by Cherron Riser, Ashley Nicole Davis, Tara Ann Moore, & Taylor Lexus Brown
Over the week, the memories got stronger and stronger, making sleep harder for me to get through. Deprivation had me questioning everything I saw and heard, and I was becoming desperate for relief. By the time Wednesday rolled around, I was certain what I needed. Grabbing a soda from the fridge, I sipped on it as I showered and dressed for my walk to the shop. There was a bit of a mist in the air, so I pulled on a light jacket before heading out.
It was the same as every week, and the routine made me start to liven up. Then I remembered Lauren wouldn’t be there. “Fuck!” I whispered to myself, tossing my soda can and watching what was left splatter on the ground. Frustrated with myself, I went after the can and picked it up.
Getting to the shop, I opened the door and ducked inside. That was when the world stopped for me. Spearwa. There she stood behind the counter where Lauren usually stood. My heart stopped. How could she be standing in front of me? Part of me thought of leaving, and another part of me came to life once again. I stood there, staring at the girl as she sifted through a basket of herbs. She didn’t seem to notice me, but I couldn’t get my eyes off her. I’m sure I looked like I was crazy staring at her the way I was, but there was no getting past it.
It took her a couple of moments, but when she looked over to me, and I saw those beautiful green eyes, my whole life flashed through my mind. However, it wasn’t the life I remembered. It was the life I dreamed of, with Spearwa at my side. Her beautiful smile shining up at me every morning, our children playing in the yard, and us making love under the moonlight every night. It was enough to drive a man crazy.
“You must be Liam. Lauren told me you come around this time every week. I have your usual order written down right here if you would like me to get it for you,” she said with an innocent smile on her face. She spoke to me like the stranger I was to her, and what little part of me there was still inside died.
“Yes, I’m Liam. Thank you for that. I was also wanting to ask for some help, but maybe I should wait for Lauren to get back.” My words came out grumbled as I moved toward the dining area and plopped down in my seat. The wood below me creaked and whined, reminding me I was too big to do things like that.
“I’m sure I can help with anything you need. Lauren had me watch the shop because she believed in me and trusted me. I would be happy to help in any way that I can. I’m Sparrow by the way,” the girl answered, flashing me the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.
Spearwa meant sparrow where I was from, which only solidified my feelings that she had been sent back to me. However, how do you walk up to a woman and tell her she looked like your dead wife? I couldn’t say something like that and then ask her to dinner. That would be a bit on the creepy side.
Lost in my thoughts, I nearly jumped when she set my food down on the table. “So what is it you needed help with? I would be happy to do anything that will help.”
For several heartbeats, I had no idea what to say. Then it hit me. I looked like an idiot. Clearing my throat and shaking my head, I shifted, doing everything I could to get rid of the increased anxiety I felt. “Well, I have been suffering from nightmares lately. I thought maybe Lauren could whip something up to help me sleep. She has helped me with that before.”
Something strange flashed through her eyes, almost as if she understood exactly what I was talking about. Had she been having similar issues or was I reading more into this because I wanted her to know who I was? “I’m sure I could help you with that. If you don’t mind giving it a try, I can make you a tea for you to take home with you.”
Wanting to spend more time with her, I nodded before picking up my sandwich. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her working. The thick scent of herbs filled the air as she crushed and ground ingredients for the tea. It was a fragrance that reminded me of a previous life, and I loved it. For the first time in what felt like ages, I smiled and could feel the warmth of it going to my cold, dead heart. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt the fire burn inside of me. With the crushing and mixing of the herbs, genuine electricity sparked the air around her. Magic. Pure and beautiful and strong, like nothing else I had felt.
By the time my sandwich was finished, Sparrow had come back with a bag full of loose tea for me. She smiled as she handed it to me, and sparks ignited between us as our fingers touched. Part of me thought it was all in my head, but when I saw the look on her face, I knew she had felt it too. There was a connection there, one that had lasted through time and space to bring us back to this moment. It took every ounce of willpower I possessed not to pull her into me and kiss the hell out of her.
“Thank you, I hope it works.” Getting up, I pulled out my wallet to pay and leave her be. The last thing I wanted to do was come off as some sort of creeper, ogling a girl I had never met. Well, at least as far as she knew.
“Any time. I will be here every day until Lauren gets back. Feel free to stop by any time and visit. The shop can be quiet at times. Not many people follow our path of spirituality.” There was a hint of laughter in her voice, like birds singing on the wind, and another smile curved on my lips.
Leaving was much harder than I thought it would be, but I managed to pull myself away and head back down the street toward my house. However, I had a feeling I would be back very soon. There was no way I was going to let my little Sparrow get away again.
