Journey

Chapter 7: The Light From Within

~~~~~

I cried with Aunt Debora for some time, and it helped me more than I ever expected. Finally, all that grief is out of me — and good riddance. I now understand what that dream of Aunt Debora meant about letting go. But it took the real her to help me actually do it.

It wasn't just about releasing the past. It was about truly understanding what the Word of God — and what Master Aqpha taught me — meant at the heart level. Clinging to that grief wasn't honoring Aunt Debora's memory; it was letting it rule me. God's Word speaks of life and love, and I was drowning in sorrow.

Now, with that burden lifted, I can be the Knight I'm meant to be. I can be the woman Master Aqpha trained me to become—a beacon of compassion and strength. More importantly, I can embrace the love in my life fully. The tenderness I feel with Jill, the deep connection with Alsaashdyn — these are gifts. They're reflections of God's love shining through the people around me. Holding on to the past kept me from experiencing them completely.

Now I can be the best partner, the best lover I can be—no more walls, no more holding back. Just love, flowing freely, as God intended.

~~~~~

"I hope you felt my love too, baby doll."

Mary replied, "I did, love. Oh yes, I did."

"Are you still afraid of those old boyfriends of yours?"

Mary had to hold back a laugh. Jill was sleeping nearby, close and cozy.

"You're starting to sound like Jill. You're about as full of it as she is."

"I just wanted to feel the laughter rise from your soul. You deserve it."

"Thanks. As for your question, no — I don't fear them anymore. I don't think they were targeting me personally. I was just walking on their turf."

"It was the same for me. I've been a Knight for years."

"How long were you with them before I showed up?"

"I have to admit, I lost count. But I know it was longer than your stay."

"So how did they know I'd arrived in U'Vinuduo?"

Alsaashdyn's eyes lit up. "You said the name!"

"Yes, I did — thanks to Aunt Debora."

"What are you planning to do now?"

"For starters, head back to Earth for a while. I'm still on vacation, and Jill hasn't told me it's over yet."

Jill stirred awake and said, "Nope, I haven't."

Mary smiled. "Good morning, sexy."

Jill stretched and pulled back the covers.
"Because I'm naked?"

Mary took a slow look at her and said,
"You're sexy to me, clothed or not...
but I'll admit — seeing you like that definitely lights a fire in me."

Jill rose and walked toward her with playful intent. When she was close enough, she straddled Mary's lap, each leg on either side. She leaned in and gave Mary a smoldering, confident smile.

Mary's voice caught in her throat.
"Wow... baby... that was... so hot."

Jill wrapped her arms around Mary's neck and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. When they parted, she asked,
"How sexy am I now?"

Mary could hardly respond. Dazed, she finally murmured,
"Oh my... baby. That was some kiss."

Jill grinned and gave her another one — just as intense.