doesn't have a clue as to what you're talking about. You're waxing poetic about life, and he's not old enough to understand the significance."

"Someday he will, Bradley," she said loudly. "He will remember this moment, and he will smile. Just a boy and his mother having deep, philosophical conversations about the joy we can find in life. Besides, my son is smart, and whether he understands what I'm saying now, or not... someday he will." She kissed his cheek, smoothing her hand over his hair. "Forrest is a bright boy, aren't you?"

"John?" Marlena whispered, making sure to keep the trepidation she was feeling out of her voice. Glancing around she was relieved to find that no one was paying them any mind. Her fingertips softly caressed his forearm, "John, honey... come back to me."

He shook his head, his unfocused eyes suddenly glancing down at her with newly realized surprise. He was momentarily confused, as he stared at Marlena in wonder. Resting his forehead on hers, he released a breath. He felt himself vibrating inside as he said quietly, "I remembered something. I remembered my mother...Vivian. Doc... things are going to come back to me. I think you were right. I think that microchip was suppressing everything, and now–now, it's all going to come back to me. Perhaps much faster than I'm ready for."

Threading her fingers through his, Marlena smiled at him gently, "Let's get you home."

"Home?" he asked her with a teasing glint in his eye.

Tugging at his hand, she told him, "Anywhere I go with you, Sailor, is home."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pier 54, Salem