Chapter 18 - The Last Goodbye
They buried Tomas on a ridge overlooking the desert.
Not beneath an Army marker.
Not beneath somebody else's version of history.
His own name was carved into stone.
TOMAS NANTAN.
HUSBAND. SCOUT. SURVIVOR. WITNESS.
Naira placed his repaired knife beside him.
Then she wore the turquoise beads.
For months afterward, Elias remained nearby.
He rebuilt the cabin.
But he slept in the small shed.
He never rushed her.
Never asked what they were becoming.
Spring arrived.
Wildflowers appeared across the desert.
One evening Naira found Elias packing.
“Where are you going?”
He looked embarrassed.
“I thought maybe it's time.”
“Why?”
“You need room.”
“I have an entire desert.”
Elias smiled.
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes.”
She stepped closer.
“And you're wrong.”
He stopped packing.
Naira touched the turquoise beads.
“I loved Tomas.”
“I know.”
“I always will.”
“I know.”
She looked directly into his eyes.
“But I'm alive.”
Elias's breathing changed.
“So am I,” he said.
“Sometimes.”
She smiled.
Then she took his hand.
“Maybe we should practice.”
“Practice what?”
May you like
“Living.”
For once, Elias had no clever answer.
