Whispers of Time - Ch 24

When knowledge isn’t 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 Skylar’s cup, carrying the scent of desert lemon verbena and something warmer — 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 wasn’t.

And she was finally ready to say it aloud.

Her husband Jim, had offered to drive her to Raven’s, 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 rose—colors that lingered, even as morning approached.

“It’s time,” 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 — let alone Black women — were given space in the field, to pushing boundaries at on-site digs that others deemed impossible, Skylar had never stood still.

But this… this was different.

You don’t 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 Raven’s ranch.

They were all there.

Raven. Val. Ben. Riley.

Their presence enveloped her. These were her people—the 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.

“I have something to tell you.”

The conversation stilled. Raven’s gaze met hers first—steady, unspoken understanding passing between them.

“You know I saw the signs a while ago,” Skylar began, her voice calm but firm. “And now I know for certain.”

The words came easier than she expected. “It’s early. A minor trace in my genome. But…” She let the truth settle into the quiet that followed.

“…it’s Alzheimer’s.”

Riley’s breath caught, but she didn’t speak. Val’s expression softened, reflecting the weight of the moment. Ben’s jaw tightened—not in denial, but in quiet resolve.

Raven said nothing. But her eyes, steady and deep, told Skylar everything she needed to know.

They wouldn’t let her walk this path alone.

“There’s hope,” Skylar continued, her tone shifting—not to comfort them, but to share her plan. “The doctors are optimistic.”

Her gaze swept across the faces before her, her confidence unwavering.

“I’m taking an integrated approach — modern protocols combined with holistic practices rooted in Sabákari traditions.”

“I believe in both.”

The words were steady, reflecting the balance Skylar had always sought between science and intuition.

“The past has always guided the future. And I’m going to honor that.”

Skylar leaned back, her hands folding gently in her lap.

“But that’s not all.”

A flicker of anticipation stirred in her chest—the same quiet thrill she’d always felt before an important discovery.

“I’ve started documenting everything.”

Her gaze softened, her voice quieter now.

“My experiences. My stories. I want to leave something behind — a guide, a map — for anyone who finds themselves walking this path.”

Val’s eyes glistened. “You’re creating a legacy.”

Skylar’s smile was small but sure, carrying the weight of knowing.

“Maybe. But I’m also teaching.”

Her gaze lingered on Raven.

“I’ve taken on a few mentees. Young archaeologists, eager and full of fire. They remind me…”

She paused, a trace of warmth lighting her voice.

“…of who I was back then.”

Riley’s voice was quiet but certain as she moved to Skylar, gathering her into a hug. “They’ll learn from the best.”

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 — quieter, but not still.

“You’re not afraid,” Raven murmured, stepping beside her.

“No.” Skylar’s voice was steady. “But I am aware.”

“Of what?”

“Time.”

Skylar’s gaze didn’t waver.

“I’ve always known that stories outlast the people who tell them. But…”

She glanced at Raven, her expression filled with quiet resolve.

“…this one isn’t over yet.”