Reunite

A sharp bright light blinded me as we barreled out of the tree. Wind pressed against me. I looked around and screamed. We we're falling towards a river. Joshua grabbed my hand to get my attention. He arched his body in a diving position. I followed his lead.

The wind howled against my skin. We grew closer to the water and I squeezed my eyes shut. Warmth swallowed me as I sank deep into the river.

Wait. The water should be cold. Spring just started.

I opened my eyes. I was underwater. That's for sure. But its still warm... Why? Sunlight streamed through the ripples on the surface. I spun underwater trying to find Joshua. My lungs began to burn. I spun around again.

There!

He was floating about ten yards away. How'd I not see him the first time? His blue eyes we're dark and cloudy. His body ragged in the water. I swam to him and placed two fingers on his neck. I panicked. He had no pulse.

Black spots danced before my eyes. I wrapped my arm around Joshua's waist and pulled him toward the surface. I gasped for air and pulled him to the back. A small group had gathered near us. I looked at them again. They all had animal ears and tails or branches and flowers in their hair. Even the guys. Joshua jerked under my hand and I came crashing back to reality.

He had at least a gallon of water in his lungs. "No." I whispered. I put a hand on his chest, just above his heart, and the other gently on his neck.

I focused on a pulse that was no longer there. I imagined the water exiting his lungs and flowing from his mouth. A single strong beat beneath my fingertips. Joshua's eyes shot open and he rolled onto his side coughing up water. He shook to violently I thought he might break. I crawled up behind him. He leaned back against me, still shaking. He gazed up at me and smirked. My heart ached.

A woman in the crowd stepped forward and whispered just loud enough for us to hear, "Josh?" We turned our heads. The woman I recognized even though she had aged. The woman Joshua had handed the boy to stood before us. Her hair was red with streaks of gray. Her dress only went to her knees but her form was perfect. She wore a crown of White Willow branches in full bloom.

She sat in front of him on her knees. He smiled and held out an arm. She fell against him sobbing. "Its okay, Willow." He said gently. Between shuttering breaths she managed to say, "Mom and Dad... Were so... worried... you ***!"

"Yeah. I've missed you too, sis." He said letting her get up. Joshua grunted as he leaned up. I helped him to his feet. Everyone in the crowd bowed to him but Willow. "Come on, Josh. Its time you came back home." She said gently motioning for us to follow her. Those in the crowd walked on either side of us like a shield.

It only took ten minutes to get to the village. my jaw dropped and Joshua laughed.

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