Fiction
A Day in My Dreams Marisa Natoli I may not want to be awake, but the best day begins before the sun has risen. The quiet darkness of early morning wraps her hands around my tired face, and sun. The barista hands me my serotonin with a smile in her eyes, even in this early hour. I drive along the coast; the sun is making her arrival on the east. Ahead of me, the West Maui mountains hold their arms up at me and wave, “over here!” Just as they are cascaded upon by a looming pink hue. To my right, waves roll onto the shoreline glimmering in a glassy tune. In my yoga studio, I am welcomed by the swirling scent of palo santo and essential oils. The yoga teacher curls her hands around a morning mug and gives me a maternal smile. I set my mat down and gently begin rolling out my neck, my body yawns. I feel the stagnant energy from my stillness in sleep releasing from the grooves of my body. But the gentle music reminds me of where I am, and the world outside the front drags her mallet along the edge of the crystal bowls, sending waves of a deep hum to caress my Savasana. My practice comes to a close and I stand to gather my belongings, changing the pace of the morning. My car awaits me, collecting the heat of the festering day ahead. The steering wheel has become hot to the touch, but I wrap my hands around it and begin driving toward the valley. Ahead of me, the opening between the two mountains smiles. I think back to how many times I have done this drive, beside me bow down to my arrival. I park my car and cross the road to the small opening in the shrubbery. Only a short distance down a steep hill to my favorite boulder in the stream. The water. One toe in, then two, the water is cold but its blue and emerald glow allures me. Half my body becomes consumed by the brisk awakening, I embrace it with a deep breath and submerge. The power of its coursing pulls my hair away from my head and with one exhale, I imagine all that no longer serves me falling away with of earth herself. My hands reach up to the boulder stationed beside me and I hoist caresses my face with gentle kisses and for a brief moment, it feels as though I am exactly where I want to be, and the world is simply quiet.
KIOSK2021
15
