Summary:  2010 Halloween Challenge: Injured and alone Ben prepares to take a journey.

Rated: K+  Word Count:  5050

 

                                                          The Journey

 

From the sprawling meadows of the low country to the upper reaches of the Sierras there’d been a chilly briskness in the late autumn air for days which gave a true indication the onset of winter was not far off.

However against his better judgement and his sons’ advice Ben Cartwright ignored the signs, leaving the house soon after first light to check countless gullies for any strays from his herd of prime beef which may have wandered up the rocky slopes of the mountains and into the forest of Ponderosa pines from which his ranch took its name.

So far Ben hadn’t found a single steer and after eight hours in the saddle he’d just about had enough.  He was seriously considering heading back home when suddenly the familiar sound of several bawling cattle could be heard in the far end of a deep sloping ravine.  Knowing the animals had probably found themselves trapped at a dead end but hadn’t the sense to turn around and walk back out, Ben veered off the main trail and headed towards the echoing noise, walking his mount carefully along a little used mud-caked path which followed the rim of the gully.

The plaintive cries grew louder and Ben was only a couple of hundred yards away when without warning the narrow track suddenly shifted and began crumbling under Buck’s feet.  The usually placid horse reared in fear as he scrambled to regain his footing and jump to safety; in the process throwing his unprepared rider off his back.

The momentum from his fall carried Ben over the edge and down a steep slope, his body pitched and tossed on rocks until the sound of a dull thud indicated he’d reached the bottom.  He lay unmoving on the hard ground, dazed, badly bruised and with blood oozing from a deeply cut forehead. Then after several seconds he attempted to sit up but fell back with a loud cry of anguish.

Holding a hand tight against his chest Ben let out an involuntary curse as he realised in an instant his leg was broken and a number of ribs were cracked.  He was going nowhere fast, and as a fresh wave of pain hit and caused him to black out, to add to Ben’s woes storm clouds gathered above, the wind began to howl and it started to snow.

***

Hours later after the first blizzard of the season passed over Ben regained consciousness and opened pain filled eyes.  It was dark and though the temperature had plummeted way below freezing for a moment Ben’s befuddled brain was unable to work out why he couldn’t stop shivering and felt so cold, so very cold; the kind of cold that reaches down deep into a man’s soul.  But then his blue tinted fingers felt the icy white blanket which covered him from head to foot and he realised why.

With teeth chattering Ben acknowledged the fact in his present state he could well be frozen to death by morning.  For he was well aware though in normal circumstances his injuries might well have been survivable, this fact did not apply this time.  Not without a horse to carry him to warmth and safety.  Not when it meant spending a night alone on the mountain in sub-zero conditions.

So in a fresh burst of panic Ben attempted to gather all his remaining strength and pull himself up in a vain effort to make his way to some sort of shelter.  But all his efforts were to no avail as once again Ben cried out with a tortured mix of anguish and pain and groaning pitifully fell back onto the floor in a crumpled heap.

Numbed by the cold and with a sense of apathy settling on him, Ben’s thoughts grew fuzzy and in the last dim corner of awareness he resigned himself to his fate.  Then unable to fight an overwhelming need to close his eyes he fell into the comforting blackness of a delirious slumber and lay still and silent in the snow.

***

As the first flush of dawn appeared in the sky the weakened early morning sun did nothing to relieve the bitter cold on the mountain side.

Ben stirred, immediately recalling all that had happened hours before and unable to comprehend why he felt such peace and well being as warmth flooded throughout his body.  Hardly believing he’d managed to survive the freezing night he cautiously raised his hand and felt for congealed blood on his forehead.  But there was no sign of injury.  He took a deep breath.  There was no sharp pain from his ribs.  He moved his leg.  It flexed without any sign of discomfort.

Ben just gave a small smile of acceptance as the reason for his miraculous recovery became clear in his mind as he concluded he must be either dreaming….or dead.

Serenely calm he stood up and studied the snowy white landscape when suddenly he sensed another’s presence close at hand. He looked about him to left and right but there was no one to be seen and then on a whim he cast his gaze upward.

Ben couldn’t help but widen his eyes with wonder as he watched a tall figure gracefully descending until it reached a few feet above the ground then effortlessly hovered in the air.  Open mouthed he took in the flowing robes and a pair of huge wings fixed to each shoulder, both covered in the whitest and softest of feathers and each feather tip glinting as though speckled with gold.

