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“I really appreciate it, Dana.”
“Okay, we’ll chat soon. I’m doing the rounds and now calling your mum and dad. Is it crazy that I miss his grumpiness in the mornings?”
“Not crazy. I miss those days with us all in the office. We’ve been so busy with other matters I rarely speak to Dad about work.”
“Eden, we all understand you have a lot going on. Check out my photos on Instagram. If I were a gambling woman, I’d bet you’ll be booking a flight soon,” she says seriously. “I’ll talk soon.”
“I miss you,” I say a little louder before she’s gone.
I keep hold of my phone and open Instagram not only to see Dana’s photographs but to view the pictures Faith shared.
The images of Rose’s birthday have me smiling. The photographs of the kids with goofy expressions are cringeworthy, and I can’t help giggling. Then I find Dana’s profile, and my jaw drops. The house in the Daintree is on stilts and surrounded by beautiful rainforest gardens and an ocean view from the mountains. Inside the home are all comfort and modern furnishings.
It’s better than I expected.
I keep scrolling and find images from Yasmine’s trip. So many pictures in Peru, and it reminds me of what Samuel said and how he wants to return. Maybe there’s someone who can help him in the Daintree rainforest?
I stop and read an inspirational post from Yasmine because her posts are always worth reading. There’s an image of the stars, and it has a Milky Way feel so it hints at being thankful to the universe.
Remember our first love?
Do you ever look back and wonder what letter could I write to my younger self warning of the heartache and yet tell her to experience it all because it will shape you to being the best version of yourself? And you won’t get there without the hurt and pain of a broken relationship to a douchebag you assumed you wanted to spend the rest of your life with.
I’d tell myself to be young, have fun, and don’t worry about all the dumb mistakes because you’re going to be okay. Despite the pain of lies, betrayal, and the emotional rollercoaster of getting through one day when your heart is shattered, it is worth knowing who you don’t want as a partner and listening to your own heart, protect her first because you’re worth it.
There will be mistakes.
And your forever partner will make them too.
Know the person who’s your soul mate may not be rich, may not send you flowers, may not open car doors, and may not say yes to your every demand. But that person is here for you, especially in the tough times, and learns from mistakes. When they make a promise, they honor it.
Most of all, they treat you like you’re the most important person in the world. When you stare into their eyes, you see a future together, and it feels so right. A balance of the sun rising and setting every day.
And you thank your younger version for being brave and riding the storm because the best is yet to come.
Yasmine is happy.
They have worked out their differences and are in a good place.
And now I miss my friend.
* * *
As I roll onto my side, I wrap my arm around Samuel. He’s propped up on pillows while scrolling on his phone, his way of avoiding sleep.
“Dana wants us to visit her and make a trip to the Daintree Rainforest,” I whisper.
He looks at me sideways. “When?”
“Whenever you want. I read some plants have medicinal properties and many other secrets known by the indigenous communities living in the area.”
His eyes widen. “I feel like I’m being given hidden messages. Even Dad sent me some photos tonight and mentioned a conversation with an indigenous leader at Uluru and how some of their medicine might help.”
“Your father said that?”
“Maybe, we could visit Dana after Christmas?” His eyes are wide and earnest. When he makes this expression, it highlights his gaunt face, and my stomach drops, knowing how he’s struggling. Hurting for me.
“Check out Dana’s Instagram,” I gently prompt.
