TO LOVE WITH A DANCERS HEART.

Summer let out a content sigh as she walked along the beach, loving the feel of the warm sand under her feet. She looked out at the water, smiling softly, as she watched the kids play and squeal out in excitement. She brushed some hair behind her ear, a small chuckle escaping her as she watched an older brother drunk a younger sister into the water playfully. She shook her head at the sight, loving the idea of feeling young again, feeling like a kid again - holding on to the innocence that comes along with it.

Biting her lip, she moved on, headed off the beach and towards the church she had entered her first day on the island. She hadn’t gone back since that day but since she was leaving soon she figured it would only be right to go and speak with the woman she had first encountered and thank her for her prayers and warm words of encouragement and wisdom. Summer entered the building, looking around slowly. A few people sat in pews holding prayer beads with their heads bowed and their eyes closed.

She tucked her lips in quietly moving forward in the church not wanting to disturb them. She reached the alter and looked around, glancing towards the doorway she saw the woman exit that day. Silently she made her way towards it, poking her head inside looking down both hallways. She bit her lip softly, chewing it as she made her way down a hallway. Coming upon a few people conversing quietly she cleared her throat trying to catch their attention and a young woman glanced her way. “Hello.” She smiled softly. “Can I help you with anything?”

Summer nodded slowly, hooking her fingers around her belt loops. “Uh – yeah. I’m looking for an older woman. Uh I was here a few days ago and she talked to me… and prayed for me… and I want to thank her.” She explained softly and the two women looked at each other before back at Summer. “I – uh – I never caught her name, but she was an older woman, dark skin, about maybe 5’2 or 5’3. She was wearing a head wrap that day.” She tried to explain. One of the women stepped forward looking Summer over. “Sweetheart, there wouldn’t be anyone like that here. Are you sure it was this church?” The woman asked and Summer nodded. “Yeah. I’m sure.”

Summer sighed. “I was right in there and she came and touched my shoulder, prayed for me, sat me down and talked to me for a bit, then disappeared back this way.” The two women shook their heads. “Sorry dear, but I really wouldn’t have any idea as to who you’re talking about from your description. Sarah and I are the only two here most days, aside from the island residence coming in and out.” She hummed, lightly touching Summer’s shoulder. Summer nodded slowly, biting her lip. “Alright.” She sighed. “Thank you anyway.” The two women nodded slowly at Summer saying their goodbyes before returning to their conversation and Summer walked off, running her fingers through her hair, confused.

She didn’t understand how they didn’t know who the woman was. She was there and talked to her, held her hands, prayed for her, and when she was finished, she walked right back there. Shaking her head Summer, figured she must have just been an island residence that just noticed she needed a good talking to. The wisdom of an elder, she assumed as she walked out the church and pushed her hands into her pockets. She made her way back to her hotel room, looking around at her half packed suitcases and scattered clothing items on the bed.

She plopped down on the bed and kicked off her shoes, moving to finish folding and placing things back into her suitcase. She did so she a few minutes before she heard a knock at the door. She got up and padded across the floor to the door, glancing through the peephole before a smile tugged her lips and she pulled the door open. Alisha, Shanti, and Victoria stood before her. Shanti stood in the forefront holding out a cupcake with her name scribbled across it in icing and Summer’s smile widened. “Since you’re leaving soon…” Alisha started. “We decided to make you a cupcake…” Shanti picked up. “As a friendly thank you for the fun you’ve brought to us while you’ve been here.” Victoria finished.

Summer beamed at them, opening the door wider to let them inside. She closed the door behind them and took the cupcake from Shanti sitting it on the nightstand before opening her arms for a group hug. They all laughed softly as they fell into a wide embrace. Although they’d only just met Summer and spent a little time with her, they all felt as if she had impacted their lives and they we’re all going to miss her. To them she was the ball of sunshine they had been searching for and they we’re all sad to see her go.

Summer let out a sad sigh as she hugged the trio. Despite the fact that she’d only known them for a little while she was going to miss their ignorance and feisty attitudes, their crazy jokes, and their bond. From what she’d learned about them in the short time she’d learned that they all grew up on the island together and were the best of friends and she admired that and was thankful that they’d accepted her into their little pact for her time there.

As they broke, from the hug, all four of them took a moment to wipe their wet eyes and Summer chuckled softly. “Don’t worry I’m only an hour away. I’ll visit and you guys can come visit me.” The trio laughed softly nodding. “Oh we’ll definitely be visiting.” Shanti said as she plopped down on the bed. “We have to see your studio.” Victoria smiled. “And we can’t wait to meet Ellie.” Alisha stated. Summer beamed at them. “I can’t wait either, for all of it.” She said to them.

They all looked at each other before letting out soft chuckles, as they thought about the few memories they’d created together over the last couple of days. It was bittersweet, but it was fun while it lasted.