WAIT

#12 "Peace"

Kait's feet were folded on the grey sheet. Her irises following the beige doll as she paved back and forth on the tiled floor.

The worry lines evident on her forehead told Kait all she needed to knew about her best friend's state of mind.

"Jeans..."

"T-shirts..."

"It could be cold so sweaters..."

"Shoes..."

The words flew out of Tenille's mouth as she went back and forth adding items to the black rectangular box that was splayed on the tiled floor.

A sigh escaped her lips as she fell onto the mattress opposite to Kait's.

Both women seated in silence as their irises spoke the words their lips wouldn't say.

The significance of the moment that could possibly change the trajectory of their friendship.

Kait's mind replayed images of the childhood she'd shared with Tenille.

At one point in her life, Tenille had been the only companion Kait knew.

They'd spent so much of their lives entwined with the other that it was hard for them to accept the reality of the moment.

The reality of no longer providing that solace and source of encouragement for the other.

Kait's heart swelled with hurt for the parting of its mate.

Tenille was her person and Kait didn't want another one of those.

She'd unpacked, unfolded, refined, restored and renewed every part of herself with Tenille as a witness. Tenille's encouragement pushed her to be better, do better.

Now she didn't know what her life would look like without her best friend right beside her.

"I don't want to leave."

Tenille's parted lips were the first to break the silence.

Melancholy consumed the four walls in Tenille's bedroom as Kait's eyes filled like a glass of water.

"I don't want you to leave either but I know it's best... I know you need this... to make a better life for yourself and your family... you can't do that here. You've been given this opportunity and I don't want you to take it for granted."

Kait's voice cracked as Tenille occupied the vacant space beside her.

Their arms wrapping around each other's in an embrace that allowed the tears they'd been holding in to break loose.

With each tear drop, they let go of the rope that held them together all these years.

No longer could they be the other's safety blanket but they had to experience life for themselves. They could no longer conquer the world together but individually.

And that wouldn't affect their friendship but cause the growth they both needed to not fly as one but as two.

"I won't... and I want you to promise me that you'd go through with this retreat that you have stored in your mind... it's a good idea and Kait you're capable of so much more than you allow yourself to believe... don't stop dreaming and wanting to make a difference because you can."

Kait's fingers brushed away the tears that stained her cheeks.

Tenille's words sinking in.

She wouldn't give up on her dream to do more.

Her mind replayed the scripture she'd read that morning in Joshua where God had spoken to Joshua and told him that even though he was old now, there was still more to do.