THE DISTANCE

The Distance

There is a woman, standing on a ridge, looking out upon the water.

It seems to go on forever, Mary thought, as she stood on the shore of Galway Bay looking out to the sea. Like looking out to the future. Clouds, clear sky, currents that might take you anywhere. And tides like emotion, washing back and forth over a heart.

A heart that had no idea what the future was. It knew the present. And had lived through the past. And none of it seemed to fit anymore. None of it seemed to satisfy. She wanted to just jump in and swim, fall asleep swimming and awaken in a new life. Emerge somewhere, open her eyes, and then she would know what life held.

This evening though, the sun was fading. And the light became dimmer on the water. Soon the light would go with the rising of the moon. Soon, thought Mary. Soon, I shall go with the light, and the moon would have to rise over Galway Bay all by itself.

She turned and began her walk back to the small white stone cottage with its thatched roof. On the road she could see a figure. She could tell by the walk it was her brother Pat. He walked it seemed, as if he was sitting by a fire, lost in the play of the flames. Even the wind could not rush Pat, she thought.

“Is that you Mary? He called as they neared.

“I’ve never seen anyone move so far forward while all the while leaning back.” She said.

“Flattery, can none of the girls resist? Not even my own dear sister. Have you been starring out at American again Mary?”

“Oh, I don’t know its just so lovely to look out. Can you imagine there is a whole other world out there?”

“Is it another world do you think, or is it just the same world on the other side? There are so many of us have gone there now. I can’t imagine it can be much different.” Said Pat.

“I can’t even imagine it. I like to hope it was different.”

“Listen Mary, don’t you imagine there is someone over there thinking just the same thing you are?” said Pat.

“Well if they are, I wish knew them and I’d invite them to take my place.”

“What’s this now? Are you serious Mary?”

“Yes I think so Pat.”

“But this is your home. You’ve been here all your life.”

Mary looked at him.

“That’s just it. Its home, but I’ not. I’m restless. I feel as if there is another place I should be. Something I should be doing. The only peace I feel is when I look out past the bay or when I ‘up high in the hills and there is nothing I can See but the distance.” She stood still for a moment then said. 

“Listen to me going on. Let’s go home.”