In My Heart

Chapter 2

"Nana, when is mommy coming home? I miss her." 

"Soon, sweetheart, don't worry." She says without making eye contact. 

"Last time she didn't come home for a week. She told me she was only going to be at work for a few hours and then she would be home." 

"Mommy has stuff to do after she is done with work. A mother's job never truly ends."

 Mom always leaves me at Nana's. I love Nana, but I love mommy too. I wish she would stay with me at Nana's. What if one time, she doesn't come back? 

3:00 am: 

*Phone Rings* 

"Ahh hello?" 

"Can I speak with Kodi Ann?"

"This is her. Who is this?" 

"Kodi, this is Dr. Kamble, I'm sorry to inform yo-" 

"Is she dead?" I abruptly spit out before she could say anything more.

"No, Kodi, your mother is not dead. She is lucky to be alive. She must have dosed off while driving and went off the road and into a tree. She has multiple serious issues. We can talk more, when you come in. She is stable, and doing fine. You can wait until morning if you would like, she is in good hands." she says. 

"I'll be there in the morning, thanks doc."

Dr. Kamble has known me and my family since I was in diapers. She's become a family-friend over the years. This isn't the only phone call I've gotten from her regarding my mother. 

Everything happened so quickly, I almost forgot about the dream I was having before the phone call woke me. Although it was more of a flashback then a dream. Maybe it was a way of my mind warning me or helping me to recall. Either way, something about it just makes me uncomfortable. I don't think I'll be getting much sleep. 

I decide to pack my mom a care package of things I know she will want or need while she is in the hospital. After I have finished, I still can't seem to settle. My mind is shaken, and the house feels more than lonely. I decide to go for a drive and clear my head. 

My drive landed me at Mullberry. It's state land, famous for its natural beauty. Although all of Minnesota is famous for that, this place was special to me. Although I didn't know it at this moment. 

As I walked aimlessly through the woods, I listened to the sound of water rushing and finally came to the river that flowed so beautifully. A small waterfall that fell just a few hundred feet away from me. I was standing on what seemed to be a cliff, that was perfectly located to gaze at both that night sky and the river all in one. I don't think anything else could make this moment more soothing. 

Suddenly I hear a noise in the trees, branches breaking. It wasn't until now that I realized that I was completely vulnerable, with no way to defend myself. Not to mention I was out in the middle of nowhere. No witnesses, and no one to tell the tale. Suddenly I wanted more than ever to be home. 

"Don't be alarmed, I'm not going to hurt you" said a man, whom I couldn't see. 

"Why should I believe you? You can't even show yourself." I snarl back, trying my best to not show my fear. 

"If I just popped out of the trees you would have been more alarmed and could've hurt me out of instinct. That is why I haven't come out yet. I'm coming out now." 

To my right, a short but built man walked out of the treeline towards me. I sat still and awaited his company. I wasn't scared anymore, I was relieved although I don't know why. 

"My name is Dale. I suppose you're wondering why I'm out here at this hour. Truth be told, ever since I was a child I have come here to clear my head. It's gorgeous isn't it?" He said as he sat down next to me. 

"Yes it is gorgeous, and in all honesty I have never been here. I went for a drive to clear my head and landed myself here." 

"Welcome to my safe haven." he says with a small smile.