Ash Hill: Work in Progress

Four

Crystal was always so self-assured, even when in doubt. She shuffled her cards and smiled, I grabbed two candles and lit them as per normal. I turned off the lamp and television. I set the lavender candles on my rectangular coffee table, one to my left and one to the right. Crystal sat across from me. She closed her eyes as I'd seen her do many times before. I always played along.

"I want to try something a little different. Close your eyes with me."

I complied.

"Eva, I want you to breathe with me and follow along with a little exercise."

"Ok."

Crystal guided me through the customary clearing breaths, just like I did in yoga. We counted forwards and back and breathed in from our bellies, to our chest. We held for a few moments. Then released in a deeply controlled manner. I felt relaxed, but something make my hairs prickle with expectation. Something felt different about Crystal in this moment.

"Now Eva, I want you to imagine a shimmering orb of light in your chest. Opalescent and shimmering. Once you can clearly visualize it, I want you to stretch and grow it until you're encapsulated in glowing light."

I followed her directions, not understanding why, but the authority in her voice convinced me not to argue.

As I visualized the orb of light growing and growing, the hairs on my body stood up. My fingers began to tingle with electricity. I didn't just feel like I was envisioning this orb. I could feel it pulsating around me, it was alive and part of me.

But I could also feel something just past my explanation. It was safe. I was a calming influence just past my understanding.

"I can feel you're ready." Crystal whispered, barely audible. "Eva, in your mind I want you to whisper the question your heart most desires the answer to. Once you have it written and etched in your mind simply tell me yes."

There was only one eternal question that always lingered in my mind, unspoken like a wish.

What happened to you, Adam?

"Spirit, show us the answer to Eva's question."

I heard a card flip and opened my eyes, praying for an answer.