
"How do you climb the first ladder" asked David.
The memory of the way the man pushed him to the bottom of the stairs the other day caused an unwanted sensation in the lower part of Kendall's stomach. "I can handle it."
David stepped up a bit. "Slow down. And pass the last climb a little turn, don't be straight."
Kendall nodded, then pressed the button to start the ATV engine.
Use a walkie-talkie if you're having trouble" cried David. "And be careful when going up the stairs!"
Kendall ignored and stepped on the gas pedal.
After a few straggling glides, he steers the ATV onto a trail that will take it to the tower.
His adrenaline was spurred as the vehicle climbed the ramp. Shaking machines echoed all over his body, awakening his senses. The scent of moss and wet soil entered his lungs, as well as the bristling of grass and flowers. His allergy had somewhat subsided, though he believed it had nothing to do with the cinnamon candy he had eaten, but rather thanks to the large doses of medicine he was taking. Fresh air was pleasant on his face.
The trees on either side of the trail are practically full of leaves, fruit, birds and squirrels. Flowering bushes duck due to wasp body load. The sun was already high and the heat was burning, breaking through the natural canopy created by the trees and spilling rays onto the rocky path in front of it. Kendall recalled David's warning and slowed down the ATV's pace as the climb grew steep, but the thought of the man strained her out of anger.
On oneself.
For letting the man approach him the day he brings the injured animal, for during that second he believes that they are connected or that physical closeness will make him feel better about everything.
For example, because he was dumped by his former fiancee.
But the incident made her feel even worse, asserting her feelings that men wanted her just because she happened to be in his presence. And he almost broke the professional code of ethics for engaging with patients. He had to go to clear his mind and he thought the best place to do that was the tower.
After all, he wants to talk to his former boss, Doctor Amanda and he misses Cara, his friend. Other women from Denville have started to adjust to Happiness and make it home. Kendall wants to chat with people from the outside, who can be sure that the place is not here.
Twenty minutes later, Kendall passed the final ramp in a turn and leaned forward atV, maintaining speed while the engine roared to conquer the road. As the wheels of the vehicle were just spinning in place, Kendall panicked, afraid of getting stuck, but suddenly her tires got a push and carried her through the ramp towards the flat ground.
His heart pounded faster. If it's not wrong, David never talked about bears, right? And also snakes. Yesterday one of the workers was bitten. Of course, when Kendall arrived at the scene, the victim wanted Kristofer to treat the wound. Since the snake is not venomous, Kendall allows it. But from research, he knew there were at least six kinds of poisonous snakes in these mountains. Rattlesnakes are kind enough to warn before attacking, but other species are not as good.
Suddenly Kendall questions her goal of seeking tranquility.
He looked around, but only saw trees, shrubs and fallen tree trunks. Finally, the insect and bird that had been silent because the sound of the ATV engine sounded again and he relaxed.
To reach the rungs, he stands in the seat of the ATV and pulls the body up. The climb to the top of the tower was refreshing, just as his body needed it. As he reached the courtyard, his shirt was sticky to his back and his muscles were burning. Hot air was gushing but a small gentle breeze was soothing his nape.
Kendall moves to the front of the tower and enjoys the sweeping views. He inhales deeply until his lungs are full, then exhales, hoping to free the body from the stress that has accumulated for weeks. Tears pressed out in the fertilizer for many things. His mind was crumpled and swirled like a tornado, casting painful shadows freely. Thinking of his former fiancee could barely breathe was so sad. He knew his life would be better without him because he proved unfaithful before they even stepped into the fold, but he lamented the good times of togetherness and the possibilities that could be realized.
He felt deceived by the universe. He had gotten rid of the delusion of living happily ever after the end of medical school. Then his ex-fiancee shows up and makes him believe that he was wrong all along. And when he had allowed himself to be happy, the man proved that he had been right all along.
Now, he was here, mired again in another man's charm that made him feel worthless.
Kendall felt frustrated and exhaled. What was wrong with her so always being attracted towards such a man?
He pulled out the phone and held it up until his signal marker line rose, signaling a strong signal. The phone shook and a "voice message waiting" symbol appeared. One message from Cara, who was just curious about her situation, asked if Kendall was already on her way home to Denville. One message from the former Kendall apartment manager asked where to forward the letters. It reminded him of how quick and careless he was in making the decision to leave Denville.
And a message from her ex-fiancee.
Kendall's stomach wrapped around as she heard the man's roaring voice. "Hi, Kendall.it's me. I heard you left. I called just to see if you're okay." The man's tone of voice was low and flowing, as if the man had already drunk a few glasses of wine. "And I want to say that if it still means anything, I'm sorry about the end of our relationship. Okay. bye."
Kendall took a breath and let it out. The man called to see if I was okay? thought. What if it doesn't? Thenwhat? And the man did not apologize for cheating..he regretted the end of their relationship? It was as if he was innocent of the affair. Kendall realized her cheeks were wet and then wiped them. He could give love to someone who treats him so arbitrarily!
He let a few more tears fall, then rubbed his face. Her grandmother always said there was no point crying over what had happened and that the words were very appropriate for this situation. What happened, happened. He has to keep moving forward.
...****************...