A Hidden Destiny

A trip down memory lane

Just as I was about to exit through the wooden double doors, someone called after me.

”Miss Williams, are you heading out?” Catherine asked. “Oh, yeah, I wanted to get some fresh air before going downtown to eat”, I answered her with a smile. “That sounds lovely, dear! If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s actually a small trail just outside leading to town. It’s 15 minutes of peace and quiet! When you reach downtown, turn left and you’ll find yourself on Main Street,” she explained vividly. “From there you just need to decide what you want to eat” she added while smiling and it was hard not to smile back. “Well, I was kind of hoping to find a burger somewhere”, I admitted shyly fiddling with my bag. She grinned and told me to look for a place called ‘Patty’s’ and she then followed me out through the doors, pointing to where the trail started.

The hotel was absolutely beautiful and I loved how the old building was so well preserved. On the backside of the hotel a dense forest spread out as far as I could see. Birds were chipping and musky smells flowed in the air. My stomach growled, reminding me of my hunger and I went back to the front of the hotel. I followed the trail through the forest, enjoying the fresh air in my lungs and my beautiful surroundings. The forest was full of different earthy smells, bushes and, of course, trees. Looking around, everything seemed so peaceful. Hearing the birds chipping near and far. Sunrays were peeking through the canopies of the trees. For the first time in a while, my mind was not racing with all kinds of worries. Not thinking about all the stuff and the people I left behind coming here.

I was, obviously, missing my grandparents. A lot. But they knew why I left and they supported me in everything I decided to do. When I told them I had to do this for myself, there were no questions asked. They’ve always been there for me. I owe my life to them. They raised me as they had raised their own daughter. My mother. The woman who was supposed to love me unconditionally. The woman who had given me life. But she didn’t survive giving birth to me. When I was born, another life was taken.

I wish I could’ve met her, but I deeply appreciated her parents taking me in, in a time of grief from losing their own daughter. My grandparents were the best of the best. So maybe I didn’t get to meet my mother, but I was raised by the very people who raised her. In a weird way, I felt close to her because of that.

But what about my father, one would think? Well, we never really talked about him much... I don’t know his name; I don’t even know what he looks like. And that is one of the many reasons I left to come to this place. All I know is that he used to live here when they met. Why else would I travel to this unknown fleck of a town across the country? When I’m settled in and have a job, I’m hoping to do some research into my heritage. Maybe even find my father. Did he even know my mother was pregnant when they parted? Did he love her? Does he even know that she died bringing me into the world? So many questions with no answers. For now.

As I reached the end of the trail, I took a look around my beautiful surroundings. The trees were thinning out and the gravel was replaced with ordinary pavement. My phone vibrated and I reached into my bag, taking my phone out. 1 message from Elisabeth. I opened the message and read it out loud in my mind:

“Our dear Maddie. Thank you for updating us. We are happy to hear that you have arrived safely. Take care and be well. Don’t forget that we love you so very much. We look forward to hearing from you again. Grandpa sends his love as well. With love, Grandma”

I smiled, looking at the message. I love them so much. Putting my phone back in my bag, I looked back up. ‘Now I just need to find that burger’ I said to myself as I took a left turn down Main Street.