The Rainbow at My Feet – My Adventure on Haleakala!

This is a work of inspirational fiction -  10,000 words

On the first stretch of her 5-hour journey, she settled into her seat beside the window, she paid extra to enjoy the portal to the outside world while she flew. She watched people file in one by one past her row smiling at the few who made eye contact. Her ears were attuned to the duet of voices as these passengers found their seats and stowed their luggage. The metal clinked as people found their seat belts and settled in for the long flight.

An older gentleman and a woman of similar age claimed the two seats next to her. Emma gave them both a polite smile and a hello as they stored their carry-on bags in the overhead and settled into their seats. At first, she thought they were a couple traveling together the older man helped the woman stow her bag before he placed his own in the bin overhead. They took their seats, settled in, and continued their exchange. Emma soon realized from their conversation that they were not together and newly introduced to one another. She also realized that the woman had no interest in engaging Emma in any part of their conversation. 

The airplane finally embarked after preflight announcements for the five-hour flight from Orlando to LAX. The couple’s conversation was almost endless with an ebb and flow of their exchange. The woman, whose appearance made Emma think she was much older was in fact nearer to Emma’s age. Her style was conservative with a somber palette and classic cuts. Her hair was cut short and curly, dyed a chestnut brown and her makeup was thick giving an unnatural appearance.

Her eyebrows were thin and drawn high on her forehead and her mascara was clumped and already starting to smear. The passage of time had left its mark on her features with deep furrows and numerous wrinkles on her face, neck, and hands. Emma thought to herself, maybe too much sun, a smoker, or plain old bad genes. Emma continued to eavesdrop, and the woman explained that she was retired teacher. Emma did not hear the precise grade but thought she heard middle school.

That made so much sense now and a valid reason this woman could appear so much older than she was, dealing with prepubescent children for years would age anyone. Emma knew this from her own experience raising her children as they grew into teenagers. She plucked more and more grey hairs from her head as her children aged from their tweens and then into their teenage years.  

The older gentleman, a septuagenarian by his declaration, looked much younger to Emma than his 75 years. Tall and slender in stature, his hair and mustache, neatly peppered with shades of silver and gray. His choice of attire reflected his casualness, he wore a dark blue polo shirt, faded jeans, and comfortable sneakers. He was married and his wife was only a few rows behind them on the airplane, He explained he tried to get their seats in the same row but could not find any. He needed the aisle seat for the legroom, and his wife wanted a window, so they chose to sit separately. 

Their conversation was engaging and interesting from what Emma managed to hear in between naps and staring out the portal window. They discussed a myriad of ideas and finally entered the political arena. The woman was quite sure that some folks in her family were totally influenced by Fox News and other similar news outlets. She didn't mince words when it came to her strong opinions about the current Florida Governor. She was from Florida, in fact, she lived in Orlando, had for years, and described to her companion, who was not from Florida, all the woes of her city and state. 

The woman was distraught over the rampant boom of housing demands in her area. The market would soon price her out of her apartment with rents and real estate continuing to balloon. She complained about the homeowner's insurance and the governor's refusal to do anything about the increasing insurance premiums. Begging the insurance companies to return to Florida on their terms. But even the staggering costs of homeowner insurance failed to put a dent in the relentless tide of individuals migrating to the Sunshine State.

And don't even get me started about the traffic Emma overheard the woman say. Emma acknowledged the dire state of congestion on the roadways. Specifically, the turnpike that traversed the heart of the state and the city of Orlando had consistently posed a nightmarish experience for commuters. Meanwhile, Emma recalled to herself her experience with I-75, a route she once used regularly when journeying through Florida. This highway had recently turned into a parking lot as vehicles came to a standstill, particularly through Gainesville and Wildwood. Wildwood being the gateway to the Florida Turnpike.

Subsequently, Emma traveled south from her home in Alabama to I-10 then east through Tallahassee and tried to find other routes around the Turnpike and I-75 when she visited her daughter and old friends still living in Florida. She told herself she should have stayed home and flown out of Birmingham, but she had taken the opportunity to visit her very pregnant daughter and buy cheaper airline tickets from an airport she was familiar with. She could not count how many times she had flown out of and returned to MCO over the years.

A sense of relief washed over her as the plane's tires screeched against the runway, marking the conclusion of the first part of her journey. LAX, also known as Los Angeles Airport, appeared just as she remembered – notably smaller compared to Orlando International. With a 4-hour layover ahead, she wanted to locate her departing gate first and then find something more substantial to eat than airplane snacks.

She found a small café tucked into a corner of the terminal her gate was on. The café had table service, and she settled into a booth in the back, next to another solo diner. The waiter sporting a friendly smile asked for her beverage order. She asked if they possibly had iced sweet tea and he shook his head no. She tried her luck again and asked for a raspberry iced tea, only to receive another polite refusal but offered her freshly brewed iced tea and indicated the assortment of sweeteners on the table. She agreed to the plain iced tea, and when he returned with her beverage, she ordered an expensive cheeseburger accompanied by a side of French fries.

Earlier in the week, Emma spent nearly the same amount on brunch for herself and her daughter at the Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville. It was a little bit of a drive, but Liz raved about the food, so they went. Emma opted for their famous 10,000 Island shrimp and grits, while Liz indulged in a substantial serving of biscuits and gravy. The meal was very enjoyable and reasonably priced, but she wasn’t in Florida anymore.

