Just five years ago, Zevulun would have never thought his life could be this full. He had been wandering the mainlands lonely and lost for purpose, longing after ghosts and missing life happening before him. His impromptu absence from the islands from two-years-old to twelve meant loved ones he’d lost in his grief had suffered. There were many things Zevulun would never forgive himself for, and that was top of the list.

But it had been because of that he knew to treasure moments like these. Running unbidden and happy with one of his beloved children, their laughter dancing around one another in their wake as they ate up the strides of the peaceful home he fought so hard to keep that way. This was what life was about. These moments were the ones he needed to hold tightly to and remember when life did its inevitable turn toward sorrows.

At any opportunity he could, Zevulun’s gaze flicked over to his daughter, heart full to see the happiness across her face. They ran together across the rolling hills, and Zevulun followed Hael’s lead by pulling up his gait as she did. Together they came to a stop at the crest of the hill, and Zevulun’s eyes swept from his daughter down over the sight she’d wanted to share with him.

It truly was a beautiful sight. “Wow,” he exhaled, studying the brilliant array of fall colors on display. Every season in the Prairie had its moments of beauty, this was certainly autumn’s. “You were right, Hael,” he said, eyes moving from the picturesque trees that lay ahead and to his daughter. “Thank you for sharing this with me.” Genuine warmth covered his tone. Zevulun smiled and glanced back toward the warm-toned canopy fanned out before them. The leaves were caught between changing colors, with some clumps already a bold red, others a bright yellow, and even more a rich orange.

“Have you walked beneath the canopy yet?” He asked her curiously. “I always love to see how many leaves are caught between two types of color changes.”