Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Body Language (11/25/10)
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TITLE: I Heard What Your Eyes Were Saying | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Rice
12/01/10 -
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Atlanta’s airport was as hectic as always. Planes landing and taking off every minute, or so it seemed. The intercom blared with messages for travelers. On the surface, it was an ordinary day, but not for my husband and I. Our only daughter and our only grandchild were leaving us.
Almost five years before today, we welcomed into our family a beautiful baby girl. Our daughter was only eighteen, but she became a great mother. Being a close family, we were always eager to help with the baby. Our bond with Sierra grew quickly.
When Sierra was three, her parents divorced. She was devastated, even though she was so young. She and her mother came home to live with us. Needless to say, we became more and more attached to our dark haired darling with crystal blue eyes. Sierra loved animals and our home became a sanctuary for several cats, a couple of birds, some guinea pigs and probably something else I have forgotten. Sierra wore her emotions and occasionally, her bad attitudes on her beautiful face. With a roll of her eyes or a droopy, puppy dog stare you knew exactly what she was thinking or feeling.
Now it was time to say good-bye. Our daughter had remarried and her husband was stationed in Alaska with the U.S. Army. They were moving to join him there. To us it seemed like they were going to the end of earth. We stood rigid allowing our secret glances to encourage each other.
Sierra was concerned about her dog that was flying too. We waited until today to tell her that Wiggles would be flying in the cargo area, not with her in the cabin. She narrowed her eyes to a slit, crossed her arms and stomped her foot in protest. After some quick thinking by her mother, Sierra calmed down accepting that Wiggles would fly in another part of the plane. A friendly flight attendant standing near by came to our rescue by assuring Sierra that Wiggles would have his own attendant with him all the way. We were never sure if that was true, nor did we try to find out.
Finally, everything was done and the waiting began. At first, we all made small talk while showing Sierra points of interest around the airport. As the time of their departure grew near, we ran out of things to say. Quietly we sat, each with their own thoughts and fears.
Now and then, we glanced at Sierra. Her countenance seemed to change. A look of sadness with a hint of fear formed in those haunting blue eyes. Her chin trembled a little when she tried to talk. When they were called to board, we felt as if our hearts would explode plastering our fears and emotions all over the airport. Sierra gripped our hands as we walked as far as we could with her. She said nothing, but as her grip became tighter, we knew what she was feeling.
At the end of our journey with the two of them, our kisses tasted salty as we released the ones we loved so much. Just before they were out of sight, Sierra turned and her eyes screamed at us, “I don’t want to go, I‘m afraid” and then, she was gone. My husband and I cried as that plane left the ground like we had never cried before.
Years have passed and I’m thankful to say, we have had many opportunities to watch Sierra grow into a fine young woman. Her life has been a blessing to our family. However, my husband and I will never forget her sad, blue eyes or the message they sent us one hot July morning, so long ago.
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This could be even stronger if you focused on even a smaller slice of life. We don't need to know all the background. Just show the scene at the airport. You did a great job at portraying the emotions.