Emma took a bite of the burger, and the bun was warm and crusty. The vegetables were fresh and crisp, the tomatoes surprisingly flavorful. The beef patty if that is what it was made of was okay at best, but she was starving and ate every crumb to the last French fry off her plate. She had some time to burn and spent over an hour in the café sipping her tea and browsing the internet on her smartphone.

The waiter with the friendly smile made her a tea to go when he dropped off her bill and of course, she tipped him well. Eventually, she departed the café and proceeded to stroll unhurriedly through the terminal, rolling her carry-on luggage behind her. Afraid her carry-on would get in the way of others, she simply peered into the stores doing a little window shopping to a great extent.

She finally made her way to her designated gate securing a seat amidst the crowd of fellow travelers awaiting their respective flights. In her section, three distinct gates were in operation, and the available seats were rapidly filling up. Emma spent her time sending text messages to everyone that was important and needed to know she was okay in LA.

Then she edited and posted select pictures she took on the first leg of her flight to her social media. It was very cloudy until they crossed the Mississippi and then she was able to capture several nice shots of the terrain below. She then answered the comments as they came in. Her smartphone's battery level started to dwindle so she put away her device, using her remaining time to watch the people around her. She made up stories about their origins and destinations for her own amusement until it was time to board. 

The next leg of her journey was another 6-hour flight and she felt like she won the lottery as the middle seat on her row remained unoccupied. She flipped up the armrest and spread out a little bit. The gentleman in the aisle seat occupied himself with reading and intermittent napping. Emma contemplated the idea of dozing off herself. The aircraft's interior was chilly, and the airline provided everyone with blue blankets. Emma snuggled up under her blanket but was unable to sleep so she found a good movie to watch and then another.

The flight crew also kept her busy with snacks. Emma felt like they came through with the snack cart about once an hour. She was incredibly careful with how much she drank because there was no way she was using the lavatory on the plane. Her bladder was still in decent shape, and she was sure she could manage a 6-hour flight. The only real issue there was during the flight was a crying baby in the back of the plane. Eventually, the little one went to sleep but Emma was fairly sure the baby was dealing with the pressure from the flight. Poor thing.

Emma managed to watch two popular movies she had not taken the time to see. They were actually rather good and as the last movie was finishing the flight crew came through collecting garbage and getting the cabin ready for landing. Emma did the same, putting away her headphones, folding her blue blanket, and placing it in the empty seat next to her. The seat belt indicator lit up and flashed, which was fine for Emma who never took her seat belt off having experienced turbulence and learning the hard way that it was safer to keep her belt on and stay in her seat. 

As the aircraft initiated a turn for landing, Emma gazed out of her window, watching the expanse of water below. Gradually, the sight of an island entered her view, succeeded by yet another. She observed vessels adrift on the water's surface, and as they drew closer to the airport at the lower altitude, Emma saw individuals riding on boards amidst the waves. The landing was perfect, leaving Emma to grab her carry-on, disembark the plane, traverse the jetway, and navigate her way through the terminal of Kahului Airport, nestled on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii.

Frequent travel was a familiar aspect of Emma's life prior to the pandemic's onset and the prospect of air travel or even venturing beyond the continental United States seemed improbable to her. Since her husband's passing, Emma had no desire to travel. Nevertheless, as three years passed into four, her grief was still considerable. She had read that with the passage of time, her grief would recede, but all she learned how to do was control her tears. The memories of her beloved husband kept her company through the lonely nights, and she was not ready to let them go nor wanted to.

When her daughter moved to Hawaii, Emma was extremely excited for her. Michelle signed a 2-year contract with her company and was well into her second year and Emma still had not made plans to visit. She was reminded frequently to plan her trip. Her youngest had flown home twice and on her last visit insisted Emma needed to come to the islands and see the beauty for herself. Michelle sat her down and they pulled out their calendars and picked the week Emma should fly out. Reluctantly she purchased the tickets and tried to make a few reservations but when Emma called Michelle to flesh out her trip Michelle told her not to worry, she would handle everything.       

She strolled down the long terminal, its interior was basic with huge viewing windows that faced the runway, light brown wall accents, and on the floor a busy mosaic blue carpet. The first sign she saw pointed to Baggage Claim and headed that way. It was a small airport but remarkably busy with people coming and going. Emma did her best to stay out of the way and find the exit. She felt like she was never going to get to the end of the corridor.

She sent Michelle a text message: “Landed and headed to the exit.”

Michelle replied: “B there in 15.”

Emma suspected that Michelle would arrive before she found the exit and she was right.

Her phone chirped with a text from Michelle: “Here.”

Emma stopped and sent back a text: “Headed to exit now.”

Emma had finally found an exit sign and followed the arrows pointing to the way out. She walked out a set of sliding glass doors, down two flights of stairs, stepping out onto the sheltered pick-up and drop-off section. A gentle breeze playfully tousled her hair, gently brushing it across her face. This breeze carried a refreshing coolness, accompanied by a subtle hint of saltwater in its scent. The temperature, resting comfortably in the mid-80s, was a notable difference from the sweltering, humid environment she had departed from nearly 15 hours earlier. This pleasant shift in climate was a welcome respite from the hot summer of the deep south.

