Whispers of Time - Ch 24
When knowledge isnโt enough, courage leads the way.
Skylar has always trusted in knowledge, perseverance, and grit. But when life offers a discovery she never planned for, she must rely on something more profound - the power to shape her story even as time passes.
The steam curled lazily from Skylarโs cup, carrying the scent of desert lemon verbena and something warmer โ a quiet reminder that time, like stories, always moved forward.
She wrapped her hands around the ceramic mug, feeling the heat seep into her palms. The warmth was grounding, tethering her to this moment even as her thoughts drifted toward what would come next.
The house was quiet, save for the distant rustle of wind brushing against the canyon walls. Echo Canyon was timeless. But Skylar wasnโt.
And she was finally ready to say it aloud.
Her husband Jim, had offered to drive her to Ravenโs, but she had said no.
This was something she needed to do herself.
Skylar glanced toward the kitchen window, where the first traces of sunlight were peeking across the horizon. The sky was brushed with hues of gold and roseโcolors that lingered, even as morning approached.
โItโs time,โ she murmured, her voice barely louder than the whisper of the wind.
She had never been one to hesitate. Pioneering came naturally. From pursuing archaeology when few women โ let alone Black women โ were given space in the field, to pushing boundaries at on-site digs that others deemed impossible, Skylar had never stood still.
But thisโฆ this was different.
You donโt prepare for this kind of discovery.
The words echoed through her mind, a quiet admission that even now, with all her knowledge and experience, she was stepping into unfamiliar terrain.
The murmur of voices greeted her as she stepped onto the porch of Ravenโs ranch.
They were all there.
Raven. Val. Ben. Riley.
Their presence enveloped her. These were her peopleโthe ones who had witnessed her journey, her triumphs, her sacrifices, and now, this next step.
Skylar set her tea down on the table, her movements steady but deliberate.
No hesitation now.
โI have something to tell you.โ
The conversation stilled. Ravenโs gaze met hers firstโsteady, unspoken understanding passing between them.
โYou know I saw the signs a while ago,โ Skylar began, her voice calm but firm. โAnd now I know for certain.โ
The words came easier than she expected. โItโs early. A minor trace in my genome. Butโฆโ She let the truth settle into the quiet that followed.
โโฆitโs Alzheimerโs.โ
Rileyโs breath caught, but she didnโt speak. Valโs expression softened, reflecting the weight of the moment. Benโs jaw tightenedโnot in denial, but in quiet resolve.
Raven said nothing. But her eyes, steady and deep, told Skylar everything she needed to know.
They wouldnโt let her walk this path alone.
โThereโs hope,โ Skylar continued, her tone shiftingโnot to comfort them, but to share her plan. โThe doctors are optimistic.โ
Her gaze swept across the faces before her, her confidence unwavering.
โIโm taking an integrated approach โ modern protocols combined with holistic practices rooted in Sabรกkari traditions.โ
โI believe in both.โ
The words were steady, reflecting the balance Skylar had always sought between science and intuition.
โThe past has always guided the future. And Iโm going to honor that.โ
Skylar leaned back, her hands folding gently in her lap.
โBut thatโs not all.โ
A flicker of anticipation stirred in her chestโthe same quiet thrill sheโd always felt before an important discovery.
โIโve started documenting everything.โ
Her gaze softened, her voice quieter now.
โMy experiences. My stories. I want to leave something behind โ a guide, a map โ for anyone who finds themselves walking this path.โ
Valโs eyes glistened. โYouโre creating a legacy.โ
Skylarโs smile was small but sure, carrying the weight of knowing.
โMaybe. But Iโm also teaching.โ
Her gaze lingered on Raven.
โIโve taken on a few mentees. Young archaeologists, eager and full of fire. They remind meโฆโ
She paused, a trace of warmth lighting her voice.
โโฆof who I was back then.โ
Rileyโs voice was quiet but certain as she moved to Skylar, gathering her into a hug. โTheyโll learn from the best.โ
Later, as the morning sun strengthened and the others drifted inside, Raven stayed behind.
Skylar stood at the edge of the porch, her gaze following the sunlight stretching across the canyon. The land felt different today โ quieter, but not still.
โYouโre not afraid,โ Raven murmured, stepping beside her.
โNo.โ Skylarโs voice was steady. โBut I am aware.โ
โOf what?โ
โTime.โ
Skylarโs gaze didnโt waver.
โIโve always known that stories outlast the people who tell them. Butโฆโ
She glanced at Raven, her expression filled with quiet resolve.
โโฆthis one isnโt over yet.โ
Glad Skylar wants to document her journey. It will keep her a little preoccupied and provide much needed first hand info for people going through the same thing. Good idea!