"Uninvited"

"I didn't invite him. I didn't want him there." She thought to herself. He just showed up out of the blue one autumn evening in October. The air was crisp, chilly, and perfect for dwelling on deep thoughts. Her arms were elbow length into the sudsy water, while doing the family's dishes after supper that evening. Cynthia's mind raced through all the thoughts she had been keeping at bay for so long. She used to dream about a life of travel. Maybe a nurse or a companion, or even someone of great influence. Instead, she was trapped at her day job. An entry level position that barely anyone even knew she worked at. And in her "free time" the hours would pass so quickly while taking care of her parents, and the falling down around them farm. Her thoughts were on big city lights, shopping, and enough money to live comfortably. But was she brave enough to one day tell her parents that her heart longed for more?! She chastised herself for being so ungrateful.

Dale and Evelyn had given her a good upbringing. They were kind and loving parents who supported her in almost every endeavor. She knew they wanted more for her too. But then, Daddy had his heart attack. Shortly after, Mama had her stroke. Both were in a perpetual state of recovery from these incidents. Life didn't seem fair to the young 22 year old. She only came back home for what was supposed to be a semester and never had the courage to go back to school. There was always something that needed tending to or fixing. It sure didn't stop the longing of these nagging daydreams. Or sunset dreams as was probably more accurate. She pictured herself dressing in cute, expensive clothes with her nails freshly manicured. Oh how cute she would feel in a flowery sundress with freshly painted toes sticking out of open toed high heels! A trendy bag hanging on her arm. Sunglasses up on top of her head. Hair whipping in the wind. And a sports car with the sunroof open. Going faster than she knew she should.

Suddenly, she heard a shriek that sent a chill down her spine. That high pitch call could only have come from the direction of the antique barn. And it had to be "Barney" the old wise barn owl that had taken up residence in the rafters last year about this same time. He came flying out of the broken down barn as a very quick pace. She froze. She kept looking on deciding what had to be done. Mama and Daddy were already settled into their comfy recliners. She had to know what was out there. Who or what could have scared that usually very brave and unassuming owl. She shuddered to think how brave she would have to be to find out. Stretching forth her right hand, she pulled the LED flashlight from the drawer. Then she practically ran to the porch and threw on that brown, sturdy tweed coat over her simple blue gingham apron and navy blue shirtdress underneath. This coat was used and worn when she got it 5 years ago. Now it just barely kept her warm on nights like these. She shouted over her shoulder to her parents that she would be right back in and not to worry!

Something compelled her forward. It was as if destiny was awaiting for her just behind those doors. She was not one for fear. Usually she took everything in stride and good humor. Cynthia did not feel much like laughing right now. She felt urgency and danger. Running at an impulsive speed toward the red barn door, she observed that it was slightly ajar. "What on Earth?! Surely there would not be a stranger lurking there. I mean really, they were like 5 miles from town!" She reasoned within her own mind. She pulled at the heavy door with both hands, and it moved far enough for her to peer into the depths. Turning on the flashlight and blinking frantically, Cynthia saw the outline of a well-dressed man strewn across the bales of hay. The smell of top notch whiskey, horse manure, and cologne were mingling together. Those black Italian loafers hung out from beneath the gaping open black trench coat. His finely tailored pants looked so out of place on top of the hay bales.

Then she saw blood rushing profusely from a gash on his right temple. Without any hesitation, she threw off her trusty tweed. And haphazardly tore at the edge of the gingham apron. Making crude rags, she pressed them hard against his head to stop the bleeding. It felt as if his life depended on her holding her hand there. She stayed by his side. Feeling for a pulse and trying to talk him back to consciousness, Cynthia kept at. It felt like hours. Maybe it was minutes. maybe it had been hours. All she knew was that she was his lifeline right then. Her Daddy finally came out to check on his baby girl. "What was taking his usually efficient girl so long?!" This was not like his Cindy at all. Upon discovering the scene in the barn, Dale rushed back in, yelling for Evie to call 911. She did so speedily. Knowing full well it would take them a bit to get all the way out here to the edge of the county. Her former nurse training kicked in. She went outside and began relieving her Cindy. Cleaning wounds carefully and thoroughly while applying heavy pressure. She managed to get the bleeding to stop. The ambulance arrived just as she heard her daughter mutter, "He just has to be okay. My life has to amount to more than this." Her mama heart was touched with compassion. She knew this was not where her daughter wanted to be or should be. Evelyn knew that her daughter had wings and dreams inside her.

This stranger had wandered into their barn in very bad shape. But it seemed like he actually put their family back into shape. She would let her daughter soar. They would figure everything else out. It was Cynthia's time to fly. "No, dearest daughter, this is not your end. Your life will fulfill its purpose." This stranger shook them up enough to let each know the other's heart on the matter. Both heard the same whisper on that cold, chilly night...destiny!