An Unearthing of Goddesses

An Unearthing of Goddesses Part 46

Lhamo and Kate had spent a pleasant afternoon exploring the village, visiting the Shinto shrine, and fishing by a stream. They retired to nap in hammocks at the elder's home.

"The secret to a good nap," Lhamo said, tying up his hammock under a tree outside the hut, "is not to try to go to sleep at all. Simply disconnect with the world instead. Go to the place on the verge of sleep, the in-between. You are not quite awake, and not quite asleep. Your mind is blank, and it rests with your body."

"Like the liminal fields," Kate said, already drifting. "They're the in-between, the place between worlds, where you're not really anywhere. Yet, they're a wonderful place to be. A meeting place that's really a portal to go to any other world. Where anything is possible. Right Lhamo?"

"Zzzzzaahhhh," Lhamo snorted in response, his arm lolling out of the hammock.

Kate smiled and watched the sky, the clouds drifting overhead and the leaves waving back and forth in the trees. They moved hypnotically, and soon she was breathing deeply with closing eyes, falling into sleep herself.

She was in a forest, surrounded by ferns and mossy rocks and the sounds of a waterfall nearby. The air was thick and sweet and pure, and the smell of wild roses filled her nose. She followed a streambed until she reached the falls. They emptied into a pond and at its edge was a large moss-covered rock formation that looked exactly like a sectional couch. It was so plush and thick with moss she couldn't resist climbing up on it and relaxing into its cushy comfort. She recognized this place.

"I was hoping you'd come." The voice was familiar, soft-spoken and earnest. Kate started in surprise.

"Adam?!" She fell into his arms, jumping up and embracing his burly body. He was warm and firm and real.

"What took you so long? I've been waiting." He held her shoulders and stared at her in delight.

"Oh, my gosh. Are you real? Is this real? I think I'm dreaming." Kate laughed.

"I don't know. You sent me here, right? To protect me. I got your message in a big pink shell I found in the pond." Adam cocked his head. His beard had grown out long, and his hair was unkempt, curling in the moist air. God, she had missed him. She kissed him firmly, nodding.

"I did. It's the world I made. And I've wanted to come, to be with you. There's just been a lot going on. But, I'm here now. I'm not sure how I got here, though." She shook her head, looking around. It was the moss world all right. The air felt so pure it was like being in an oxygen tank.

Adam looked about to pop with excitement. "I've missed you. I've been making marks on a rock to mark the time. I've been here about a month. But I'm okay. I'm discovering all kinds of cool stuff. And I've eaten a lot of mushrooms. Check this out."

He led her to the waterfall, where they slipped behind the falls to enter a cave, beautiful colors illuminating the stone walls and crystal formations covering the ground.

"It's beautiful," Kate stood spellbound, taking in the stunning view.

"You're beautiful," Adam took her in his arms. They kissed again, slower this time, and Kate felt like she had never left his side.

"You said you've been here a month? It's been shorter for me. A week." She considered. Time passed more slowly here. Nice for a leisurely visit if you wanted a break from Earth, but not so much if you were waiting for someone.

"Really? Bring me back. I can help you. You don't have to do this alone. Whatever it is you're doing." Adam was resolute.

Kate shook her head. "I'm not alone. I have Anya and the others. I need you to be here where you're safe."