Emma was walking down the sidewalk dodging other travelers coming and going when she heard Michelle's voice.

“Mom, Mom over here!” Michelle was standing behind a silver SUV and opening the rear door. 

“Hey Baby,” Emma walked over to her daughter as Michelle stepped up onto the concrete walkway and they hugged each other.

“I am so glad you made it Mom.” Michelle pulled back from the hug, grabbed her carry-on, and put it in the back storage boot of the SUV.

Emma opened the back passenger side door and stored her purse and sweater onto the back seat then opened the front passenger door got in and buckled up. Michelle hopped into the driver's seat and latched her seat belt. Michelle started the SUV, put it in drive, checked for oncoming cars, and merged into traffic. 

Emma took the opportunity to enjoy her surroundings. She saw palms everywhere, including ponytail palms, manila palms, and coconut trees as they left the airport and headed west. It was unreal that she now found herself amidst the stunning backdrop of Maui Hawaii with her youngest child. Michelle turned onto a highway and before them was a cloud-covered mountain majestic against the horizon.

“Wow, that is beautiful!” Emma said in awe.

“That is where we are headed,” Michelle paused. “Haleakala Volcano National Park”

“Cool, a volcano.” She should have known that she was looking at a volcano being on an island created by volcanos. They stayed on the highway for a little bit, the volcano growing bigger as they drove closer. Then Michelle turned the all-wheel drive SUV up a narrow windy road and lost sight of the cloud-topped mountain that would eventually lead them up to their upcountry lodgings.

Michelle was an adventurous spirit and consistently displayed an inclination for unique and somewhat dangerous locales. That’s how Emma found herself amidst the beautiful landscapes of Maui Island and headed for a dormant volcano. Haleakala was situated on the island's eastern expanse. The name "Haleakala," translated as "House of the Sun," Michelle explained to her mother as she drove.

 “The legend is the demigod Maui and his mother Hina, lived on the Big Island. And Lā, the sun god decided when there was day and night. During the daylight, Maui spent his time fishing and Hina on making cloth made of tree bark. I don’t remember the name of the tree.” She explained. “Apparently Lā frequently overslept and Hina’s cloth would not dry, and she complained to Maui. He made a long rope and climbed to the top of Haleakalā. When Lā finally showed up as a beautiful sun rise. Maui captured Lā and tied him to a tree. Maui demanded more daylight for his freedom. Lā, finally agreed and Hawaii days are now longer.” She finished. 

“You have done your research.” Emma laughed. 

“The sunrise on Haleakala is supposed to be spectacular and I want us to see it before we leave.” She explained.

“That sounds awesome.” Emma now wished she brought her good camera instead of just her GoPro. 

“It is.” Michelle reassured her and continued, “It is also believed to be a sacred place of the Hawaiian gods.”  She finished. 

Emma thought that the House of the Sun was an interesting name for the volcano and enjoyed the Hawaiian lore about Maui then asked. “It is dormant right?”

Michelle assured her that the volcano was dormant but monitored by seismic equipment, “but some say it could erupt at any time.” Michelle looked at her mother and grinned. 

“How far is the hike to the summit?” Emma asked.

“I think it said a mile and a half.” She replied.

“Yeah!” Emma tried to act enthused as her feet were screaming at her. She was not a spring chicken anymore and she was starting to feel the effects of the long flight. She was sure it would pass after a little sleep.

As the afternoon sun descended toward the horizon, its warm rays glistened off the lush foliage below. The landscape was a veritable tapestry of diversity, an abundant array of plants, shrubs, and trees. Along their journey across the island from the airport, Emma was treated to the sight of numerous mango trees, avocados, mimosa, bananas, and an impressive proliferation of bamboo. But as the elevation changed and they ascended into higher altitudes, the land transformed before them, revealing vast fields and meadows where horses and cows grazed. 

Pine trees emerged in greater numbers, reminding Emma of the Australian Pines that were all over Florida but not exactly the same. The trees on Maui were tall but broader the branches more spread out. The pine needles were a light green, spaced wider apart, and had their own distinct character. She also noticed mixed among the pines, small groves of eucalyptus trees. These slender young trees with leaves, dappled in hues ranging from pale jade to muted silver, with strips of bark, like parchment unfurling from the trees' forms. 

As the elevation increased the pine forest gave way to a landscape dominated by cacti and succulent plants. Amid this new vista, Emma identified the presence of agave, century plants, and aloe, a testament to the diverse botanical treasures the island held. Emma liked to think of herself as knowledgeable when it came to vegetation, yet as she observed the flora around her, certain elements that initially seemed familiar took on an air of uncertainty. 

Nonetheless, the natural beauty she was surrounded by remained captivating and unspoiled. Michelle navigated the vehicle carefully up the two-lane highway. The vegetation in this area was abundant and dense, extending its tendrils almost into the path of the road itself. Occasionally, gusts of wind would send broad-leaved plants drifting onto the roadway, brushing against the vehicle in passing. This sensation seemed to intensify as they continued their climb. 

As they rounded a bend in the road, the dense and vibrant jungle gradually transitioned into an expanse of natural beauty, opening up to reveal a breathtaking panorama that stretched all the way to the coastline. The verdant landscape offers a magnificent view of the beaches and ocean. The descending sun filled the sky with a golden glow as it approached the horizon of the ocean. 

