Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily) Read Online Free

pushed the gate open, and we crossed the threshold of a private oasis. A main path led to the entrance of the house, but smaller paths snaked off in random directions. Yards in Maryland were mostly grass, but in Sedona, they were red dirt or gravel and pebbles. Boulders sat amongst pots of colorful flowers. I spotted a fountain, made of large dark stones with a Buddha statue sitting on top.
    Wind chimes tinkled above us as we stepped onto the front porch, covered by a wooden pergola. The second I passed through the double doors I knew I’d been here before. My parents must’ve brought me when I was a baby. My bionic memory skills were at their finest.  
    “It’s lovely,” Krista said.
    “Thank you. We like it.” Louise glanced over the spacious area in front of us.
    A double-sided fireplace divided the space into two rooms. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked breathtaking red rock formations and cliff sides. Colors were everywhere: bright area rugs covering tile floors, sculptures of lizards and birds on the walls, paintings, masks, tiled mirrors. Flowers and plants blossomed in every corner and on every table.
    An unusual scent wafted through the air—floral yet earthy. Just like how Louise smelled when she hugged me. Music played softly: flutes, drums, and other instruments I didn’t recognize, but the song fit the feel of the house. The front door thudded shut behind us.
    Louise stood at my side but Anthony had disappeared. “Would you like a tour?”
    “Sure.” Krista and I answered in surround sound.
    Louise guided us through an archway into a colossal kitchen. Beyond the kitchen, fourteen chairs circled the biggest table I’d ever seen.
    Krista nudged my shoulder and pointed at the ceiling. “Look how gorgeous.”
    I knew about the skylight before I looked up. A giant star made from colored glass produced beams of light that shone on the table. I hid my smile, knowing no one would believe me if I claimed to remember that far back. I would’ve been a year old at most. Even I had trouble believing it.
    “This is where we gather for special meals and meetings.” Louise rested her hands proudly on the wooden surface. “We have a large family.”
    I hoped I’d never have to sit at a table with so many strangers, but it was impressive.
    “Louise.” Krista fidgeted. “May I use your bathroom?”
    “Down that hall and to the right.”
    Krista left and I momentarily panicked at the thought of being left alone with Louise, but she just smiled and waved me down another hall.
    Abstract paintings decorated most of the walls. Many looked old, while others looked newer. They were full of vivid streaks and swirls of colors. Some shined like metal, others shimmered and sparkled.
    “These paintings are amazing.”
    “Thank you very much.” Louise placed her hands over her chest. “Each one holds a special place in my heart.”
    “Are they all by the same artist?”
    “Yes, I painted all of them.”
    “ You painted them?”
    She laughed. “Is it so surprising that I can paint?”
    “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—it’s just—I’ve never seen paintings like that. You should sell them. You’d make a fortune.”
    “Oh, I could never sell these.” She touched one with admiration. “Each one is an extension of my soul. I add details as needed, but they’re never finished. They are all works in progress.”
    “You’re very talented.”
    “Thank you. What about you? What’s your talent?”
    “Ha!” I snickered. “I have no talent whatsoever. My dad tried coaxing some creativity out of me, but I’m hopeless.”
    “Oh, I don’t believe that. Everyone has a gift. It’s a matter of figuring out what yours is and using it for good—and to the best of your ability.”
    “Don’t hold your breath. I’m pretty useless.”
    Louise made a discerning humming noise but didn’t say anything else. I noticed there were no photographs anywhere. Louise seemed like such a family-oriented person, I