Journey To Light: Part I of the High Duties of Pacia

by Bob Craton

  ***

  He stood beside a bed and gazed down at the beautiful woman lying on it. She seemed tired and her long hair was damp, but her brilliant eyes and warm smile dazzled as brightly as ever. His eyes followed hers as she glanced down to where a newborn lay in the crook of her arm. The child’s eyes were closed in sleep and both parents looked back at each other and held their gaze for long moments. He knelt beside the bed and brought his head level with hers.

  Somewhere behind him, cheerful voices called out saying, ‘Let us see the baby, too!’ He didn’t speak or turn towards the voices. He merely held up his hand to signal wait, have patience! The voices continued chattering merrily but they stayed outside the door. He leaned to kiss her gently, and their lips touched for an eternity in their minds although it seemed only a moment to those who watched. Then he stretched across her to kiss the baby.

  The voices became insistent now as people burst through the door and surrounded the bed – happy people with big smiles and soft words saying ‘the baby is flawless,’ and ‘you’ve done so well,’ and ‘we’re all so delighted.’ He knew every face but did not look at any of them. He didn’t care about the others. His eyes only saw his beautiful wife and perfect child, and the world seemed a wonderful place.