Above them, the majestic emerald and terra cotta tinted peaks of Haleakala pierced through a blanket of clouds, their grandeur reaching into the heavens. This remarkable transition in scenery filled Emma with a sense of awe, making her appreciate both the intricate details of the lush surroundings and the awe-inspiring vastness of the vista that now lay before her. Emma was left utterly amazed, a sentiment rivaled only by her initial encounter with the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, a memory that still held a special place in her heart. 

As Emma, her children and her late husband drove through Montana on vacation, they navigated a gentle curve in the road that slowly unveiled a scene that words could hardly capture—the resplendent grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The mountains stood as sentinels, their craggy profiles etched against the canvas of the sky, their stony façades, bathed in the soft light of the sun, a mosaic of natural wonders a living testament to the immense power and artistry of God’s creations. As they gazed upon the creator's masterpiece, a profound sense of humility enveloped them. Emma's eyes filled with tears and when she glanced at Noah, his eyes also glistened. This shared emotional experience only made her love him more in that moment.

This was an eternity ago when the kids were still small. Noah, her husband, was still healthy and their future held limitless possibilities. Reflecting on that time, Emma recalled the stupid arguments that had marred their vacation. Little did she know that a mere two decades later, her circumstances would be starkly different. She wished she possessed foresight. She wished she had been a more supportive and understanding wife and partner. The small concerns that consumed her then meant nothing now but that one memory of them standing next to each other on the side of the road sharing the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains spread out before them she held close to her heart.

A single tear slipped from her eye, and she wiped it away. She did not want her daughter to see her cry. This trip was meant to be a fun adventure, a chance to share quality time together. She glanced at Michelle driving and she looked back at her and smiled. “What?”

“Nothing I was just wondering if you are as hungry as I am?” Emma said.

“I am starving.” She said. “We are almost there. I called to make a reservation earlier, but they said to come on in and they would get us seated quickly.”

Emma looked back out at the scenery as it flew past her marveling at all the different plants, she had no clue what they were. Suddenly a small rodent darted out into the road and ran across so quickly she wasn’t sure what it was.

“Was that a ferret?” Emma asked.

No. I think that was a mongoose.” Michelle said. “They are invasive here and they are trying hard to get rid of them.”

The little creature bore a resemblance to either a mink or a marten, characterized by its small size and a coat of light-colored fur. Emma's understanding was that mongoose were larger and more of a tan or sand-colored hue. Her experience with stoats in Alabama provided her with a basis for comparison; she had encountered one just the previous year. Initially mistaking it for a sizeable, long-tailed squirrel, she became cautious as she was aware of their capacity to swiftly decimate a chicken flock. Emma decided to further research the subject later to gather more information.

At last, they reached their intended destination, steering their vehicle into the compact parking area of the Haleakala Lodge. Maneuvering carefully, Michelle managed to secure the final vacant parking spot available. She parked and they collected their bags in preparation for the next step of their adventure. With their belongings in tow, they crossed the threshold into the entryway of the lodge into the foyer to a small, raised desk where a pretty brunette hostess stood behind and greeted them.

"Hello, I'm Erin. I'm delighted to have you here. How can I assist you?" Erin's voice carried a genuine smile.

"I have a reservation under Lyons. Michelle Lyons," Michelle replied.

“Yes, we have been expecting you.” Erin replied and

went through all the formal details of checking in.

"Here you go.” Erin extended a card to Michelle that contained their room number, door combination, Wi-Fi details, and password.

"Thank you," Michelle expressed her gratitude.

"You're very welcome," Erin responded warmly. 

"I actually called earlier for a reservation, but the person who answered said we didn't need one. Can we still get a table? I'm absolutely famished," Michelle inquired.

"Yes, that was me. No worries, a reservation isn't necessary. Are you ready to be seated, or would you prefer to head to your room first?" Erin inquired.

"Would it be all right if we grabbed a bite first?" Michelle requested.

“Sure, you can leave your luggage here? It will be safe with me. I’ll put it behind me here.” Erin pointed at the little alcove behind her.

“Yes, that’s fine. Thank you.” She helped Emma roll her bag to the spot the hostess Erin pointed. 

With two menus in her hand, Erin led them past a small bar area with seating to a table at the back of the large room which was lined with large picture windows. Erin seated them at a table positioned directly before the window. The scene before them was nothing short of mesmerizing. 

They found themself gazing down the sweeping slope of Haleakala all the way to the beach below them. The sun now dipped beyond the ocean's horizon, the sky was a canvas of warm, dusky hues, with streaks of burnt orange and deep purple merging in a breathtaking display. A tranquil gradient that gently embraced the meeting point of sea and sky.

As the day transitioned into dusk, the glow of lights emanating from the homes that adorned the volcano’s slope and the distant beachfront homes added an inviting twinkle to the expansive panorama. The fading daylight and glowing lights cast a serene and magical aura over the picturesque scene below them.

“I made the reservation here at the hotel because of the reviews. The views here a spectacular.” Michelle said in a lowered voice after Erin left the vicinity. 

“It is a beautiful view,” Emma stated. 