Strangely unafraid or shocked at the sight Ben shot over a questioning look.  “Am I dreaming or are you an Angel come to escort me to my Maker?”

The ethereal being smiled a little.  “I can assure you this is no reverie of yours Benjamin but your final journey is not for a while yet.”

Ben frowned, considering the essence of the comment and its implication.  “I don’t understand.  If this is not a dream then am I dead or not?”

The entity shook its head.  “You are still alive though your time on this earth is close to ending Benjamin.  However as there is no chance of anyone finding and saving you in the time you have left, and as I know you never wanted to die alone I…”

“You thought you’d keep me company,” Ben interrupted intuitively.  “Guess I should be thankful for that, though I’ve always hoped when the time came I’d go from the comfort of my own bed.”

The entity chucked.  “I realise that Benjamin.”

 

 

 

Ben raised a surprised eyebrow.  “You do?”

 

 

 

“Yes.  I know everything.”

 

 

 

Ben acknowledged and accepted this statement without argument, having no reason to disbelieve.  “So what now Angel?  We just sit and wait for me to take my last breath?” he asked sardonically.

 

 

 

“That is the usual course of action,” the entity revealed before falling silent for a few moments and casting a brief glance to the heavens as if in a serious soundless discussion with an unseen figure.  Then with a smile on its face the entity turned and gave a gentle nod as if a decision had been made.  “It’s been noted you’ve lead a remarkably honest and hardworking life during your time on earth Benjamin.  So I’ve been charged with taking you on a special journey before you leave this world.”

 

 

 

Humbled, Ben shook his head.  “But I’ve done nothing exceptional to deserve such treatment.”

 

 

 

“There are some who beg to differ Benjamin,” the entity countered and moved to float towards him.  As the being closed in within an arm’s reach, for the first time Ben suddenly felt uneasy.  He stepped back.

 

 

 

“There’s no need to be afraid Benjamin,” a calming voice instructed as the huge wings suddenly opened out then wrapped themselves around, embracing him securely in feathered confinement.

 

 

 

The sensation of warmth and softness combined to still the anxious Ben, and before he knew what was happening he felt himself being lifted into the air, rising higher and higher into the blue ethereal sky.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

He’d hardly had time to take a breath when Ben felt his feet settle on terra firma.  The wings drew back and cautiously Ben looked around and could see he was standing within the stone walls of a small but well cared for church yard.  Headstones of different sizes and shapes were spread out in an orderly fashion and a large elm tree stood as if on guard in a corner.

 

 

 

Ben immediately knew his location – New England – for it was as if he’d only visited yesterday.

 

 

 

The entity pointed to a grave covered in a mass of delicately fragrant pink and white flowers a few yards away, and Ben obediently and eagerly moved closer and bent down to read the finely carved inscription he’d remembered so well.

 

 

 

Elizabeth Cartwright

 

Beloved wife of Benjamin Cartwright

 

Treasured mother of Adam Cartwright

 

Tragically taken but never forgotten

 

 

 

Ben gave a sad sigh.  “I’ve dreamt many times of this place since leaving with Adam all those years ago.  How did you know I’ve always regretted not returning?” he asked the entity, though not waiting for an answer. “I just hope Elizabeth can forgive me for never coming back with our son.  I loved her so much… in my heart I’ve never stopped loving her.”

 

 

 

The heavenly being gave a perceptive smile.  “Elizabeth understands the reasons why Benjamin.  And she knows of your constant love.  She’s always known.”

 

 

 

“But how could you know that?” Ben asked incredulously then gave a nod of understanding.  “Of course.  You know everything,” he continued, answering his own question and finding some degree of comfort from the entity’s revelation.

 

 

 

There was then several minutes of reverential quiet as Ben knelt down and ran a finger carefully over the ornate lettering, silently mouthing the name of his first wife as thoughts of their time together filled his mind and tears blurred his vision.  Eventually he looked up. “Thank you Angel,” he said simply as he wiped a sleeve across his moistened eyes.  “I’m ready to die a much happier man now.”

 

 

 

“I appreciate your words of gratitude Benjamin,” the entity breathed.  “But our journey is not finished yet.”

 

 

 

And as Ben pushed himself up once again the huge wings enfolded around them both.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Not far from the Overland Stage post of Ash Hollow, the prairie wind blew through a small copse of trees.  Beneath its leafy ceiling a mass of blue and purple grew in abundance, the colourful carpet of wild flowers covering the floor of the wooded area.

