Island

Island

"I don't get it."

You look over at him. His head is tilted upwards, his mind trying to solve a puzzle that isn't there. The sunlight beats down on his features in patches, the leaves above you trying their hardest to shade.

"What's not to get?"

His eyebrows crease and he turns to face you.

"You talk about this place like its some kind of wonderland, a paradise. Some island in your ocean that you've been drowning in for years."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry, but this is a mound of dirt."

"Caleb."

You reach over and take his hand. He looks at you apologetically.

"Caleb, you aren't looking."

"Then what am I doing?"

"You're thinking."

"So?"

You adjust yourself so that you are facing him. You lean forward and cover his eyes with your hands.

"Now, stop thinking." You say.

"I can't see. I thought you wanted me to see."

"Shut up. You're thinking again."

"Fine."

"Keep your eyes closed."

You take your hands from his eyes and place his palms on your chest. You cover his hands with your own.

"Focus on my heart beating."

He starts to speak but you cut him off.

"And don't say anything."

The two of you sit there in silence until you feel your eyes drifting closed.

"You can open your eyes now."

You watch his pupils dilate as the rays of pale light float down to his amber eyes. He looks up at the towering leaves and then back down at the flowers tickling his ankles. 

Finally, his eyes find their way back to yours.

"Wow."

"I know."

He tears his gaze from yours and looks back up at the sky.