Time: October 17, morning. Location: North Beach Status: Closed with @calliope-warren
So much is right. And yet so much is wrong. The thoughts wrap around themselves as Rose stands on the threshold of the homestead Frank had created on this island. The two of them, father and daughter, asleep in the same spread eagle position... well, it’s something she’s hoped to set her eyes on for seven years now. If only it wasn’t happening here, in this place, and after so long.
Something else is wrong, too – and that’s why, after leaving her jacket draped across Jo’s sleeping form, Rose takes to searching once more. Cal had been only one seat away from her when the plane had begun its steady descent. Her face had been one of Rose’s final sights before a sudden jolt sent her colliding into the seat in front of her and delving into an evidently deep unconsciousness. That being said: she has no idea where the other woman could be now. Resting had been done with some guilt when she felt like she should be coming the shore – a familiar feeling. And so Rose rises before the sun fully does, emerging in the gray light to look for her friend. This is no small island and therefore no small task. The sun is well into its rise into the sky by the time a glint of copper light on a familiar head of hair makes Rose let out a shuddering breath. Her steps hasten and her voice is ragged from her cries the day before, but still, she calls out: “Cal?” Her walk is a hobble, but a quick one, and it only grows faster as the other woman turns in recognition. “Oh, it’s you. Thank God, it’s you.” There’s so much to talk about. So much to explain. But for now, she’ll just be grateful. Others have suffered much worse. Her friend is wrapped in a tight embrace despite the soreness that Rose is sure they both suffer from, and she sighs into the slightly taller woman’s shoulder. “Are you alright? I – I’m so sorry, Cal. I’m so sorry.” For more than just inviting her on this trip, Rose realizes. But now isn’t the time to unpack that. For now, she sticks to what matters, backing away some to look at her friend rightfully: “Really, though, are you hurt? Have you gotten any help?”
