Birdsong and Sunrise

They bounded over the trail, moonlight illuminating the forest floor below intermittent breaks in the tree cover. He didn’t think she would actually take him up on the offer to go out for a midnight run. But, somehow, here they were.

The day had been long under the August sun and it felt good to stretch his legs, the methodical pace of one foot after the other as they soared over dirt, rock, and fallen branches. Running had always been more of a meditation for him than anything, and this forest felt like home after all the years he and his brother had spent training together in high school with the team.

He was deep in thought when Lucy took off in a sprint as they neared the end of the trail. And, he caught up to her just where the forest gave way to a small clearing on the West side of the lake.

Lucy stood, gazing out over the lake, hands on hips, silhouetted in moonlight. He was struck by her simple beauty for what felt like the millionth time and he felt a familiar twinge in his stomach as he slowed his pace, approaching her.

“What do you mean, you haven’t put on your trainers in a while? You left me in the dust back there,” he joked as he jogged up behind her. “I didn’t know it was speed training day, but nice sprint at the end!”

Lucy laughed, turning halfway toward him as she reached for her toes, stretching her legs, “Well, maybe I lied.” She turned back to walk into a downward dog, continuing, “That last bit at the end even surprised me.”

He came up beside her as she finished her sun salutation. From there, he could just make out the farmhouse far across the lake. The single porch light that his mom always left on shining like a beacon in the distance.

“You know, every time I come home, I am reminded of how beautiful it really is here.” He took a deep breath, listening to the soft wind in the trees and savoring the feeling of the breeze lifting sweat off his skin, “There is a lot to say about the sunset on the coast. But, this right here. You don’t get this.”

He stood quietly for a moment admiring the night sky, and started to search for familiar constellations. He hadn’t been out to this clearing in quite some time, and it felt so peaceful to be here, especially in Lucy’s company.

When he looked over at her, he realized she had stopped stretching and was watching him. Her eyes softened and she smiled before turning her own gaze to the night sky. He felt the twinge in his stomach grow as an intense heat began to spread up through his chest and into his cheeks.

“I know you probably have an early morning tomorrow. Do we need to head back right away, or do you have a bit of time for an astronomy lesson?” He held his breath, hoping.

“I’m in no hurry. Tell me what you know,” Her smile widened as she continued looking up at the stars, and he began to quietly name the constellations.