“Lanai is there,” Michelle pointed to a distant island to their right. “And that is the West Maui Mountain.” She directed her attention towards the procession of mountain summits that seemed to emerge from the depths of the ocean, shrouded by clouds, and vanishing into the night sky, where the window’s vantage point terminated.

“It is amazing, thank you for bringing me here.” Emma was incredibly grateful to her daughter in that moment.

“Don’t thank me yet we haven’t eaten. The restaurant reviews weren’t so great.” Erin whispered. 

“We shall see.” Emma smiled at her daughter and looked at her menu.

It was a single page menu with choices that included beef Wellington and tomahawk steaks. They also had two seafood options: Yellow-tailed tuna and Mahi Mahi. She heard the cook in the kitchen tell one of the servers. “You need to push the Mahi Mahi.”

The Wellington was tempting but she saw the yellow-tailed tuna and decided to take a chance. She loved a nice tuna steak. In fact, if her memory was correct, it was Noah, her late husband, who was the last person to make her a tuna steak. Every now and then, Noah would score a nice cut of tuna through a friend and surprise her. He coated the tuna with a layer of sesame seeds and achieved the perfect sear, ensuring that the interior retained its rareness while being warmed all the way through. 

Noah's culinary skills grew as he perfected his dishes especially after he retired but he was gone now, and she caught herself frequently comparing his food to what she could get eating out or make herself. She finally decided she would try the tuna hoping it would be good if not better than Noah's. She was always trying to relive the memory of his dishes and was often disappointed. 

“What are you going to have?” Emma asked.

“I was thinking of having the Waygu burger. The Mac and cheese sound good.” Michelle said. “They also have braised Brussels sprouts. I might get those too.”

Their server, Louis, approached the table with a pitcher of water and filled their glasses. He began by offering a courteous introduction and providing them with a brief rundown of the evening's specials before taking their beverage order.

When he returned Michelle and Emma gave Louis their order. And was a little surprised when they ordered the Mac-n-Cheese along with the Brussels Sprouts. He repeated it back to them and they confirmed their order and the extra items. Emma knew they were ordering too much but they were both starving. Louis thanked them and left to put their order in.

They chatted a little and watched couples that came in. It wasn’t busy when they arrived, but the hostess sat three more tables while they waited for their food. Emma felt very underdressed, the couples she watched being seated were well-dressed. Men in dress slacks and long-sleeved button-up shirts. Ladies in form-fitting fashionable dresses with meticulous hair and makeup. Whether the couples were there to leave a lasting impression on a serious date or commemorate a significant moment, this was an ideal location simply for the exquisite view.

A new couple was seated near them wearing matching sweatsuits. They looked tired and, like Emma and Michelle, wanted dinner then bed. Emma felt a little better, but she was dressed for comfort in a pair of yoga pants, a long T-shirt, and her sneakers while Michelle was even more comfortable in a pair of shorts, a tank top, and her worn and beloved black Converse sneakers. She still felt like maybe they should have gone to their room first, changed and then had dinner but that was now under the bridge.

Louis arrived with their food. Michelle’s Waygu burger looked like a burger to Emma who had never had Wygu before and was really not interested in having one. The waiter placed her yellow-tail tuna in front of her and she was instantly disappointed. The presentation was lovely, but the tuna was sliced into thin pieces topped with sprouts. The tuna itself was sitting on a cooked sliced Bok choy and carrots, under that was 2 spears of asparagus on a bed of mashed potatoes swimming in what turned out to be pepper gravy. Emma hated pepper gravy especially when her food was swimming in it.

She was reminded of a restaurant she and Noah frequented when they started their new life as empty nesters. Emma always enjoyed their seafood dish but one evening ordered a steak. It arrived covered in pepper gravy. Emma found it inedible, but Noah ate it for his lunch the next day. He thought it was great. After that, Emma always made sure to ask for her gravy or sauce on the side.

She speared a slice of tuna and was delighted by its texture and mild tuna flavor. It was perfect, rare, and slightly warmed. The sprouts that adorned the tuna appeared to be sprouted poppy seeds. Emma never heard of anyone using sprouted poppy seeds and she quickly discovered why, one of the seeds husks from a sprout found its way into the crevice of her tooth. She managed to dislodge it discreetly then pushed the sprouts off the top of her tuna and let them swim in the gravy. 

“How is your burger?” Emma asked. Michelle looked like she was enjoying it.

“It's okay, much better than the mac-n-cheese.” she pointed at the dish.

Louis set the macaroni and cheese between them, Michelle immediately grabbed a fork full and tasted the cheese-covered pasta. Michelle concentrated on her burger and did not touch it again. It looked like a basic mac-n-cheese to Emma and when she tasted it, she understood Michelle’s disappointment. It was elbow macaroni with a basic cheese sauce sprinkled with paprika. The menu prices were a little steep, but she had to consider that she was eating in Hawaii on the slope of a volcano. However, for the price she was paying for the dish she expected more. They were both disappointed.

Emma pulled the dish with the Brussels Sprouts a little closer to her and forked out a bite. Roasted Brussel sprouts with a nice balsamic was one of her favorite dishes. This side was topped with melted cheese, and it tasted like the little vegetables were roasted then baked in the dish with the balsamic vinegar. It was a nice dish, but the sauce was too sweet for her taste. She ate a few bites but left the bowl mostly untouched much like the mac-n-cheese.

