Desert Roses

If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.

Freya Stark

Short Reads

Desert Roses

Shania pulled her blonde hair back and struggled to escape from the memories of the past.
“What are you thinking?” Ryan asked.
“Nothing…” Shania said as she tried to remain calm.
The teenage girl half-closed her eyes and hid her face behind the magazine she held. She walked to the living room and fought back tears. She wanted to avoid becoming emotional since she would destroy her brother’s mood and she thought she didn’t have the right to hurt him.
Shania was seventeen while Ryan was only twelve. It was their first weekend away from their home, and although they both loved their grandparents, they would never feel like they felt before.
Shania sank in the brown sofa and looked outside the large door of the spacious living room. She could see the grass; she could smell the white roses as her mind flooded with the beautiful pictures of the past when the family used to admire the flowers, the colorful roses, and the beautiful trees of the big house.
The photos of her parents above the white fireplace stole her attention and gave birth to optimism. “No matter what, don’t stop hoping,” her parents loved telling her. Shania would never forget their smiles; they always loved talking and having fun with their children.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Ryan sat down next to his sister and gazed upon her big eyes.
“Let me think,” Shania whispered and changed her mood.
The teenage girl smiled at her brother and hugged him tight whereas she didn’t stop thinking of a true sign of love from their family to make her brother admire and appreciate those who brought them to life.
“I want to know everything. Next time we’ll see them, I’m going to tell them I know anything,” Ryan said while Shania nodded and agreed. She wouldn’t leave him to flirt with pain and questions. Then again, she decided to let herself free since the tears started running down her face, but she didn’t care. Besides, her brother couldn’t see her eyes anymore. He was locked in her arms and he felt safe. He believed things would get better and the family would overcome everything.
“I’ll tell you and then we’ll go outside. It’s a beautiful day and we shouldn’t miss it! I think we should go to the pool and swim. California is perfect. We should enjoy the good weather and the high temperatures.” Shania sounded happy; she wanted to encourage her brother.
“That’s awesome!” Ryan said, locked in his sister’s hug.

Shania loved making dreams. She hoped she would find someone special like her father, someone who would know what love means.