Sorting Through Life's Puzzle Pieces

Prologue

                                                  PROLOGUE

How do you move on from this? She thought to herself. There in the corner, smiling politely, accepting hugs and well-meaning sympathy. I'm too young for this. They were too young for this. What the hell am I supposed to do without them?

Four months later she is packing a couple bags and is leaving a letter for everyone. "I'm sorry, guys," she says as she reaches down to the dogs to give them a healthy dose of affection before she goes out the door. The taxi driver heads out and she holds back tears as she heads out further than she's ever been in her life. When she hesitates at the airport, the driver asks her if she is okay.

"Just feeling a little bit like Samwise right now." The old man gives her a knowing smile.

"Just think then, miss. You are embarking on an adventure that will change you into who you've always been on the inside. That was the most amazing thing about Hobbits. At least you aren't waiting until you're in your sixties to take this step."

"I'm glad I had you driving me, sir. Not everyone would tell me to be brave with a Tolkien reference." Her smile lifted and she started to feel a little lighter.

"Not everyone goes past their limits. Save travels, miss." He got back in his car and drove away as she turned and walked through the doors to check-in.

"Just the one bag, ma'am?"

"Yes, this one will stay with me. I haven't flown in a number of years, is there anything I should know?"

"When was the last time you flew?"

"I was three."

"Just pay attention to the attendants and all the instructions they give, and you'll be fine."

She nodded and thanked the woman and headed to her gate. It was a couple more hours before her flight, so she grabbed a coffee and a bottle of water after security and took a seat. Halfway though her cup, a woman in plaid pajamas sat next to her.

"Hey, you look new."

"Excuse me?"

"This is where all the volunteers are boarding, this trip. I don't recognize you." She offered her hand, "I'm Shawna."

"Maeve. Do I really look that green?"

"No, I've just been working for them for a while and been with so many veterans that I figured that you were new. Never seen you before." Her accent came through softly and Maeve couldn't help but feel accepted by the complete stranger.

"Well, you're not wrong. I like your accent. Where are you from?"

"Wales. You?"

"Kentucky. How long have you been doing this?"

"Five years. It is more fulfilling than working in a building and it gets my parents off my back about settling down."

"Take your time with that. Be your own person before you become someone's wife and mother."

"That's good advice. From the look on your face, you found that out a little late."

"Too late." An announcement came on the intercom and everyone stood up to board. "That's us. Maybe we'll get lucky and be sitting next to each other."

"If not, see you when we land." Shawna joined the que as Maeve gathered her trash to pitch before she also joined the line of people.

Here goes nothin'.

Welcome!!! I would like to thank @Anglophile1971, @SigneLarsen1 and @AdelinaJaden who, with their incredible writing and encouragement I would not have started this book. Please enjoy, comment, vote. Do not leave negative comments if you don't like it. You can always stop reading and go elsewhere.