The Islands of our Stars

2013

"Stay still mi amor," Maria said.She weaved her fingers through Madison's hair creating a French braid. Madison looked up,"Am I pretty yet?" Maria smiled," Siempre fuiste bonita mi nieta, and you always will be," Madison giggle,"you too abuela." Maria sighed,"Not always, soon I'll be up there." she pointed up at the starry sky.Madison tilted her head. Maria seeing her confusion,"The stars are the souls of the lost ones who reached the afterlife, and soon I'll be up there with your abuelo." she said. Madison frowned,"But I don't want you to leave," she wrapped her arms around her abuela's waist."Don't leave me here with Papi." Señor Alvaro was unlike any other man, he would waste himself and gamble, and unfortunately use up all the family savings leaving them to eat cornbread every morning and afternoon, and he would thrash Madison every chance he could. Maria kissed Madison's forehead,"But I must, that's how life works, you are born to live life to the fullest and I already have with you by my side." Madison looked up at her abuela's fair round face, tears filled her eyes."But you won't be able to see me all grown." Maria looked at Madison and smiled weakly,"I will be with you, I'll be watching from above, I'll be watching you get married, I'll be watching you give birth and I'll watch you pass.Just promise me you'll live a happy life mi amor." Suddenly time moves fast as the waves crash on the shores of Miami, Florida.Madison began to feel Maria fade away and bring her to the present.The year is 2020 and Madison finds herself lying on the sand and looking up at the bright blue skies."You were right abuelita, I have to live life to the fullest, I'll make you proud, and one day I will be up there with you and abuelo." Madison smiled and closed her eyes and fell to a deep sleep.