Isaac’s aged face became melancholy as he let the memory wash over him. “It was on the same time of the day, even. The sun was rising, bathing you and the entire world in its rays much like now. Before that time I came to this place every once in a while, when the world was weighing too heavily on my shoulders, to witness the sunrise or sundown.
“After that, however, I’ve come here every day of the week, and every month of the year. Even that winter when the hunters couldn’t leave the village for game, and the village suffered half and whole starvation. Remember that winter, Tami? You were so bored from not getting out I let you do this to me.” With a thumb he pointed to the braids in his hair. “It’s grown on me wonderfully, though. Anyway, I came here just to look at the sunrise. It gained a new meaning to me. It wasn’t just that beautiful sight you see now. It reminded me of you.
“*You* are why I continue living, Tami. I’m an old man, with no wife, children, or even a family to speak of, but in you I found a reason to live.” The old man ended his speech, as a lump in his throat blocked any words that might want to escape his mind. He looked back at the mountain range, partly to catch the last few moments of the sunrise, and partly to try and hide the tears in his eyes.
Tami smiled, and returned her gaze to the closing stages of the sunrise as well. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier, father.”
Isaac smiled kindly, and gently took one of Tami’s hands into both of his. “I know you are, sweetie. And I forgive you for it.”
She hugged her father tenderly, the feeling of safety in his arms dismissing even the thought that anything bad could possibly exist in the world. They sat there for a while, perfectly content in each others’ embrace. All too soon the sunrise had passed, and the mountains returned to their usual dull brown.
07-May-2007 14:14:45