Visitation

There was something about the air tonight. Lennon took a deep breath as he inhaled the cool and crispy change from last week’s weather. He had walked for hours making random turns. His pace quickened as he entered a lively town that was filled with laughter from families on George’s Ice Cream patio. Couples were taking an evening stroll and stopping by the stores on the strip. On the corner of 21st street, a homeless man strummed his guitar singing some song off key. But Lennon paid no attention to his surroundings. Pulling the collar of his coat closer to his face, he looked back down at his feet and buried his hands into his pockets. His hand found its way to the familiar piece. Tap, tap, tap. His fingers ever so gently beat against the handle. Tap, tap, tap.

After walking around aimlessly, Lennon found his way to the waterfront. He looked at the expanse of the water. A light drizzle began as the ashy night sky grew colder. The charcoal waters crashed against the wall. Just a few more minutes. I’ll be with you soon. The rain poured down as the wind picked up its speed. His hair was matted to his face and his body shuddered from the cold, but he stood still. He looked off to the distance and couldn’t see where the water ended. Suddenly he felt a wave of emotion overcome him. I am so small. I am so insignificant. There is nothing I can do. His dark eyes stared off into nothing.

Time had passed but Lennon wasn’t sure how long he had been standing there for. As he broke his gaze, he felt a presence right beside him. Quickly, he jerked his head to the left and there she stood. Holding her yellow umbrella in both hands as she sheltered the both of them. Strands of her raven-black hair blew from her face as the breeze made way. Lennon took a step back as he confusingly looked at this stranger. “I come here often and sometimes I stay for hours just looking at the water.” Her raspy voice rumbled the silent night. Not waiting for his response, the woman turned her gaze over to Lennon. Her emerald eyes peered into his and Lennon could feel himself shrink.

A smile formed on her lips, “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee? I know a quiet little shop nearby!” Lennon hesitated but before he could reject her offer, the woman laughed. “It’s just coffee. It’s good for the soul. C’mon now, follow me!” She led the way, and Lennon naturally followed. She was petite and short. Her small fingers gripped the umbrella tightly as she walked slowly. Every now and then, Lennon could see her head slightly turn as she stole quick glances. He chuckled to himself which was a surprise. He couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed. Without noticing, his hands let go of the piece in his pocket as he picked up his pace. He didn’t want to lose her.

“So what were you thinking about back there?” she abruptly asked as their drinks were served to them. Lennon tried to mask the surprise on his face. The woman sheepishly laughed. Dimples formed on her cheeks and her eyes lit up. She scratched the back of her head and apologized for being too forward. Lennon’s eyes softened. “I was thinking about my mother. She passed not too long ago.” He expected her to look away from the uncomfortable response but her gaze never left his. “What was she like?” He exhaled heavily. “How can I describe her--” Lennon paused and closed his eyes. “My mother was full of love. She could find the good in anyone. It didn’t matter who you were or what you did. She had this warm light that drew everyone closer to her. Even as she fought through her illness, she found ways to comfort me… When I should have been doing that for her.” His voice trailed off as he felt a lump form in his throat. Tears were rimmed to his eyes as memories of his mother rushed back. Ashamed to show the pain, he looked down at his lap.

Then he felt her warm hands gently squeeze his clenched fists. Startled, he looked up and saw her reached over as she held his hands. “You have the same warm light like your mother.” For the first time since his mother passed, Lennon felt the gaping hole inside of him being filled. His eyes frantically searched hers. Who was this person? How did they have the chance of meeting? And of all days, today?  Lennon’s mind raced with questions as he slowly began to feel at ease with all of the heaviness from earlier on in the day.

She giggled and to his dismay, she let go of his hand. Lennon’s gaze trailed from her eyes slowly to her small nose, then to her high cheekbones, and finally to her blushed pink lips. Sticking her hand out abruptly, Lennon darted his eyes back to hers. “This is overdue, but my name is Anastasia.” He smirked and took her small, warm hand. “I’m Lennon.” “Well, Lennon, do you have any plans tonight? I have an extra ticket to a play that I never got to sell because people nowadays don’t appreciate—” “Yes.” Anastatia’s eyes slightly widened from his immediate response. She looked at Lennon as he sat back with his shoulders relaxed. His onyx eyes had a slight shimmer to them. Something about him drew her closer to him. “Perfect! Are you hungry? Let’s grab a quick bite to eat. The play doesn’t start for another couple of hours!” Anastasia looked like she would jump out of her chair from excitement. Lennon chuckled as she went on about what the play was about. He listened intently to the breathtaking woman before him, having completely forgotten about the handgun in his pocket.