BACK TO THE BEGINNING — The paths part

They traveled part of the way together. Where their paths separated, they wrapped their wings around each other.

“We’ll see each other again,” Skyblue said.

This time she was not trying to soothe a doubt. She knew they would find a way.

Aurora took flight. Skyblue watched until she could no longer make her out. Then she turned toward the land of the dragons.

On her way home, she stopped to rest, to eat, and to greet the trees that offered her shelter. Each encounter reminded her that knowing her destination did not mean the journey was over. She recognized more than she once had; there was still much to listen to.