The Wedding (End)

The searing pain of the shot subsided like a retreating tide. My consciousness sank into endless darkness, and my body drifted downward as through an icy gulf. I did not know how much time had passed, when a soft, warm light gradually filled my vision-not the harsh white of the hospital lamp, but the gentle glow of the morning sun filtering through the leaves. The air smelled of pine needles and dew. Under my feet was the soft, familiar soil of the forest. Beside an oak tree in front stood my father, a hunting rifle slung across his back. He wore the dark brown leather armor of a pack-patrol, and had a short knife in his belt-just as I remembered him in his youth. A familiar smile touched his lips as he saw me, and he waved me over. “Aray, come. Today I’ll teach you how to track prey.” The tears came to my eyes in an instant. I ran to him and threw my arms around him. “Dad.” I buried my face on his shoulder, my tears wetting his collar. “I’ve missed you so much. I thought I’d never se