Ripples In The Water

Just a regular family outing on a normal day. Spending time with the in-laws is always fun but sometimes things just get a little out of hand. Oh, the memories we make with our loved ones.

I was finally invited to go golfing with my father-in-law. I got the great honor of driving the golf cart. That was my favorite part! I drove on the narrow asphalt road without a care in the world.

​Being on a golf course in the foothills of North Carolina is an experience in itself. The hills going down were my favorite. Canadian geese peppered the greenway. Elegant gardens lined the long stretches to the small flags in the distance. The undergrowth under the mighty pine trees were pleasant pieces of nature that I was thankful they left alone.

By the time my husband and father-in-law made it to the 9th hole, we made it to the lake in the middle of the course. I could tell it was very shallow but I wasn't going to be the one to find out if there were any deep areas. My mother-in-law was given the honor of driving the other golf cart and she sat parked in front of me, reading. I was watching the water when I noticed the ripples.

The ripples were moving backward! Instead of going out, they were going in on themselves. I shook my head and looked back. Nothing was displayed on the surface. Maybe I was just tired or the light was playing a sick joke on my vision.

I looked down to notice the edge of where we sat was sprinkled with geese down. Feathers fluttered in the light breeze. Moth wings tumbled across the short grass. Moth wings? I leaned over to pick them up. They belonged to a lunar moth. Why was it out at mid-day?

I saw the eyes before my mind grasped what was staring at me. They were a honey brown and as round as saucers. I couldn't see anything except the deep pools gazing back. I wanted to fall into them. I wanted to go to sleep in the glowing warmth of a peaceful slumber. I reached out to touch the water. The cool pool leading to glorious rest and relaxation.  The peace of mind everyone strives for was just an inch away. Please, please take me!

The approach of happy voices broke the spell. I looked up to see my husband returning to the golf cart and leaned back in my seat. I started the engine and gazed down where I had seen the eyes. The water was so shallow, a golf ball sat out of the water and mud. Did I actually fall asleep? I couldn't have.

I slammed on the gas and passed my in-laws. My husband was cursing at my sudden gung-ho action. I shouted over my shoulder "Race you to the next hole!" I needed to get away from the water as soon as possible.

The geese being on the green was much more understanding after what I witnessed. I need to start paying attention to my surroundings more. No more golfing for a while will help too.