Two Texans, Northeastern Dreams

Chapter One

Scarlett's finger presses on the black button. The camera clicks, as it captures the scenic city view, another honing in on trees, one aiming for the lake with a fountain, water gushing up and out, spilling over. Scarlett’s mind cleanses filling it with flowing water, removing stagnations. The black camera lens extends off the body, zooming in or panning out, simply grasping impermanence. While the buildings and mountains will be there, mostly unchanging for some time. The visitors will be different; leaves cycle out, leaving trees bare, then renewing green in the spring and summer.

Asphalt forms a walkable path around a small lake featuring a water fountain, at it’s center. Trees of gold, green, and hints of red border the lake and pathway, providing a vibrant nature scene. Rocky mountains sprinkled with snow peek above the various downtown buildings, measuring in different heights of blue, beige, brown, grey, white and even red- laying out a diverse city scape.

Surrounding the paved walkway, a luscious green space feasts the eyes therapeutically. A spot to lounge, read a book, enjoy a picnic, stretch in yoga poses, play football or throw a Frisbee to a dog.

It’s Denver, in late September, still warm with cool air. Breathable, thin, refreshing. Roughly about sixty degrees, for a few more hours. The gleaming sun intends to sink low and disappear; allowing the moon to rise in the darkened sky, bestowing a glow for all to see.

Scarlett’s reddish brown curls waver in the nearly Autumn breeze of Colorado. The end of Scarlett’s vacation is approaching. Just a week scoping out Denver. Nature and architecture, freeze-framed in her most valuable possession, her camera. Taking photos is a work of art supporting Scarlett’s adventurous lifestyle. She frequently travels solo, asserting her independence, and occasionally cherishes the company of friends and family.

The warm amber sun reflects on the lake creating a sight for any sore eyes, yet Scarlett diverts her attention focusing on her grey high-ram laptop. She maneuvers the mouse over photos. Clicking here, zooming there, removing imperfections, the same scene in front of her brought to life on her grey matte screen. To take home, savor, and sell online. Her pink velvety lips form into a bright smile, luxuriating in the glory of her creativity, and profound sense of accomplishment.

Scarlett nibbles on a whole-grain pita, filled with baked chicken, and fresh greens; a lemon flavor awakens Scarlett’s taste buds. A sip of an iced apple-cinnamon mocha latte, chases the tangy pita, bringing a sweet and spicy wash to her tongue. She breathes in the drink’s aroma, savoring the flavor, as Autumn approaches, bringing a new season to relish.

Scarlett glances at the time on her black smartwatch. She embraces the cool air around her, noticing the sun lowering. The sky fusing light blue with coral pink, lavender, and apricot. Another photo is taken. Scarlett wraps a crème, maroon, and light pink plaid shawl around her athletic body. She adjusts her crème-colored cashmere beret which braces a rose on the right side. Scarlett packs her belongings. She stands up, rising to her five-foot-seven-and-a-quarter stature as her shoulder bears the trusty brown leather tote that attends most outings. Her light brown leather boots end below the knees, briskly tapping the paved walkway as she paces towards her rental car.

A musician sitting against an Aspen tree strums a twang tune, bringing a pleasing sound to Scarlett’s ears. Her eyes, like blue sapphire, hinted with green amber, fall on a tall man leaning against a tree. The man acts like he’d seen her already, silently admiring her from afar, sporting western-style clothing. He dips his head, briefly nodding with a nudge to his tan western hat, a glance to his red-toned tanned hand, showing no signs of a ring. A smile appears on his face, then his phone rings. His beige, orange, and maroon plaid-covered arm reaches into a high-quality denim pocket, and his brown western boots expose themselves as he adjusts his stance. He gazes away from Scarlett, answering his phone. “Howdy.”

Scarlett swiftly walks on, nearing her rental car. What else is on the agenda for today…The photographers’ gala. A fancy get-together for travel photographers.

Scarlett envisions her formal blue dress hanging in the rental car, professionally cleaned. She smiles at the thought of pairing it with her dazzled western boots.

Opening the rental car door, Scarlett’s phone chimes as she lowers her body into the tan leather seat. She checks her phone, a weather notification for Texas, warmer than normal temps for late September. Scarlett groans, dreading her return to Texas tomorrow evening. She is ready for autumn’s presence, brushing cool air through the atmosphere whilst changing leaves to orange and red. Scarlett sighs at the thought of a northeastern fall season, dreaming for a moment, longing.