Louis, their waiter checked on them frequently. He kept their water glasses full as they ate. Emma was hungrier than she thought and ate most of the dish that was in front of her. The pile of mashed potatoes kept the pepper sauce from contaminating her dish and ate most of the potatoes that did not touch the gravy. She pushed her dish away from her and blotted her mouth with her napkin.

“I’m full,” Emma announced content.

“I can’t eat another bite.” Michelle admitted having consumed only half of her burger and a few of her fries.

The waiter noticed they were no longer eating and approached them, concerned. "Is everything alright?" he inquired. 

“Yes, it was good.” Emma reassured him with a smile. “I’m done.”

The waiter courteously collected Emma's plate and turned his attention to Michelle. "How was the burger?" he inquired; his tone attentive. 

“It was fine. She said. “My eyes were bigger than my stomach.”

"Would you like me to pack that for you?" he asked Michelle.

"Yes, please," Michelle accepted his offer. 

He inquired about the macaroni and cheese and the brussel sprouts but they declined to have them packed up. 

“I hope you left room for dessert.”  And he laid the dessert menu on the table between them and took both plates away.

Michelle picked up the dessert menu and studied it.

“Anything look good?” Emma asked after a few minutes.

“They offered a Chocolate Lava Cake, Crème Brulee, Mango Cheesecake and a Strawberry Tart.” She listed. “They also have vanilla and chocolate ice cream by the scoop.

“Okay.” Emma shook her head in acknowledgment.

“They also have coffee, espresso and lattes.” Michelle raised her eyebrows and grinned at her. “Maybe a Latte.”

“No thanks, I want to pass out tonight,” Emma replied.

Louis returned with Michelle's burger in a box and laid it on the table next to her. “Ladies, did you decide on a dessert?”

Emma and Michelle both shook their heads no and Michelle asked for the check.

“I’ll be right back with it,” and he left. 

Emma yawned. It had been a long day of flying and she was feeling the time difference. It was evening in Maui but the wee hours of the morning on the east coast. Her alarm went off early so she would arrive early for her 5-and-a-half-hour flight to LAX with a 4-hour layover, then another 6-hour flight to Maui, and then the short drive to their lodgings. It had been an exceptionally long day. 

“Ladies have a very nice evening.” Their waiter Louis laid the bill down on the table in between them but Emma had her credit card out. She picked up the bill and handed her card and the bill back to Louis. She added the tip and signed the bill when he returned and thanked Louis for their meal.

“Are you ready?” Michelle asked.

“I am.” Emma agreed.

Emma and Michelle left the table and headed back to the desk. They retrieved their things and headed towards their room in the direction the host pointed. They walked outside and onto the front porch and stopped.

“It is freezing out here.” Michelle pulled her hoodie on really quick. 

Erin’s directions had them going up the sidewalk stairs to their left. When they reached the top, they would see a porch light and that would be the door to their lodge.

An older gentleman descended the sidewalk stairs in their direction. He saw the confusion on their faces and smiled at them. 

“Is there something I can help you with?” He inquired.

“Um Yes. Can you point us to room number 5 please?” Michelle took the lead 

“Sure.” He walked back up a sidewalk a little ways. “See the light on there.” He pointed.

“Yes, thank you,” Michelle smiled back at him and headed towards the door. 

“Thank you so much.” Emma made eye contact and smiled at him. She thought he was a little older than her but not much. He had beautiful blue eyes and was handsome. He reminded her of her late husband. Tall and on the slender side his short hair salt and pepper with a neat mustache but clean shaven.

“You are very welcome.” He replied and held eye contact for a few seconds before he started back down the stairs.

Emma caught up to Michelle as she pulled out the card and used the key code. The light flashed green on the door panel, and she pushed open the door. They stepped into the foyer of their lodge. It was a landing. Down the stairs was the main room with the bathroom, a king-size bed, a kitchen table with four chairs, and a large heater in the corner. Up the stairs was a loft with two twin beds and storage.

“I’ll take the loft if you want the bed downstairs.” Emma queried.

“That’s fine.” Michelle answered and headed downstairs.

There was a large room heater in the corner and Michelle walked over to it and turned it on. It was cold in the lodge. Michelle went back to her bag put it on her bed and started pulling out her toiletry bag and her pjs. She grabbed her phone charger and plugged it into the wall.

“When did it get so cold?” Emma asked.

“Would you believe that we are in the coldest location in Hawaii?” Michelle stated. 

“Really? I know the temps are moderate here, but it is cold.” Emma moved closer to the heater, and it was getting warmer.

“It’s 68 degrees right now.” Michelle was looking at her smartphone. “The low tonight is 66 degrees.”

“Why is it so cold?” Emma asked, “it's summer here, right?”

“Yes, but we are in a temperate zone now and probably about 4,000 feet above sea level,” Michelle explained. “Tomorrow when we drive up the crater it is going to get colder. That is why I told you to bring a jacket.”

“I think my sweater will work.” Emma considered.

“It should be okay.” As Michelle headed into the bathroom with her bag. She had a bedtime ritual of washing her face, a toner, and then a night moisturizer. A routine she started as a teenager when the acne started sprinkling her forehead and was now a ritual.

Emma walked up the stairs to the landing, kicked off her shoes, and carried her luggage up the stairs to the loft. She put her carry-on on the bed by the wall and retrieved her night clothes and toiletry bag. When Michelle was finished Emma headed downstairs to perform her own nightly ritual. 

