"Life and love are not easy, but listen to your heart and despite trials and turmoil, when your dreams come true you will know the pleasure of life and love. Hope and trust are wonderful qualities, Megan. Don't lose them. Don't doubt yourself. Let your fears guide you to what is right for you. Make a decision and make it work for you."
The words resounded through her. It seemed logical, but very difficult and scary. Did she have the hope and faith to listen to her heart, to start living her own life? Would she ever not find fear in being alone or being in love?
"What an absurd thought. I don't want to be alone, but I'm afraid of love. Can love and school coexist in my life?
"Great, more questions with no answers. This place is infamous for that." Confusion and turmoil once gripped her, but time and patience relinquished it. If this was like last time, Megan knew faith and perseverance would reign true. "Where do I find the energy to go through this again?" she wondered.
Wandering aimlessly around, hoping to find answers hidden amongst the towering trees, a low squeal pulled Megan in a different direction. With each deliberate step, she watched the ground until she saw a small lump of leaves move. "Who are you?" she asked to the small bird that was hurt and dirty. "Don't worry, I'll help you." After picking up the bird, the sounds lessened as the animal nestled in her hands.
When she arrived at the ranch, Jason and Bridget ran to her. "What is it?" they asked, peeking into Megan's hands. "Can we help?" they said, seeing the bird.
"Do you know anything about first aid for birds, because I don't," Megan said.
"I do," Faith said. "May I help?"
"Sure," Megan said, handing the animal over. Bridget and Jason flocked to Faith, their eyes shining and focused on her every movement. Each word Faith spoke drew them closer.
Megan's heart closed, moving her to an isolated world. "What is happening? First I have a dream where the dancer has yet to reveal himself. Now I have a voice telling me what I need and want." A deep sigh escaped but she remained tense and knotted. Megan watched Faith with the kids and a twinge of jealousy settled in her heart. Then she shook her head and stood straighter.
"This has nothing to do with them. It's all me and my desire to solve a mystery." She looked around the ranch, trying to find another piece to her puzzle, but nothing showed. She needed to know who spoke to her in the woods. He was the missing piece. "Is he the man from my dream? Or are there two men leading me and guiding me into the future?"