To Orion, it has felt so long since he’s been in his own body. In fact, Orion was in his coma for two weeks, but his condition remained completely stable. Penelope has also been in a coma because her soul, although it was separate from Orion’s, explored the ancient past and not so distant past. She visited the mermaid archives and read up on the past few weeks in Orion’s life underwater. She also visited the ancient scriptures in the ruins.
What seemed like hours for souls were days in real time. When Penelope woke up, she heard Orion’s soft breathing and heartbeat. She stroked his cheek, slipped that arm under his right shoulder and the other on the opposite side on top of his ribs. A moment later, she heard a gasp and sat up as Orion opened his eyes. “Penelope?”
His vision was blurry at first, but it adjusted after he blinked a few times. He slowly sat up and immediately felt his miniscule bed sores. “Ah,” he winced as he threw his arms around himself, shivering. “What happened? I felt like I got hit by a truck.”
“Orion, take it easy,” Penelope put her hands on his shoulders. “You’ve been through a lot.”
“You don’t know even the half of it.” He turned away, still ashamed that he left his true love only to be hurt physically and mentally.
“Now, I wouldn’t say that. You’re not the only one who’s had an ‘out-of-body’ experience.”
That triggered a conversation that went on for many hours. During that time, the nurses tested Orion’s breathing and checked his vital signs to be sure he’d be all right. Helen swung by to pick Orion up even as the conversation kept going; it soon became a three-way conversation about everything.
They eventually took in all of the information with only a migraine or two. When Orion got back home, it felt good, but when he looked down, he actually dismissed the fact he had a wheelchair. “I’m only like this because my busted legs will become permanent fins when I’m ready to take my rightful place.”
Penelope put a comforting hand on his shoulder and he smiled back. “Just think Penelope,” he held the dragon crystal in his hand, “with this, we’ll begin our new life in the underwater world I’ve grown so attached to.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get to feel the ocean run by your feet, Orion. I knew how much you wanted that.” She huddled closer to him.
“I know,” he shrugged. “But I think there are more important things and greater pleasures in life. Being in love is one pleasure I’ll never be able to get over.” His smile grew, “I just can’t get over the fact I’m with someone as wonderful as you and we’re guaranteed to be together until the end.” With that, they shared a long, passionate kiss.
A few moments later, Penelope asked, “What’s the other pleasure better than the ocean running by your feet?”
“The pleasure of putting my legs to good use as a tail. Swimming underwater is an incredible feeling that I can’t wait to show you.”
“Well, we only have… five more years until you can return to Atlantis.”
“Well, it’s common knowledge that no one can take the throne unless they’re 21 years old. As long as I have you and my poetry to comfort me, the wait won’t take very long at all.”
As that day ended, many more days were to begin and end again in Jacksonville, Florida. Orion has felt better than he has in a long time, knowing that he would do something important with his life in the future. For the next five years, Orion would end each day watching the sun set with Penelope.
As he gazed up at that bright orange and purple sky, he smiled, “It’s only a matter of time before I can return home to the place where I truly belong.”