 

 

 

At its secluded centre a pair of crudely made wooden crosses stood as markers at the head of two raised mounds of earth, both heaped with stones to keep the poor souls lying beneath protected from any scavenging creatures which roamed the land.

 

 

 

Unlike Elizabeth’s final resting place there were no fancy words to indicate who lay there.  Not even a simple dedication.  But Ben knew.  And though it was nearly twenty five years since he’d last stood on this spot a lump formed in his throat as he stared down where his much-loved second wife lay buried…his beloved Inger.

 

 

 

Their short time together had been hard as they’d travelled in the wagon train heading West – Ben’s dream of finding them a new home where they could live and prosper driving them on.  But Inger had never survived to see that day arrive. How bravely she’d fought as the Indians attacked.  How quickly she’d died in her husband’s arms.

 

 

 

Ben gave a sad sigh as he recalled digging her grave while six year old Adam held his sleeping baby brother in his arms.  “We were so happy during our short time together. I just wish she’d had a chance to watch her son grow into the fine man he’s become.  Hoss takes after his mother in so many ways.  Strong yet gentle, fiercely loyal to those he loves.”

 

 

 

Long fingers curved on Ben’s arm and gave a gentle squeeze.  “Inger knows and she is very proud.”

 

 

 

With his eyes watering with understanding Ben fell to his knees in silent contemplation as the entity regarded him with a look of compassion.  After a short while it edged closer and laid a hand gently on Ben’s shoulder.  “The time had come for us to move on Benjamin.”

 

 

 

Ben’s eyes travelled back to the heavenly being and he reluctantly nodded then returned his gaze to the mound.   “I’ve never forgotten you my darling,” he murmured in a loving farewell just as the wings opened out like before and he suddenly felt himself surrounded in darkness and rising up.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Ben looked over towards Lake Tahoe as it shimmered in the bright sunlight.  Marie’s burial plot lay a short distance away from the shore line and Ben had lost count of the number of times he’d visited both alone and with his youngest son by his side since the day his third wife had been laid to rest.

 

 

 

“We had six wonderful years and she gave me such treasured memories during that time,” Ben said with a smile as he looked over to the hovering figure behind him.  “Has Marie watched over our Joseph through the years?”

 

 

 

There was an emphatic nod.  “She has and she thanks you Benjamin for everything you’ve done for him.  Just as Elizabeth and Inger also express their gratitude for the way you’ve raised their sons so well on your own.”

 

 

 

Ben sighed with contentment at their shared approval.  “I’ve been truly blessed with my three boys.  No man could be prouder of their sons as I am of mine.  I’m going to miss them so much.”

 

 

 

Watching him closely the entity gave a questioning look.  “You seem more at peace here than I’d expected Benjamin. Is there a reason?”

 

 

 

Ben bent down and laid a hand tenderly on the granite headstone.  “I’ve never truly felt as though Marie left me after she was buried here on the Ponderosa.  Being able to visit at anytime and just talk to her has always made me feel as though she’s close and never far away.  Does that make sense?”

 

 

 

“It makes perfect sense Benjamin,” the entity answered.  “And in truth you’ve never really been on your own.  Their bodies may be back in Massachusetts and Nebraska, but Elizabeth and Inger’s spirits have always remained by your side over the years.”

 

 

 

Reassured by his words Ben heaved a thankful sigh and as he sensed the entity was ready to leave he willingly moved to greet it, welcoming and appreciating the softness of extended wings brushing across his skin as they enveloped them both.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Within the blink of an eye Ben found himself back in the snow covered ravine.  Realising immediately where he was and why he’d been returned he looked over towards the entity with a sad sigh of resignation.  “Is it my time to go with you now Angel?”

 

 

 

“Yes Benjamin.  Your time has come.”

 

 

 

Ben nodded without protestation, prepared and ready to take the ultimate Journey.  But then a thought suddenly occurred and he let out a cry of dismay.  “NO!  Not today.  I can’t die today! I mustn’t die today!” he exclaimed.

 

 

 

The entity shook its head sorrowfully.  “No one wants to leave this world Benjamin but you have to accept the fact your time has come.”

 

 

 

“But you don’t understand Angel,” Ben pleaded.  “Today is my youngest son’s birthday.  I can’t die today and have Joseph remember this date for the rest of his life as the day I passed away.  It would break his heart. Let me die tomorrow instead.”

