Lockdown 204

Lockdown Day 204 - 16 October 2020

Ellie's Epilogue (5 Years later)

Ellie feels the wet sand between her toes as she walks along Kits Beach close to where she lives on Davie street in Vancouver's West End. Just after the ministry tour, she landed her dream job as the Lifestyle Modification Counselor at Wellness Collective, a short 14min drive over the Lion's Gate Bridge. 

In the opposite direction, Kits Beach is an 8 minute drive from her house via Burrard Street Bridge, and it is here where she loves to walk and swim on her off days. English Bay Beach is right on her doorstep for quick after work walks with a cup of freshly brewed JJ Bean coffee at the end of Davie street.

Today, Ellie has something to celebrate. She has just heard her application for Canadian citizenship has been successful. She felt the roots growing under her feet ever since she could afford one of the little vintage houses on Davie street. And now, for the first time, she could look up and call this beautiful spot of earth 'home'.  

And what better way to celebrate than with a swim and walk at Kits Beach, followed by a Crab and Shrimp omelette for brunch at The Boathouse. Donned in marine blue 7/8 H&M pants and grey RipCurl top, she walked into The Boathouse, her hair wet and salty from the swim. She chose a seat at the window and ordered coffee with her omelette. Just open, the restaurant was still empty, the staff busying themselves with cleaning and setting of tables. Ellie's thoughts were drifting out to sea, her body warming up after the cool swim. 

She didn't notice her cup of coffee was already delivered. When the Omelette arrived, it was the new owner delivering it himself. "Hi, good morning", he smiled, held out his hand while introducing himself, "I'm Colby. My staff tells me you are a regular." "Hi, I'm Ellie. Yes, I come here on my off days. " Ellie looks into his eyes, thinking Azure like mine..., straining to look away, surprised by her inner voice , I could get lost in them. After offering to reheat her coffee, Colby returns to the kitchen. Her eyes following him, Ellie was thinking he could maybe be an athlete, judging by his sleek build. The subtle grey streaks in his hair reveal his age group. Upon his return, Ellie had already finished half of her omelette. He left her to have her coffee in peace. 

Back at his counter, Colby had to gather himself. This woman reached into his soul with one single gaze. He felt a tingling he had forgotten. Ever since the love of his life died in a tragic accident just before they got married, he could never commit to anyone again. After many years of good friends and one or two broken relationships, he decided to work as a chef until the pain left. And after that he just kept going. Buying the restaurant was his way of filling his life with people without having to get too close to them. But today, this woman walked in and stirred his soul. 

He owed it to himself to at least get to know her better. After sorting out a problem in the kitchen, he decided to go and talk to her. But she had already left after paying her bill at the cashier. He exhaled, and was just about to turn around, when he spotted her walking on the beach. Without a second thought, her ran after her, thinking this doesn't look good, maybe you should wait. But an unseen hand willed him to go faster.

Ellie heard someone running and looked over her shoulder. She called out, "Did I forget something?" Out of breath, Colby whispered, "No, I just....phew, not as fit as I used to be" and flopped onto the sand, smiling sheepishly. Ellie laughed deep from within her soul, Colby hearing little bells in her voice. She sat down opposite him. Their eyes met. In that moment their spirits connected, sitting in silence, the sea crashing behind them. Ellie knew, her new life had begun. She knew God had brought her here. Talking was unnecessary.  

Feeling their spirits acknowledging God's Spirit in each other. They both looked up at the same time, silently waiting upon God's approval. And then the joy came. They both bubbled over with a joyous laughter while throwing their hands in the air as a praise offering. Ellie threw herself on her back as Colby did the same in the opposite direction, their feet touching slightly. 

They woke a little more than an hour later joined at the hip as if they were never alone. God has started a relationship between them without them lifting a finger. That evening after closing time, Ellie and Colbyn sat on the beach under the West End night sky, in awe of a God Who's got them. 

And that's all for now. 

(Sidenote: maybe this story will also sometime write itself.) 

#Ggt

©ellie's story