When Emma was in her nightshirt she walked out into the main room and saw Michelle's boxed dinner on the table. She looked around and realized that there were no kitchen appliances. No microwave. No mini fridge. No coffee maker. Nothing. Odd Emma thought. You can bring your leftovers to your room but there is no way to store them or heat them up. It was like Michelle read her mind.

“Yep, no place to put my burger.” Michelle said, “The reviews on the rooms were not the greatest but the reason I booked here was for the views.”

Michelle walked over to a wall of curtains and pulled them back to expose sliding glass doors and a patio. She opened the door and walked out. Emma followed her. It was dark but she could see the twinkling lights from the valley. There was a small, lush garden immediately under the deck but too dark to see the details.

"Wow, this is nice,” Michelle remarked with admiration.

Emma walked over to the railing and stood next to Michelle.

“It is beautiful!” Emma agreed and yawned.

Her belly was full and now her eyes were heavy. She would see the view in the sunlight in the morning. She stepped back into the room; Michelle followed, closed the slider door, flipped the lock, and pulled the closed. 

Emma started up the stairs to the landing.

“I couldn’t get tickets for the sunrise at the crater, but I thought we could get up early grab some breakfast and head up to the summit to look around. It is supposed to be a beautiful drive up.” Michelle said.

“How far are we from the park?” Emma asked. 

“About twenty miles I think but the drive will take almost 45 minutes. I thought we would just go to the park after they open.” Michelle stated. 

“That sounds good, what time does the park open?” Emma asked. 

“7 a.m.” Michelle said pulling the blankets back on the bed.

“Then I’m going to bed. Love you.” Emma finished.

“Love you too mom” Her daughter said.

Emma climbed the stairs to the loft and crawled into bed. She was asleep in no time.

The sound of running water aroused Emma from her sleep. There was illumination coming from the downstairs room below. As far as she could tell it was still dark outside. All the curtains appeared to be shut tightly, except for the sliding glass door. A one-foot segment remained ajar, revealing darkness on the other side.    

She let out a groan before slowly getting out of bed, her body throbbing with discomfort, particularly her feet. Switching on the bedside lamp, she gazed downward examining her feet. Indeed, they appeared swollen—not to an excessive or unattractive extent, but rather with a slight puffiness, causing her ankles to seem a bit thicker than usual.

She gathered her clothes for the day and her toiletry bag and headed downstairs when Michelle finished her preparations. She was dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Emma chose a pair of jeans but a short-sleeved T-shirt. She suspected she would be fine with just her sweater; how cold could it possibly be at the summit?

Michelle was dressed and ready to go, her hair still moist but in a neat braid that hung down her back. She kept her light brown hair long but like Emma usually kept it pulled up in a clip. Noah always made Emma keep her hair long, and always fussed when she wore it up. She wore it up almost all the time now because it was just easier to take care of.

While Emma enjoyed her shower, Michelle opened all the curtains in the room and the sliding glass door stood open revealing the patio just beyond. The Sun, still in the early stages of its ascent, had a long climb up over Haleakala before gracing the surroundings with its presence. The dawn’s golden light altered the character of the room as light streamed in from both the patio and the windows facing the east. The room was shrouded in darkness last night and underwent a remarkable transformation into a space of radiance and allure. The morning light played up the intricate details of the wood paneling and illuminated the light-colored walls, casting the entire room in a new, enchanting light. 

Emma was drawn to the patio, she walked out onto the wooden deck and looked to the west. The sky was azure blue overhead, accompanied by a mild breeze that blew up from the ocean and she could feel the day was swiftly warming up. Below her was the gentle slope of the upcountry and beyond the tops of the trees a beautiful view of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. It was not as beautiful as the restaurant view but very pretty in its own right.

In the garden below lay an assortment of fruit trees, each representing a different variety. Among them, Emma identified several citrus trees, which she thought were oranges and lemons. A cluster of banana palms added a tropical touch to the landscape. The garden didn't stop at just trees; it also boasted flowering bushes, elegant pine trees, and a few other specimens Emma could not identify. The care and dedication to the garden was unmistakable and a testament to the labor of love and time invested in the garden.

Emma lingered on the patio but finally tore herself away and sat on the dining chair to put her boots on. Michelle had warned her she wanted to hike so she made sure she packed her good hiking boots even though the pair of shoes added significant weight to her carry-on. She laced up her last boot and stood up. 

“Okay ready.” Emma said.

“Cool Cool. Let’s see if we can find some breakfast.” Michelle unlocked the door, and they made their way down to the main building. 

As they walked to the restaurant Emma was able to appreciate the exotic plants of the garden that she overlooked the night before. She stopped and looked at one plant. While a collection of smaller red flowering plants, Anthuriums, was a familiar sight, this flowering specimen was large and stood out. It was uncommon to see the large white blossoms and generously sized heart-shaped leaves. The plant thrived in a state of vibrant health, a remarkable sight that left Emma feeling exceptionally fortunate to have encountered such an impressive plant.

