Love in the Fields

18

The evening air was cool as Camila sat on the porch, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had just finished yet another tense conversation with her father, a routine that always left her feeling worn down, like she was fighting a current stronger than herself. Even though they were separated by miles, his voice, full of frustration and thinly veiled disapproval, managed to fill her chest with a familiar heaviness. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the lingering ache, and as she exhaled, her fingers moved almost instinctively to call her mother.

As the phone rang, she wrapped her cardigan tighter around her, hoping her mother's voice would bring her the comfort she needed. When her mom picked up, there was an immediate warmth in her voice, as though she could sense the weight of the conversation even before Camila spoke.

"Hi, mija," her mother said softly, the familiar affection in her tone wrapping around Camila like a hug. "How are you doing out there?"

Camila bit her lip, hesitating. "I... I'm alright, Mom. Just needed to talk, I guess."

"I'm here," her mom said gently, her voice filled with that rare kind of love that asked for nothing but honesty.

Camila closed her eyes, the words falling from her lips before she could second-guess them. "Mom... I don't think I want to come back to the city."

There was a pause, and Camila could almost picture her mother sitting down, taking a moment to absorb the weight of her words. "I see," her mother finally replied, her tone careful. "Is this about you and your father? Or... is there more to it?"

Camila sighed, glancing out at the dusky view of the open fields, the soft glow of the farmhouse lights just visible through the trees. "It's... both, I guess," she admitted. "Dad and I never see eye to eye. Every call, every visit, it's like we're speaking different languages." Her voice softened, and her gaze drifted toward the farmhouse. "But it's more than that, too. Mom, I'm... I'm really happy here. Happier than I ever thought I'd be."

The pause on the other end was longer this time, filled with what felt like a mixture of understanding and hesitation. Camila held her breath, wondering how her mother would react, hoping beyond hope that she would understand.

"Tell me," her mother said softly, her tone inviting Camila to go deeper. "What makes you so happy out there?"

Camila felt her heart beat a little faster, her thoughts drifting to Lauren, the quiet moments they shared, the joy that had taken root in her heart over the past months. She swallowed, choosing her words carefully, but the truth spilled out before she could filter it.

"It's the quiet here, Mom. The simplicity, the way things slow down... I've never felt so at peace." She paused, a small smile playing on her lips. "And then there's Lauren..."

Her mother's silence was gentle, patient, letting her go on without interruption.

"Lauren's..." Camila felt a warmth spread through her as she thought of her, as though just saying her name brought her closer. "She's been... she's become really important to me, Mom. More than just a friend." The admission made her heart race, a vulnerability in those words that she hadn't fully shared with anyone until now.

Her mother's voice was soft when she finally spoke. "Oh, Camila... does she make you happy?"

Camila nodded, even though her mother couldn't see her. "Yes," she whispered, feeling the truth of it settle deeply within her. "She makes me feel... understood. Seen. And it's just so easy with her." Her voice softened, turning wistful. "When I'm with Lauren, I feel like I can just be myself. I don't have to prove anything. I don't have to... hide."

Her mother sighed, a sound full of tenderness and quiet understanding. "I'm glad you've found someone who makes you feel that way, mija. Someone who truly sees you."

Camila felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, the relief of her mother's support settling over her like a gentle wave. "It's just... Dad," she murmured, feeling the weight of her father's judgment settle heavily once again. "He'll never accept this. Not the way you do."

Her mother's voice grew softer, the pain evident even through the phone. "You know how he is, Camila. He has his own ideas about life, about how things should be... but he's wrong to make you feel like you don't belong. You have to live your life in a way that makes you happy. I know he can't see that right now, but I do." Her voice trembled, a blend of sadness and pride. "And if this place, if this girl makes you feel that kind of happiness, then you deserve to hold onto it."

Camila let out a shaky breath, finally allowing herself to release the tension she'd been carrying. "Thank you, Mom. You don't know how much that means to me."

"I think I do," her mother replied gently, her voice warm and full of love. "I may not fully understand this new life you've found, or the way your heart is leading you, but I know it's your life to live. And if Lauren's the one who makes it brighter... then that's all I need to know."

Camila couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her, a blend of joy and relief. "You'd love her, Mom. She's... she's special. Funny, kind... and she's always there for me. Even when things with Dad get rough, she finds a way to make me laugh."

Her mother chuckled softly. "Then she sounds wonderful." Her tone grew serious, but the love was unwavering. "Just promise me one thing, Camila."

"Anything," Camila said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Promise me you'll be true to yourself, no matter what anyone says. Not your father, not me... not anyone. Find your happiness and hold onto it, mija. You deserve that."

Camila's heart swelled, the words resonating deeply within her. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to savor the feeling of her mother's acceptance, her quiet strength supporting her even from miles away.

"I promise, Mom," she said softly, her voice full of conviction. "I'll hold onto it."

Her mother exhaled softly, a sound full of relief. "Then that's all I need to hear. Take care of yourself, and remember that I'm here, always."

They stayed on the line a little longer, filling the silence with shared love, a connection that felt as real as if her mother were standing beside her. As they finally said their goodbyes, Camila felt a renewed sense of peace settle over her. She was ready to face whatever came next, grounded in the knowledge that she was not alone. And when she looked across the field and saw Lauren waiting for her by the porch, a soft smile on her face, Camila felt a surge of quiet certainty.

She was exactly where she was meant to be.