The Darlings

Lyla

I first cross paths with a girl named Lyla in a small town near where I grew up.

I was sitting at a café, planning out my trip and figuring out how much money I would allow myself to spend in each place. The little bell above the door rang and I subconsciously made note that someone had walked in but paid no attention to who it was.

"Excuse me, Mr. I just want to say that you have a mighty fine camera. I want to be a photographer when I grow up," a small voice said from beside me as my sleeve was being tugged on.

I looked down to find a small bald girl dressed in a bright pink and purple princess dress. She beamed up at me and she had the eyes of a wise old man. This girl had been through war in more than one lifetime and in more than one way. I smiled down at her and took off the camera that was strapped around my neck and handed it to her for her to look at.

She handled it with such care and such awe... like she carried her own future in her hands.

"Lyla? Honey, what are you doing?" A worried looking woman came up to us and rested her hands on the child's shoulders. "Lyla, come on. Leave the poor man alone."

"But mommy, look at the camera," the girl named Lyla gushed as she presented the camera to her mom with pride.

The mother smiled at me apologetically and I could see the sleepless nights that had formed wrinkles in her forehead and bags under her eyes.

"Oh. No no. It's quite alright," I said and waved my hand dismissively. "She looks like a natural in that camera. I can't wait to see her pictures hanging up in museums."

The mother took one look at her daughter and me before something inside of her snapped and she began to cry.

Faced with this sudden outburst, I didn't know what to do, but offered her a seat and someone to talk to.

After taking a bit to calm down, she asked her daughter to go get her some tissues from the bathroom. When Lyla was gone, she faced me with a shaky breath.

"Lyla...the doctors say she has only a few weeks... the cancer.. we caught it too late and..." she paused to take in another shaky breath, "she's been such an angel... but she talks about all of these things she wants to do...and I try to stay light but...sometimes I can't help it and I break.."

I nodded and suddenly my chest ached for this family. I glanced down at my camera and remembered that I had always wanted to be a photographer as well... the thought made me even more sad.

"She's such a strong and resilient girl...she's so beautiful and..." she cut herself off to keep from crying more.

"Here you go mommy!" Lyla's small voice said and she crawled up into the booth beside her with some paper towel.

I looked down at the girl and smiled. "Do you want to head about what I'm doing?" I asked.

"With the camera?" Lyla asked.

"With the camera. You see, I'm traveling the world in search of beautiful people. When I get back, I'm going to put them in an exhibit I'm working on... and after meeting you and your mommy, I can't see any other people more perfect for my first pictures," I said and grabbed my camera. "So, if it's okay with you and your mother, I would love to be able to take your pictures and write a little about your story..." I looked to the mom and she had a beautiful smile on her face and tears began to brim her eyes. She nodded and Lyla giggled with excitement.

Since I loved the face her mother was making so much, I snapped a picture of it before it melted away. One could see
It had been awhile since she felt this...light. I then turned to Lyla.

"Give me the toothiest and biggest smile you got," I said and held my camera up to my face.

Lyla beamed at me, eyes sparking and gapped teeth making a full appearance.

"Beautiful," I said and crouched down so my face was level with Lyla's.

"Remember, if you want to be a photographer, why wait? Go on and take some pictures, show the world that anyone can follow their dreams. No matter how young, what the past is, and who they are. You're a princess, inside and out."

Lyla, despite only meeting me that day, wrapped her small arms around my neck and squeezed. I laughed a little at the hug before straightening.

The mother stood and hugged me as well, whispering a genuine thank you in my ear. When she pulled away she smiled and ushered her daughter towards the counter for their food.

I stood there for a moment, feeling a bit weak and heavy, having have gained my first people. I packed up my stuff and headed towards the door, only looking back briefly to the small girl who I most likely would never see again..