A young boy around the age of ten caught Devin’s eye. “Two bits to carry luggage to the famous Brown Palace, mister!”
He shook his head and pressed on. “But thank you.”
“‘Germany Pounds Britain as Battle of the Somme Rages On!’” three teenage boys shouted, waving their newspapers in the air.
Devin swallowed and searched the area for a way of escape. He needed fresh air and at least three feet between himself and another human being. Clenching his jaw, he pushed through the swarm of people and finally found the large wooden door leading out to the bustling streets of Denver.
He scurried down the sidewalk, sucking in great gulps of air. He found an empty bench and sat for a moment, dropping his bag by his feet. He took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. If Eliza were with him, she’d be laughing at his dramatic attitude. But then again, if Eliza were with him, he wouldn’t be miserable at all. He’d be having the time of his life.
Frustration welled within his chest. This was the conundrum of Eliza Mills in his life. One minute, he couldn’t wait to share everything with her, to hear her laugh, to make hersmile. Then the next minute, his heart plummeted because he loved her, and he’d made a promise. If he could teach his heart that they were just friends and could always be friends, life would be simpler.
He’d done well thus far, not thinking about her every waking moment. It had been difficult. She’d traveled this way before him. Seen the same fields, sidewalks, and buildings. What had she thought when she got to Denver? Had she been as exhausted as he was right now? He smiled and shook his head. No. She’d still be full of life, ready to examine every inch of Denver available to them. Her zest for life was incomparable. Eliza made everything mundane fun. How he’d missed her light and joy these last few weeks.
But the separation had also been good. He’d spent many hours in prayer, chatting with his dad, and reading the Word. He needed wisdom in the coming days.
Devin swiped a hand over his jaw, wincing at the rough growth of hair against his palm. He needed a proper bath and shave to feel presentable again. And to get his head back on straight. Maybe getting to his boardinghouse and doing a bit of exploring would do him some good.
He picked up his bag and walked back toward Union Station, determined to find a streetcar to take him to a boardinghouse on Stout Street. A colleague back home had recommended it for its reasonable rates and close location to the train station. He had less than one day to explore what he could of Denver. It was time to make the most of it.
Bother. He didn’t need a streetcar. He could walk. The exercise and fresh air would stretch out everything that had been crammed into the train car. He passed an older gentleman reading a newspaper on a bench. “Sir, could you perhaps give me directions to this address on Stout Street?”
“Oh yes.” The man studied the paper for a moment and then smiled up at him. “Head over to 18th Street, and take itall the way down to Stout. Then you’ll want to follow it away from the mountains. You should find it pretty quick.”
Away from the mountains. Devin looked up from the man’s gaze and took in the view. He’d been so focused on his own thoughts that he’d forgotten why he’d even come this way. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
“Just remember the mountains are on the west. If you get lost, that’s a good reminder.” The older man chuckled and went back to his paper, probably amused by Devin’s sudden awe of the scene.
“Thank you, again.” He smiled and headed toward the direction the man had pointed him for 18th Street. Every chance he had, he kept stealing glances at the mountains in the distance. There were so many of them. Rising out of the plains in craggy, majestic beauty.
Breathtaking. That’s what it was.
After two blocks, breathtaking began to take on a new meaning. Why was he so out of breath? Granted, he’d been walking at a much brisker than normal pace because he was eager to see as much of Denver as possible, but he was never winded like this at home. For a moment, he stopped and set down his case. He mopped his forehead and took several long, deep breaths.
“New in town?” A young man chuckled and tucked a newspaper under his arm.
Devin nodded. “Yes, I just arrived in on the train.”
“From back East, are ya?”
“Yes.” He wiped at his neck, his collar feeling all too tight.
“Well, you’re standing on ground that is higher than most of what people back there call mountains. You’re over 5,000 feet above sea level, my good fella.”
“Is that why I’m out of breath?” Devin shook his head.
“Yep.” The man shot a wide smile at him and then tipped his cap. “Have a pleasant stay in Denver.”
“Thank you.” At least he was almost there and then he could take some time to venture out toward the mountains. He took several more deep breaths and then leaned down to pick up his case.
But it was gone.
And so was the young man.
five
“I am getting where I do not fear, at least as I used to, to go to the greatest depth one can reach in science.”
~Earl Douglass