 

 

 

The entity sighed.  “Knowing how much you love your sons I realise this fact grieves you.  But I haven’t the power to go into the future.  I’m sorry Benjamin but you have no choice in the matter and must come with me now.”

 

 

 

Ben knew he was clutching at straws but he persevered regardless.  ”Well if you can’t go into the future, then what about journeying into the past?  Have you the authority to go back in time?” he queried.  “If so let me die yesterday, a week ago, a month!  Just not today!  Not on Joseph’s seventeenth birthday!”

 

 

 

Looking at him with surprise, the heavenly being was uncharacteristically thrown as it stared at the earnest face before it.   “What….did I hear you correctly?” it stammered.  “You mean you’d sacrifice time on this world for the sake of your son’s peace of mind?”

 

 

 

“Of course,” Ben replied emphatically.  “If that’s what it takes.”

 

 

 

The entity blew out its cheeks with bemusement.  “I’ve never had anyone offer to relinquish a minute, an hour, a day on this earth before for the sake of another. You are indeed a remarkable man Benjamin.”

 

 

 

Ben felt his heart leap with hope.  “Does that mean you have the power and you’ll do it?”

 

 

 

The entity rubbed its chin thoughtfully for a few moments.  “Yes I have the power,” it finally disclosed.  “And if you’re really serious and want it to happen, it can be done.”

 

 

 

Tears of gratitude filled Ben’s eyes.  “Thank you and yes, I want it to happen.”

 

 

 

All of a sudden the entity unexpectedly looked into the far distance beyond Ben’s shoulder as if hearing or seeing something no human ear could hear or eye could see.  “I didn’t take into account your sons being as stubborn or determined as their father.  They have been out searching for many hours and refused to stop until they found you.  They’re very close now…close enough to discover your dead body before the wolves do.”

 

 

 

“Then please take me quickly back into the past to die. I can’t have Joseph discover me on his special day.”

 

 

 

The entity nodded and slowly its huge wings began to unfurl.  “Very well, if you’re really sure….”

 

 

 

Suddenly without warning there was an unexpected loud rumble of thunder from up in the clear blue sky and the entity paused and quickly raised its gaze.  Then after a few moments it stared back towards Ben.  “It would seem there has been a change of plan.”

 

 

 

Ben eyed the entity blankly.  “I don’t understand.”

 

 

 

“It’s been decided because of the selflessness you’ve shown for the sake of your son, you’ve been granted an extension of life.”

 

 

 

“You mean I don’t have to die today or return to the past?”

 

 

 

The entity smiled.  “That’s correct Benjamin,” it said while gently flapping its wings.   “But one day the time will come when we’ll meet again and take your final journey together.  On that you have my word.”

 

 

 

Hardly able to comprehend what was happening Ben stared up as the Angel rose high into the sky, leaving as swiftly as it had appeared and quickly disappearing from sight into the ether.

 

 

 

Alone once more all of a sudden Ben felt the blood in his veins running very cold.  He shivered and as the agonising pain from his leg and chest rapidly returned he staggered a few paces then collapsed heavily onto his back; Ben’s world once more growing dark then as black as a raven’s wing as he lay motionless on the snow covered ground yet again.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Waking with a start, Ben’s world was no longer murky but bright from the glow of a pair of oil lamps fixed on the walls of his room.  He looked about his surroundings with some degree of confusion then noticed a pair of corn-blue coloured eyes staring at him intently; his middle son’s face at the end of the bed puckered with worry but suddenly breaking out into a beaming smile.

 

 

 

“Pa? Thank heavens you’re awake at last.  We was thinkin’ you weren’t ever goin’ to come round.”

 

 

 

Blinking hard as he accustomed himself to the light, Ben drew in a sharp breath of disbelief.  “Hoss?  What’s going on?” he asked in a whisper; his voice croaked and husky.  “How’d I get here?”

 

 

 

Adam appeared from the shadows by the window, grinning affectionately and clearly relieved.  “You’re been unconscious for a couple of days since we brought you down from the mountain Pa.  But that gave Doc Martin plenty of time to check out your injuries then set your broken bones and bind your ribs without you feeling a thing.”

 

 

 

Suddenly aware of a dull ache in his left leg and the tight bandage around his chest Ben gave a short nod of understanding.  He shifted and tried to lever himself up to a more comfortably position but inhaled sharply, wincing from the effort.

