Page 89 of Sincerely, Mr. Braden

“It’s perfection created from beautiful imperfections,” Ellie says. “Mother Nature’s never-ending sculpture, like a hidden cathedral carved by water and time that most people will never see.”

“I love the way you see things through your artist’s eyes.” Knowing she’s all about how things feel, I have to ask, “How does it feel to you?”

She takes a deep breath, looking around thoughtfully, and says, “Surreal. What about you?” Ellie asks.

“It feels sacred, and I feel humbled,” I say, reaching for her gloved hand. “As you said, nature and time created this magnificence. That puts our existence into perspective.”

“Yeah,” she says softly. “It does.”

“Christ, you two. Can you wax poetic someplace else?” Frank lowers himself to sit on a flat rock, catching his breath.

“No more of that shit,” I joke, and Ellie laughs. I shrug off my backpack and hand them water bottles.

Frank takes a long swig and says, “So how was Nuisance when you dropped him off at the shelter this morning?”

“You mean Barney?” Ellie says as she sits beside him. “I was wondering when you were going to ask about him.”

He grunts and takes another drink. “Just making small talk.”

“Uh-huh,” she says. “Barney was fine, but I was thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to have him around more? He needs a home, and you could use the company.”

Frank shakes his head. “Got enough headaches without a mutt messing up my house.”

“He seems to really like you, Frank,” I say as I lower myself beside Ellie.

Frank’s eyes narrow. “Just because my daughter’s falling for Trouble doesn’t mean I will.”

“Dad.” Ellie shakes her head.

“It’s okay, El. Want to feel something cool?”

“Hey now,” Frank warns. “I’m sitting right here.”

“Dad, what has gotten into you?”

Frank chuckles.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Frank. Let’s turn off our headlamps for a minute.”

We turn them off, and darkness envelops us. Ellie grabs my leg, whispering, “It’s so dark.”

I put my arm around her, pulling her closer. “Remember how beautiful it was with our lights on. It’s just as beautiful now, only it’s more peaceful.”

It’s so quiet, it amplifies our breathing, the sounds of Frank worrying his hands, and the trickle of the stream.

“You know…” Frank’s gruff voice breaks the silence. “I used to think people who did this were crazy, which is one reason I wanted to do it.”

“And now?” I ask.

“Now I think they’re chasing this,” he says a little wistfully. “Can’t find this aboveground.”

“I can,” Ellie whispers, and rests her head on my shoulder.

Frank turns on his headlamp, blinding us.

“Dad!” Ellie yells, and buries her face in my neck.

He grins. “Just making sure you’re not taking advantage of our tour guide.”