Murky Waters

The River

The cold water seeped through the crevices in my hand. The river flowed hitting the round grey stones as it passed. It's been a long time since I saw water this clear. So clear that I could see the bottom of the river bed. Underneath it were little fish swimming through and around the driftwood. In the corner of my eye I noticed a small stream that diverged from the river. I picked myself up and began to follow the twists and turns. The water was unlike me, free and able to flow in any direction it wanted to. The small stream separated away from the rest of the flow, yet continued without a specific destination. My destination still hasn't been reached. I don't think my destination could ever be reached. It's been a while since I've set out on my own and yet I have no idea where I am headed. The stream became narrower and narrower, and at this point I feel as though I wasted my time. What did I hope to gain out of changing my path? Did I really make the right choice? Am I like this stream, flowing endlessly in no specific direction, only to realize my efforts were pointless? The farther along the stream flowed, the more sediment it picked up from the rocks, becoming dirtier as it flowed. Just as my thoughts overcame my mind like a storm, I stopped in my tracks. In front of me I noticed a large clearing. To the right was a small pond, and to the left were bushes and trees filled with berries and fruits I was unfamiliar with. However right in the middle was a girl. It's been a while since I've seen anyone. The girl had long flowing locks, that were as dark as night. Her eyes reminded me of the murky waters that surrounded my town, while the whites of her eyes reminded me of the small amount of hope I had left. Before I could say anything she ran towards me. I was frozen in place, unknowing of what to do in such a surprising turn of events. As she got closer I was reminded of a familiar scent of mulberry berries. The closer she got, the faster my heart beat. I noticed a smile creep on her face, and her murky eyes filled with tears. She embraced me and I couldn't help but throw my hands around her. The contact of her skin on mine, the warmth of her embrace was something I yearned for. Something I needed. Desperately I clung on to her, never wanting to let go. Her embrace reminded me of my time at the village.