 

 

 

There was a sudden movement to Ben’s right.  “Here let me help you Pa,” a familiar young voice offered, Joe leaping forward from where he’d been slumped dozing in a bedside chair and hooking his arm around Ben’s back while he pumped up the pillows.  Then he eased him carefully down again.

 

 

 

With his face visibly ashen and obviously still in some degree of discomfort Ben managed a grateful smile.   “Thank you Joseph.”

 

 

 

Noticing his pallor Adam sighed sympathetically. “Doc Martin says your leg and ribs are going to take some time to mend so you’ll be pretty sore for a while Pa,” he said softly.  “You’ll have to take it easy but he’s left several doses of laudanum if you need it.”

 

 

 

Comforted somewhat by this revelation Ben nodded his thanks.  “I’ll bear that in mind son,” he smiled weakly, and as his memory slowly returned to some sort of normality he began his questioning.  “I was a long way off the main trail when I got thrown so how…how did you manage to find me?”

 

 

 

Fingers suddenly reached out and curled around Ben’s callused hand where it lay against the blanket.  “We’d been out all night Pa then just as dawn was breaking we found old Buck not far off from the start of that ravine,” Joe informed with a choked voice of emotion at the memory.  “Heard those cows bellowing so we followed their tracks and luckily came across you half frozen to death in the snow.”

 

 

 

“Of course…the snow,” Ben murmured.  He gave an involuntary shudder at the recollection.  “It’s the last thing I remember…being so cold.  So very cold.”

 

 

 

Joe continued, waving his free hand towards his brother.  “Hoss had you wrapped up in a blanket and cradled you all the way home like a babe in arms to keep you warm home Pa.  It took hours ‘cause we couldn’t move fast, but Doc Martin said if we hadn’t found you when we did you’d have been a gonna for sure within the hour.”

 

 

 

Realising by their dogged determination to find him they’d undoubtedly saved his life Ben looked between them for several seconds, his eyes moist and his face radiating his appreciation.  How lucky and privileged he felt to have such wonderful sons.  Then his expression suddenly turned sombre and he concentrated his gaze on his youngest, giving an apologetic sigh as he stared steadily at him.

 

 

 

“You won’t have had much of a birthday Joseph.  I’m sorry son.”

 

 

 

Joe eased back into his chair and shook his head with the indifferent nonchalance of youth.  “Don’t matter Pa.  Finding you alive was the best birthday present I could ever have had.  Besides, there’s always next year.”

 

 

 

Next year?  Ben swallowed hard.  How good it felt to know there was going to be a next year.  Then he frowned, his eyes glazing over as though a sudden thought had taken his mind miles away.

 

 

 

He didn’t move, continuing to stare straight ahead and after several seconds of silence his three boys exchanged concerned glances.  Hoss looked back at his father once more with a worried gaze.  “Something wrong Pa?  You feelin’ more pain?”

 

 

 

Shaken out of his trance like state Ben pursed his lips hard then shook his head.  “No son, I’m fine.  It’s just I’ve got this feeling deep down that I was talking to someone after I fell.  Someone I need to remember.”

 

 

 

Hoss’ worried gaze changed to one of puzzlement.  “But there weren’t no sign of any tracks on that mountain exceptin’ those steers and old Buck Pa.  If there had been we’d have noticed for sure.”

 

 

 

Still Ben persisted with a degree of agitation.  “But I’m almost positive I was talking to someone about a journey I needed to go on.”

 

 

 

“You’ve probably been dreaming,” Adam said with a kindly smile in an attempt to pacify.  “After all you have been unconscious for quite a while.”

 

 

 

“Or maybe you were hallucinatin’ Pa,” Hoss added.  “You did bang your head pretty hard and the mind can sure play a whole load of tricks when that happens.”

 

 

 

Ben nodded though still unconvinced.  “Yes…I suppose you could be right boys.  But I was so sure….”  His voice trailed despondently.

 

 

 

Joe attempted to lighten the mood.  “Reckon you might have had yourself a visit from one of those ghostly beings intent on escorting you to the after life Pa,” he offered mischievously, letting out a cackling chuckle.  “After all it was Halloween.”

 

 

 

However his comedic observation did not go down well as Hoss shot over a dark look.  “Little brother I sure despair of your sense of humour sometimes,” he scolded. “That weren’t funny considerin’ how close Pa came to dyin’ on your birthday.”

 

 

 

Ben couldn’t help but smile.  “It’s all right Hoss.  I’m sure Joseph didn’t mean any harm.”

