Preface
Change is infinite and unavoidable. Like a chemical reaction, it can often lead to terrible and calamitous results. But, every once in a while, it can open up an entire universe and create stars.
Some adjust without a fuss. They follow the flow of things, mold themselves to the ways of others. Nina, my mother, had no problem when our live took a sudden turn. She found it easy to pack up her things and move north. Now we were moving again, this time back south.
I didn't know if it would be as easy this time.
I looked out the window of the old Toyota. The water of Clear Lake lived up to its name, pale and rippling like living glass. Sun trickled between the feathering clouds to shatter over the waves. The golden shards of sun flickered before being replaced by a new light. Docks, beaches and patches of trees cupped the shore. Doubtless, it was beautiful to all outsiders. The creamy color of sand blended with the dusky, earthy tones of the woods.
Nina sat up front in the driver's seat while I occupied the back, stretching myself out to lay against the door. She turned her head slightly to glimpse me. Her skin glittered too, as if there were beams of light ready to burst forward when she took a breath.
"Look across the lake there hun, that's Lakeport."
I couldn't see anything but the lake. I leaned forward, clutched the window and squinted. There was a long dock jutting out into the water. It moved like it was covered with fleshy colored ants. My stomach turned before I noticed they were people. Behind the dock was a beach, then a patch of green. Twisting trees arched around a structure with a domed roof. A gazebo.
"It's nice," I said, returning to my resting position. Though the panorama was truly lovely, it would never be Anchorage.