Southern Storms (Compass 1)

“Now, repeat back what I’ve told you,” she ordered.

“Meditate morning and night, no matter what, even if only for five minutes to breathe. Yes, Mother,” I sarcastically groaned in annoyance, but truthfully, I was so thankful for Yoana’s love.

She had so many of Mama’s heartbeats in her soul. Being around her felt like being wrapped in the warmest of weighted blankets, instant comfort.

“And those woods behind the house—don’t be afraid to walk through them. I know they aren’t your property exactly, but I doubt the man who owns them will care or notice. When Nathan and I worked on the property, we got lost back there, and it reminded me so much of when Mama and Daddy would take us hiking as kids. Remember how often we’d get lost?”

I snickered. “Oh yeah, and when Mama would get nervous about the sky getting darker, Daddy would say, ‘You can’t be lost if you’re surrounded by nature. Nature is our home.’” I smiled at the memory before my lips began to turn down.

“I miss them,” Yoana confessed.

“Me too.” More than words. I had no doubt I’d find myself wandering those woods for some meditation sessions.

When we were younger, my parents would have my sister and me ground our energy every morning and evening. Daddy taught us yoga and Mama taught us breathing techniques. Those lessons truly helped shape my life, but when things went wrong, meditation was the first thing that disappeared from my daily routine. Funny how people lose their main principals and beliefs when their world is turned upside down.

The other tasks on my to-do list from Yoana?

Find one thing to make me smile each day.

Journal in order to slowly dive back into writing.

Get daily sunlight when the weather allows.

Explore Havenbarrow.

Yoana nudged me in the side. “Now that all that is handled, do you want to go out to grab something for dinner?”

“I’m actually getting a little tired. Besides, don’t you have a plane to Costa Rica to catch?”

A slack expression washed over her face as she glanced at her watch. “Oh, right. That.”

“Yes, that.” I chuckled. “Only the first leg of the most epic honeymoon of all honeymoons.”

She gave me puppy dog eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“Uh, no. Trust me, I’m not above being a third wheel to the movies with the two of you, but tagging along to travel the world would be crossing the line.”

“Fine. I just don’t know what I’m going to do without you for so long. I feel like I just got you back.” She paused and nibbled on her bottom lip as her eyes grew wet and dull. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Don’t worry. When you get back, I’ll be even more of myself. You won’t lose me again, ever.” I sniffled a little, watching Yoana get emotional. “Don’t you start crying because you know I’m a sympathetic sobbing queen. Just hug me and get lost, will you?”

She pulled me into a hug. “I’ll call you every day, okay? I don’t care about the time difference. We’ll check in on every social media outlet, and if you need me, no matter what, Kennedy, I’m there for you.”

“I know. Thank you. Now go!” I ordered, waving the happy couple toward the door. I leaned in, kissed Yoana’s cheek, and gave Nathan a tight hug. “You take care of her or you die, okay?”

“Aye, aye. captain. Listen, the town here has some great places to eat and check out. Don’t be afraid to reach out if anyone gives you a hard time, either. I know how these small-town people can get—rude. You’re my sister now, and I’m not afraid of kicking someone’s ass from overseas.”

I laughed. “Go, you guys. I love you, be safe, and do like Mama and Daddy always said on their adventures—don’t be afraid of the unknown.”

“Same goes for you, sister. Don’t be afraid of the unknown,” Yoana echoed.

Nathan said goodbye then walked outside to give Yoana and me a moment alone. My chest ached at the thought of her leaving me, but I did my best to hide that pain.

“What Penn did to you was cruel, and if I could, I’d absolutely cut off his dick, but that chapter of your life is over. Remember what Mama and Daddy said to do when someone makes you feel weak?”

I nodded as tears started to form in my eyes. “When someone makes you feel weak, do something to make yourself feel strong.”

“Exactly, and that’s what you’re doing now. You’re rediscovering yourself. You’re starting over, and anyone who has the guts to start over is strong. You are so strong. Mama and Daddy would be so proud of you. I know I am.”

Leave it to Yoana to make me cry. “Geez, just get out of here, will you? You’re going to leave me sobbing like a fool alone in a small town.”