Ten Years Later by S. E. Green

Author:S. E. Green [Green, S. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SEG Publishing
Published: 2024-03-11T00:00:00+00:00

14 / TWELVE YEARS AGO

Dana boarded the plane to Orlando with Emily. Her daughter’s first flight went much better than expected. They played games and colored. They shared earphones to watch a cartoon. Eventually, Emily slept.

Disney turned out to be another matter.

Emily cried when she met Mickey. She refused to hug Goofy. She trembled at the sight of Snow White. She sobbed during the rides. She wouldn’t let go of Dana for one single second.

Disney terrified Emily.

“She’s probably too young,” an elderly lady said as Emily, with a flushed face, launched into an all-out temper tantrum in the line for It’s a Small World.

Dana had never seen her like this and never wanted to experience it again.

She forfeited the extra Disney day. Rebooked the airline back to Portland. Then checked out of the hotel.

She texted Mia.

Dana: Up for a visit a day earlier than planned? Emily didn’t like Disney. We’re going back home tomorrow. Thought we’d come to see you today?

Mia: Sure, I can do that. Text me when you’re closer.

Dana: Will do.

Dana rented a Jeep and drove north. In the back, Emily snuggled with a bunny Dana bought her in the hotel gift shop. Eventually, thankfully, Emily slept. For the first time since having her, Dana felt exhausted.

She took her time driving, choosing a road called A1A that cruised languidly along the coast. She passed Daytona and Flagler. She took a bridge over narrow water that sparkled in the midday sun. Deep blue and emerald green, it flowed into the Atlantic. On both sides of the bridge, sandy islands held four-wheel drive vehicles and families enjoying the hidden oasis.

On a whim, Dana turned on her signal.

A slim and sandy road wound through dunes, coming out onto the beach. Dana had never driven a four-wheel drive vehicle before. The rental place said for navigating on sand, keep the Jeep moving at a slow pace then shift the lever to 4L. Dana did. The Jeep lurched ever so slightly, then dug into the deep sand as she applied pressure to the gas.

With a smile, she put the windows down, inhaling the briny scent, relaxing in the warm breeze. In the back, Emily woke. She sat up, her eyes widening at the sight of beach and water.

“Stop, Mommy! Stop!” Her little legs kicked. “I want out!”

Dana laughed. “We will. Just a second.”

Emily clapped and wiggled and giggled.

Dana let out a happy and relieved sigh.

In the Jeep, she continued crawling along, looking for a spot away from others. She parked and made quick work of finding both of their bathing suits. In the privacy of the vehicle, Dana got into hers as quickly as possible. All the while Emily squealed.

Dana barely got her daughter into her purple and pink one-piece, and sunscreen on, before she tore off down the beach. Dana ran after her, laughing. They splashed in the water. They giggled. They built a sand castle. Emily held tight as Dana took her into the swelling waves.

“Are you happy?” Dana asked.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Emily smacked a kiss onto Dana’s lips.

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