Miranda & Galen

*Miranda*

She has to get away. The laughter and loud music makes her want to scream. The lights are much too bright and blinding, and if she sees one more couple locked in an embrace, she will surely explode. What is she doing at this party anyway when it’s clearly obvious she doesn’t belong? Spending the day with strangers is distressful enough, especially when she is forced to be outside under the scorching sun. The sticky air and high humidity make it very uncomfortable.

She has to get away. The overcrowded area of the small back yard is closing in on her. The artificial laughter is making her ill. If another overweight middle-aged man offers her a drink or asks why such a pretty girl is here alone she’s out of here. Thankfully, clouds are rolling in to alleviate some of the relentless heat. When she realizes a storm is approaching, her eyes light up for the first time all day. Tentatively, she makes her way under a tall tree to escape the brightness. She listens to the delicate sounds of thunder. The sound worries the others causing them to seek shelter inside. Miranda doesn’t follow. A smile falls across her plaintive face. Without being noticed Miranda slips out the back door running to the only place that makes her feel safe.

Within minutes, the sky turns gray. Dark patchy clouds rapidly spread with an almost pre-determined purpose. Miranda interprets each stroke of lightning as a question, followed by the thunder angrily answering. She too feels that anger. Up ahead a couple walks hand in hand. Sadness returns to her tired eyes as she no longer fights the tears.

When will I be free of this pain, she thinks. When will I be free?

As if understanding and sympathizing with her pain, the thunder screams back, a sound so tumultuous as it is frightening. Driven by desperation, a storm of her own rouses inside. With clenched fists she starts to run and disappears into the darkness.

*Galen*

Galen can’t help but notice the love struck couple in front of him. They’ve spent the last half hour laughing, kissing, and carrying on. It is making him sick. He has to get away. He can’t stand it any longer. He signals to the driver that he wishes to get off and as the bus drives away sounds of laughter bring back bitter feelings.

Thunder explodes in the darkening sky. Excitement surges through his body reviving his spirit just a little. It starts to rain. He walks along a nearby dirt road without any destination. He needs to get as far away as possible from the every day doldrums of life, especially the people. No, not just people but happy people, people in love. Right now he doesn’t want to think about his loneliness, his sorrow, and his growing anger. Right now he wants to find a little peace. As he walks, Galen focuses only on the rain hoping it will wash away the pain, if only for a little while.

The memories still haunt him and replay in his mind. Memories of lost love and betrayal. His thoughts run wild. Why should I bother to go on? I struggle to make it through each day only to face another night alone. I don’t know why I fight anymore.

But he did know. He knows only too well what keeps his faith alive. It is the mystery of the unknown. How could he not be around today to find out what might happen tomorrow? Anything was possible. Anything. At least he had hope.

The memories, however, were quite persistent tonight. Is there no release from the pain that constantly tries to drown him? How much stronger must he become to finally defeat it. Lost in thought he walks on . . . until he sees her.

Part Two
The Encounter