Only the Flowers Know

The path wound tightly through the tapestry of fields, criss-crossing like stitches across the fabric of a quilt.

Far in the distance and high above the fields was the horizon, a perfect twinkling blue line where sky met sea, a shimmering beckoning calling her on.

She often found herself here, finding her feet treading deftly over clover and moss, eager to reach the tiny cove. Indeed, so hidden and secluded, it was as though it was only ever there to reveal itself to her.

Gulls and swallows danced above her, squalling and chasing. It was here she felt safe. Nowhere else was the same.

The subtle rumbling of the tide was now kissing her ears, the familiar sucking and lurching of the pebbles percussive with the push and pull of the waves.

Another curve of the track and the little gate would be there to greet her, always standing to attention and always proud of his duty, all wrought iron and squeak.

As she rounded, a surprise met her; there, beyond the gate, was a sea of colour not seen before. A carpet of pale pink heather swayed in the breeze, its subtle hues casting a spell on her.

Taking the metal in her hand, she pushed on through to admire and to amaze at the sight. It whispered its stories, of daytime breezes, and nighttime chills. Perched high upon the cliffs, its appearance was one of wonder; how could this be when every year it had instead been ferns and grasses that stood here?

She sat herself down. Nestled in amongst this new-found crop were tiny petals of white, peach and fawn, dappling and stippling the land with a precision that only nature knew how.

All at once, a heaviness took upon her head, and the desire to sleep was overpowering. Most unusually, she laid back into the covering and almost instantly, found herself sleeping soundly.

Without dreams to suggest a restful period, her slumber was as short-lived as it had come upon her. She woke to the sight of pale white clouds skimming above and a rather crumpled sprig of heather in her hair.

But what was even more unexpected was the feeling of utter calm and tranquility she now had. Also, an unequivocal sense of belonging and expectation that all would now be well, putting to rest all previous worries she started out with.

For a moment, she considered ambulating further on, along the descending route to the beach below, but for the first time since she had been coming here, she felt little desire to do anything but remain still.

The warmth of the sun was welcome and relaxing. She didn’t know how, but right there and then, she realised that only the flowers knew...