Tears of Autumn

Chapter 7: Amal Meadow

The bus dropped Amber and I off at the usual place and the street was desolating.

"Okay, let's go over to Ms. Harmony's and tell her we are going somewhere calm to do our homework." I suggested.

"Alright-y!" She accepted.

We hurried to the barn to greet Ms. Harmony and her pets. I was thinking that we should take them out for a walk. Talia and Tai are active pets and are both certified as service animals. It would be great to take them out with us, just in case anything happens because to get to my secret place, it takes a lot of obstacles, but it's worth it.

Amber tapped on the door and footsteps quickly approached. It opened with a loud streak hinting that the door needed to be oiled on the sides. The dark-haired woman appeared and welcomed us.

"You're back! How was your first day, Amber? I hope it went good!" Ms. Harmony exclaimed.

Amber looked down, I sensed that she was resistant to tell her how it went because of what happened this morning. I patted on her shoulder mentally telling her to let it out. I learned from years of therapy that hiding things from those who care will only make the situation worse. I don't believe that because my therapist told me so. I strongly believe that because if you keep holding things in and not letting it out. It will burst in a random time, causing mental breakdowns and anger issues. I know Amber is secretive. I can tell that she hasn't told her caretaker everything that happened in her life.

I understand all this phycology because my dream for when I grow older is to be a phycologist. I comprehend the fact that those who have or do experience an unstable mental health at some point in their life is bound to have more insight and empathy towards their patients.

"It was okay but some of the kids are just... shabby." Amber finally spit out.

Ms. Harmony looked at her in an unsurprised way, I was pretty sure she was expecting this answer. After all, she knows the community around here.

"Listen Amber, the people around this area are narrow-minded and don't know how to act. However, not everyone is like that, they're just hard to find. It's not impossible, you just need to 'close your eyes and keep your ears awake, only then will you find those who don't seek the weaknesses of others'. That goes for you as well, Layla" The chip of an old block said.

Amber and I looked at each other and gazed. She was right, we shouldn't assume that good people are hard to clasp.

To change the subject and rid ourselves of tension, I told her about the plan to go to a well-known place for my practices and to bring the pets with us for support. She was okay with it if we were back before dusk and responsible for the animals. We made our promises and began putting the leashes.

Amber isn't fond of Tai as I was so I put the rope and jacket on him. Typically, cats are more heart-warming to me than dogs but I like animals in generals. I pondered about Amber's favorite animal or creature.

"What's your favorite animal?"

"I like birds, specifically owls and parakeets." She smiled. "They always give a sense of freedom, their wings lift them from the force of gravity, I wish humans could have that ability."

It would be dandy to be able to fly. When I was younger, I would tell my mother about my dream to fly up into the sky and touch the stars and clouds. Of course, I didn't know that stars were billions of miles away when I was that age.

Amber got Talia ready and Tai was geared up.

"You got your backpack and homework?" I made sure.

"It's on me! You got your violin and notebooks?" She winked.

I smirked and pointed at my left hand that carrying my instrument case and my dense bag. She giggled and we went out.

Talia's tail was joyous and Tai's curiosity was dragging him forward. They would sniff and signal if it was okay to continuously walk. The ground was slippery from yesterday's rain. There are three markers I pass by to get to my secret place.

First, there's a creek with big stones to get across on, and snapping turtles in the water so it's best not to slip. Second, there is a big tree with a carving of a crescent moon. When I discovered the carving, I pondered why it was there. I still don't know why it's there but it reminds me of my mother so every year I lay forget-me-nots and light a few soothing candles to mourn. Last marker, is a small tunnel that leads to the place. I covered the entrance with a thick dark fabric, no one can notice since the forest was savvy. It's a camouflage method my biological father once told me. It hurt to think of that cruel savage of a man.

After a few minutes of conversation and careful steps, we located the stream of clear water that had a green tint. It was always cold to the touch. Our safety guards hinted it was permitted to cross.

The next marker wasn't too far off. We made it through with ease since it was hard ground with leaves around every corner. A few steps later, I spotted the covered tunnel and then showed Amber the most brilliant place she'd ever set eyes upon.

"It's spectacular! It's so peaceful, huge, and has amazing scenery!" She jumped.

It has a small lake where all the ducks and turtles roam, boulders to stand on, a swing set, a tree house painted violet, and a gigantic willow tree. This, in a way, was my utopia.

"I'm glad you like it here. Let's go over to the tree house to finish our work, then I'll give you a tour of this place." I told her.

She looked puzzled for a moment and asked,

"Are you going to keep calling this paradise 'this place' forever?"

I hadn't been able to think of a name that was creative enough to my liking. However, she had a point, this special place is crying for an official title.

"What would you call it?"

She pondered for a few moments, then her eyes sparkled, and it hit her.

"Amal Meadow. What do you think?" She blazed.

"What does 'Amal' mean?" I asked.

"It means Hope. In other words, the Meadow of Hope."

That name defined the reason I come here, for renewal of hope and determination. It was perfect. I gave her a grin that approved her suggestion.

We went to the tree house and joyfully began working on our homework together with laugher in the air and hearts content.

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