 

 

 

Pretending to look hurt Joe nodded.  “That’s right Pa. Some folk around here can never take a joke,” he whined, making a face at his big brother but a moment later beaming a playful grin.

 

 

 

Hoss chuckled at his expression; his sharp words already forgotten as he turned his gaze back to his father.   “By the way I didn’t know you were takin’ up plant collectin’ these days Pa?”

 

 

 

Ben frowned questioningly.  “Sorry Hoss?  What do you mean?”

 

 

 

Leaning over towards the bedside table Hoss picked up a water filled glass vase containing two bunches of wild flowers; one a mix of pink and white and the other purple and blue. “Found these little beauties in your jacket pocket Pa.  They were a mite crushed but have plenty of strong taproots so I’m sure they’ll have a good chance of survivin’ if we plant them pretty soon.”

 

 

 

Ben shook his head in bemusement.  “But I’ve no idea where they’ve come from.  In my jacket pocket you say?”

 

 

 

“Yes Sir,” Hoss replied as he buried his nose into the colourful blooms and inhaled.  “They sure do smell nice.”

 

 

 

Widened his eyes with interest Ben looked more closely at the flower heads for a few moments then shook his head slowly.  “Can’t say I recall seeing any of them ever growing anywhere on the Ponderosa.”

 

 

 

Adam also gave them quick scrutiny.  “Nope, nor me.  And I’m almost certain they’re not native to this area.”

 

 

 

Joe just gave a slight shrug of disinterest.  “Well don’t care where they’ve come from but I reckon they’d sure look real pretty growing up at the lake by Mama’s grave.  Give the place a whole load of colour in spring and summer.  What do you reckon Pa?”

 

 

 

Ben’s face softened and he nodded at his suggestion.  “Reckon you’re right Joe.  Maybe you could ride over and plant them in a nice sheltered spot there sometime?”

 

 

 

“Sure Pa.  I was figuring on visiting Ma once I knew you were going to be fine.  You know…just to talk, if that’s all right with you?”

 

 

 

Ben patted Joe’s hand knowingly.  “Of course it is son,” he smiled, then before he could stop himself let out a loud yawn.  With the mystery of the flowers momentarily forgotten he shook his head in embarrassment.  “Sorry boys…guess I’m more tired than I realised.”

 

 

 

“Not surprising after what you’ve been through,” Adam observed as he dimmed both oil lamps.  “We’ll leave you in peace for a while.”

 

 

 

“Good thinkin’ Adam,” Hoss acknowledged as he placed the vase back down.  “And I’ll make sure there’s plenty of Hop Sing’s chicken soup ready for when you’ve woken up Pa.”

 

 

 

Ben smiled his thanks but as though reluctant to leave him alone for even a minute Joe laid a hand gently on his father’s arm.  “You sure you don’t want me to sit with you while you’re sleeping?  It won’t be any bother.”

 

 

 

Noting his weary face and feeling guilty to be the cause of it, Ben shook his head.  “No son, there’s no need.  I’m feeling a lot better so you go and try and get some rest yourself.”  He then stared over at the drained faces of Adam and Hoss.  “Looks like you all could do with a good night’s sleep.”

 

 

 

Happy in the knowledge he was on the road to recovery the three Cartwright brothers dutifully left the room, closing the door softly behind them.  And after listening to their departing footsteps Ben carefully sank down under the warming covers when a draught of cold air sent him into an unexpected shudder. He looked over towards the window in case it had been left open, but it was shut tight.  However something in the shadows suddenly caught his attention and Ben watched as it floated around the darkened room above his head.

 

 

 

It was a feather, small, downy-soft and with its tip glinting gold in the diffused lamp light.  And as it drifted down, lower and lower it eventually came to rest on Ben’s chest and he picked it up and absently stroked it gently across his cheek.

 

 

 

Turning his head Ben stared towards the blossoming flowers, marvelling at their unseasonal colour and delicate fragrance and wishing with all his heart he knew where they’d come from and why.

 

 

 

Still unable to shake off the thought he’d had company on the mountain his eyes slowly grew heavy and closed and it was then the unseen Guardian Angel staring down flapped its wings and granted Ben his wish.  And in that magic time twixt waking and sleep a soft smile of wonder and delight curved his mouth as for a few all too brief yet wonderful moments in time Ben was allowed to remember.

 

 

 

He remembered it all.

 

 

 

The End