‘End of life Directives.’
I stared at the haunting words written in half-hearted cursive.
Capital E. Capital D. Apparently ‘life’ didn’t need the emphasis?
You don’t expect death to cross your path on the way to a labyrinth – do you? I glanced at the wallet owner’s birthdate. Yep, I hadn’t misread it. We share a birthday.
Shrugging disaster thinking away, I pocketed the wallet and walked on. A few metres later, there it was…
A giant flat engraving in stone. Kinda unremarkable for a spiritual tool but I was ready to tread every twist and turn, wide open for…?
Five people were already walking; silver-haired chicks in tourist sneakers and creased linen. A dude in a designer t-shirt.
The volunteer guide approached, smiling.
“Have you walked the labyrinth before?” No.
“Well, you can’t get lost if you stay on path.”
I devoured these words, delicious. And he continued,
“I need to bow you in,”
After our heads met briefly (the reverence delightful), I stepped into the labyrinth.
Walking slowly, peace wrapped me up with every step, heel, toe, heel and then… hello… little butterfly? What? Swapped petals for concrete? Why?
I studied her bright, orange wings. Her cameo appearance pushed me deeper inside. I walked faster, with more purpose. Even comfort.
Everything that came before, lost love, trust and deadly directives disappeared.
I exhaled, looked up and almost bumped into ‘tourist sneakers’.
She blushed, “I don’t know how this happened!”
I don’t care. Get off my path.
To be continued…
© Phyllis Foundis 2025