Fresh Start

The indigo blue sky closed in, signalling the end of another late summer's day.

It had been a great day. The sunlight hovered over the face of the golden wheat field like an angel's halo highlighting the beauty that was already in existence.

The weather had cooperated, allowing Cami to embark on a contemplative walk to get herself acquainted with her new surroundings.

She felt the tension melt away as she walked the property with its graying barn, endless fields, and the neighing of horses from the neighboring farm.

The rural odors were something she'd have to get use to. Cami sneezed and wheezed in protest to the new allergens her body reacted to.

How could she have know that with recent world events increasing her employer's remote work flexibility, she would impulsively uproot her city life to pursue her dream of small town life. This was not a well thought out plan. But, sometimes the most well laid plans are dislodged by a greater power's knowledge guiding you towards your best life.

How could Cami cope with such an extreme change?

One bright spot to the upheaval was the tall, blue jean clad, next door neighbor. His solid figure showcased a lifetime of physical labor. His broad shoulders, and deep tan told Cami all she needed to know and she was intrigued.

She could feel her pulse quicken each time her path crossed his. She scolded herself for becoming distracted by his melodic baritone voice as his words seemed to float in the air, delaying Cami's response time and seemingly her intelligence when she was around him.

But, interest runs two ways and she was sure it wasn't a mutual attraction. She had been overlooked by the men in the city, not measuring up to their standard of beauty. Never being quite thin enough, tall enough, pretty enough or young enough. She had learned to settle into a routine comfortable for one.

Yet something inside her told her not to give up. There was a deep knowing that can not be explained that she was destined for great things. She was worthy of being someone's one and only. Their first choice.

She could not explain why she felt this way, nor the draw to purchase a home on her own in a rural setting, where she knew no one and nothing about the lifestyle, but still the pull remained. So here she was, alone, in a new town undertaking a new adventure. Like the old adage, a rolling stone gathers no moss, she decided to roll.

Cami wouldn't describe herself as a looker. Dark straight hair, fair skin and vertically challenged-not the makings of a supermodel by any stretch of the imagination.

But still. She couldn't help but think of the possibility of a relationship with the man next door. She sensed in the few interactions with him an element of attraction between the two of them crackling like the thunder in the distant sky.

The snap of thunder brought Cami back from her daydream and she headed for home to take cover as the impending storm brewed.