Unexpected Connections - Ch 5
Chapter 5 - After a lifetime of exploration, Skylar’s next adventure could be her most personal yet. Is it time to face the truth about her health?
To begin from the first chapter, START HERE.
Previous chapter is HERE.
Skylar climbed into her cab and headed to the train station. She would take the train to Dublin and then fly to Chicago, Las Vegas and finally Sabáka.
She leaned back in her seat, trying not to think about the two days it would take her to get home.
I wonder if I should have taken this job. I’m not sure why they called me out of retirement to travel to Galway to lead the final stages of the dig at the Isert Kelly Castle. But I imagine getting my name on the official papers meant elevating the site's historical importance.
The project, which ran only from May to August, focused on the courtyard around the 15th-century tower house, aiming to uncover evidence of medieval ancillary structures. Since it was such a short assignment, it was easy to accept.
On my last night, I had one more beer with my new young friend, Kean, at the neighborhood pub, Taffies Bar. My work intrigued him, and we often shared local brews and our stories. I felt I had found the son I never had. We promised to stay in touch when I left.
As Skylar boarded the plane at Heathrow, she knew it would be the longest of her three flights. She thought it would allow her to have some much-needed relaxation.
Settling into the comfort of her first-class seat, Skylar closed her eyes and reflected on her life.
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Living in Echo Canyon, I’m known for my skills that have served me well in archaeology. However, I would love to be involved in more creative activities. I look forward to returning to my garden and seeing Jim. Lord, we’re coming up to our fiftieth anniversary next year. Thankfully, he takes my flitting here and there without a problem. He’s got plenty to do between woodworking and hiking with his buddies.
I don’t know if I should have taken on the role as landscape chair for the community garden. My editor is clamoring for a draft of my third novel. Putting it off while I accepted this dig may not have been the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it cured the itch to get out in the field again.
What if that itch returns?
As for the community garden, that’s part of my legacy. I aim to leave a lasting impact on my community by transforming its landscape to reflect the area's history. I’ve talked with the other members and community leaders, and everyone is interested.
While researching the area, I certainly did not expect to find what appeared to be an artifact in the community garden.
A beautifully carved stone with hieroglyphics I didn’t recognize. With further investigation, I was surprised to discover that the stone is linked to the Sabákari people, the region's original inhabitants. They were a matriarchal society with rich traditions and a deep connection to the land. The hieroglyphics on the stone tell the story of a prominent Sabákari woman, a shaman who played a crucial role in the community’s history.
My journey has been challenging. On one hand, my professional life is very structured. On the other, and as I hate to admit it, I’m getting older. I long to spend more time with my creative side. It’s a constantly shifting balancing act.
And then there’s the thing I keep ignoring. Am I losing mental sharpness? Or is it just my age? I can’t put aside the fact that both my mother and grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and as I mark my seventh decade, I’m concerned. I should have considered genetic testing long ago. I avoided it with every excuse. So here we are.
When I return to Echo Canyon, I will take part in an Alzheimer’s study that should reveal my risk for carrying the disease.
Skylar sighed as the plane began its descent into Las Vegas. She ignored the looming thunderstorm. I’ve been through worse—typical weather in the desert this time of year.
One more flight and I will be home with my husband, possibly ending my solo travels forever.
The storm unleashed its full fury as the wheels of four planes touched down in Las Vegas. The airport loudspeakers crackled with news of delays and cancellations, sparking a ripple of frustration among the passengers. Watches and phones throughout the airport vibrated and sent a cacophony of sounds filling the air with tense music.
Unaware of each other, Riley, Val, Skylar, and Raven gathered their belongings and prepared to disembark. Each woman felt a sense of unease mixed with anticipation, knowing the day was far from over. Little did they know, their journeys were about to intertwine, bringing them together in a way none could have foreseen.
Enjoying the story so far? We’ve only just begun as the four women return home to Echo Canyon. Please add your comments and give a “Like❤️” with the links below. ~Marylee
Enjoyed the insight into Skylar and getting to know her. I love the excitement at the end and can't wait to see what happens!
Lovely that Skylar has appeared. Can't wait for the group to get together!