by Susan Pearce
It was one of the hottest summers on record, hardly bearable to be outside. And to be inside without air conditioning was unthinkable.
What made her go back to Florida that summer? She really did not know. Something inside just told her she had to. Her life had changed in so many ways over these last 3 years. She was free now—free to go anywhere, do anything she felt inclined to. Nothing could stop her. And nothing did.
With one quick decision she had packed up her bags and come back to that same resort. Her memories there may not have been very happy ones, yet there had been that one unforgettable afternoon--a connection, an encounter. It had given her hope at a time of need. It lived in her heart still.
“Never forget,” he had said. How could she?
And then, there were all those others whom she had since discovered. Others with the same passion, the same fire burning in their hearts. And all because of one man. A man who stood taller than the rest. A man whose own fire had kindled those embers lying dormant in so many. Because of this, she had found friendships, deep and enduring, joyous and enriching. Friendships she would cherish forever.
All because of one man: the man whom she had met right here on this patio.
She now sat in the same chair, at the same table in that secluded and empty courtyard, in hopes that perhaps good fortune would come back to her. Perhaps there would still be a small particle of magic left from the “good old days” when Walt was alive. The changes of the present day had been bringing too much sadness and frustration. Could they be surmounted? Was there really any magic left? She was beginning to wonder.
The stillness of that hot afternoon was intense, yet to her it was profound. Alone with her thoughts, she let her innermost feelings flow freely, wherever they wanted to go, whatever they might be. With her eyes closed, she went deep into the Disney past, remembering those days when real family values were important, when promises were kept because they were sincere, the days when life’s meaning was not so clouded by confusion, the days of Jiminy Cricket, whose “When you wish upon a star…….” would tell you that dreams really could come true. Back to the days of Zorro.
Gradually she began to realize the change that was surrounding her. In spite of the 98-degree heat, the coolness was quite tangible. Then she heard it…………..the rustling of the bushes behind her, the soft, gentle whinny, the soothing smell of leather and horse.
“Zorro.” She barely breathed the name. With eyes still closed, she waited expectantly, knowing what was to follow.
“Sí. Señorita…….”
“I knew you would come. You are needed.”
“I know.”
Slowly she turned around to look up at the man in black, sitting proud and handsome in the saddle of the jet-black horse. The two stood tall and noble amidst the shadows of the broad-leafed plants that surrounded them. Rising from her chair, she walked into the bushes to join them, feeling the coolness from the shadows envelope her.
“There is much pain here.” The masked man spoke softly as he extended his open hand toward her. “ I can feel the pain of many. “It has brought me to you now. And I know what is causing it.”
He dismounted and came to stand in front of her.
As he took her hands in his, she looked into the eyes behind the mask-- intelligent and compassionate eyes that showed a wisdom beyond the years of man. She knew his words were true. She saw in those hazel eyes, a reflection of her own pain and she began to let go.
“I almost dared not hope……….” She hesitated.
Then he smiled and her heart melted. Her knees grew weak for the beauty of this man struck her once more--deeply into her soul. Poise, grace and character blended uniquely into this strong and bold hero who had captured her heart so long ago. He still had the power to bring out the best in those whom his life touched. It had touched hers many years ago. And here he was coming to her once again in person. This touch was electrifying, energizing.
“Do you remember my words from before, Señorita?”
“Never forget the magic.”
“And have you?”
“I—I—I guess I have,” she said in a low voice, looking down at the ground. Then she looked up as anger flooded her brain. “I have tried not to, but they make it soooo hard! They are taking all the magic away.”
“But do you not know, Señorita, that this they cannot do? They can take nothing from you that you do not willingly give them.”
“But they are taking you away.”
“They cannot take Zorro away, Señorita.” His voice was commanding and firm. “Zorro is not theirs to give nor to take. Zorro belongs to the people. To you and to your Friends. He belongs to the world, to everyone.”
He watched her closely as she stood in silence, contemplating his words.
“You know that Zorro is everywhere. No one can take him away. He is in your heart. He is in your mind. He lives on…forever. Remember this always. I am with you, at all times. I have not left you and will not leave you.”
The cool stillness and the smoothness of his voices was peaceful, soothing. She felt the weight of her frustration loosing its grasp as Zorro continued to speak gently.
“Yes, there will always be change in the world, Señorita. And we may not like the changes. But Zorro will never change. There will always be Zorro in this world. The sword of Señorita Justice cannot be silenced. Zorro’s voice will be heard. This I promise you.
“My voice will not be silenced by the narrowness of those who cannot see. It is not always possible to change the thoughts and ways of others. Nor is it easy to make them see. Would that I could carve my ‘Z’ into the seat of their pants, every one of them! And perhaps one day I shall. And when the mark of Zorro’s blade finally sinks in, then they will understand.
“But for now, content yourself with knowing that my sword continues its work to fight the wrongs of this world. It continues through each one of you who knows me. I applaud your attentiveness to keeping my story alive, in all the many ways you may seek to accomplish this.”
“Now I must go. And you must let the pain dissolve. Take my words back with you. Let my Friends know this message.”
A charge of energy flowed from his hands to hers as he increased the pressure of his fingers. The power held in this connection gave her a new understanding of the depth of the man who held her small hands in his great ones. With this came a new determination and a renewed resolve to continue his fight against injustice.
“Señor Zorro, Gracias. When I was here before, I was also in pain. You helped me find my way through it. Now, once again, I have found through your strength, my own courage to do what I must do. For this I am grateful. And I thank you for restoring my hope.”
“I still see the magic shining in your heart, Señorita. You have not lost it. As long as there are people like you and your Friends, the spirit of Zorro will live on. And we will meet each time your memory of me is open and shared. Zorro lives through your love, your caring, your sharing. Cherish that love. Value every moment that we live together and rejoice in Zorro’s spirit.
“Now, take my blessing with you as you go on your way. Vaya con Dios, my dear Señorita!”
He leaned forward and placed a quick, but sweet kiss on her lips, then released her hands as he drew himself up into the saddle with an easy, fluid motion. She watched in awe as he bowed, saluted and then disappeared into the foliage.
Zorro was gone, but never forgotten.
She turned on her heel and walked confidently back into the sunshine and heat of the August afternoon sun at Disney World. They were not defeated. There was hope. She smiled. He was right. A hero like Zorro could never be lost nor taken away--not as long as she had the love and the memories. And she had plenty of them.
“Vaya con Dios, El Zorro!” she said quietly to herself. “We shall meet again………”
The strength and joy of the magic filled the air.