The entire garden was impeccably maintained, a tapestry of diverse tropical plants, interspersed with succulents, and graceful palms. Yet, commanding the garden's focal point was a large old tree, its branches outstretched to create a canopy that bestowed cool, welcoming shade upon the garden below. Emma was familiar with the Jacaranda tree with its lovely purple flowers. They grew all over South Florida and were one of the first trees to bloom in spring. This Jacaranda looked like it was at the end of its season with only a few scatterings of blooms and purple petals decorating the mulch and the sidewalk.

Emma had to pick up her pace to catch up with Michelle who was already inside and talking to the host. The petite blonde hostess, Amy, showed them to a table just one over from the table they had sat in the night before. The sight beyond the expansive picture windows was impressive; the incline of Haleakala remained cloaked in the volcano's shadow, yet the terrain stretched out before them clearly.

They ate a quick breakfast. Michelle had a bowl of fruit with a side of bacon and Emma decided on the Avocado toast. They both drank coffee. They finished their meal, paid, and made their way to the SUV; finally, they were on their way up a twisty winding road up to the summit. Emma’s stomach fluttered a little as they made the climb.

“We are only about 35 miles from the summit, but it is going to take almost an hour to get there.” Michelle chatted. “The road we are going to take holds the world record for the fastest climb in elevation in the shortest amount of time.”   

“This is not going to be like Pikes Peak, is it?” Emma asked concerned. 

“I hope not,” Michelle replied. 

While on their trip to Montana and the Rocky Mountains, they had also traveled to Colorado and drove up to Pikes Peak. It was a long dusty, mostly dirt road that wound its way to the summit at over 14,000 feet. They made it to the top and enjoyed the view but only briefly. All of them suffered from altitude sickness and had some difficulty breathing. As they started to leave, their Yukon SUV started sputtering and threatened to stall before they finally made their way down to an altitude that was more comfortable for the vehicle’s engine.

“The only way to find out is to go I guess,” Emma tried to sound upbeat.

“I think we will be fine,” Michelle reassured her mother.

Leaving the town of Kula, their journey took them on an upward trajectory. They drove through several stretches of pine and eucalyptus forest, but the foliage was notably less dense than the lush forests at lower altitudes. The landscape shifted as they climbed, revealing expansive fields that stretched out above them. They passed cattle crossings and Emma saw several cows munching on the green grass in the fields, but they were off in the distance. With each twist and turn of the road through the pasture climbing higher and higher up Haleakala the view to the west was more impressive.

As they climbed higher, you could see the handiwork of the road crews that built access to the volcano many years ago. Portions of slopes of Haleakala were removed to make way for the road. Volcanic rock jutted out on each side of the 2-lane highway more frequently and the pastures gave way to a rugged terrain of the volcano's upper reaches. Sparse vegetation and short squat bushes monopolized the landscape.

As they drove through the higher slopes of Haleakala, the low-hanging clouds created a surreal and almost ethereal experience. They continued climbing the winding road and could no longer clearly see the landscape below as they were enveloped in a realm where the boundaries between earth and sky blurred. 

The temperature became increasingly cooler, and a heavy mist clung to the windshield of the SUV forcing Michelle to turn on the windshield wipers. Visibility became more limited on the road ahead. The world felt hushed and serene, the sun's light, when it managed to break through the mist was a diffused glow.

They finally reached the entrance to Haleakala National Park; Michelle approached the entry station and showed the attendant her park pass. She told Emma it was the best investment she had made so far living on the islands and used it as much as possible on her days off. They were handed an information guide map of the park and told to enjoy their day.

Emma opened up the guide to find the trailhead that would take them to the summit of Haleakala and was pleased to see that they could drive all the way up and there was a parking area.

“We don’t have to hike to the summit, The road goes all the way to the top but there is a hiking trail that goes from the visitors center to the summit.” She said. 

“We still have a little bit of a drive, but we shall see when we get there. I really would love to hike the trail they say you can see the entire crater from there.” Michelle replied.

They were taking their fourth switchback when Emma saw her first elevation marker showing they were at 8,000 feet above sea level. They were now completely surrounded by the low-lying clouds. Michelle turned up the heat in the SUV as the temperatures were steadily getting colder. As they approached the next switch back a sign and a small parking area announced that they were at Leleiwi Overlook. The park map indicated that you could see Ko’olau Gap and the Ke’anae Valley. Michelle and Emma could see a little through the clouds and a gust of wind hit the car and shook it. They decided to keep driving and headed towards the Summit. Not too long after the overlook, there was another elevation sign indicating that they were 9,000 feet above sea level. Clouds were rolling quickly across the barren landscape, and they approached the Visitors center.

Here the terrain was almost barren but a few small bushes and a small plant that she first though might be a small agave but was a silvery color with small more abundant spines. The tiny plants shimmered in the low light standing like small sentinels amidst the volcanic terrain. Most stood alone but there were a few clusters that stood out vividly against the surrounding earth tones and the volcanic rock.

The park information guide did not tell her a lot but later researched it and found that the Silversword was unique to Hawaii and only found growing between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level on the peaks of Haleakala, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa. The plant is exceptionally rare and endangered. Currently Haleakala has the highest population of the plant with of 40,000 Silverswords in the park. 

Michelle pulled into the visitor center and parked. She needed to take a break and stretch her legs. Emma started to go with her but changed her mind. She opened the car door, and a gust of wind tore it from her grasp, and she was pelted with drops of rain from the low-lying clouds. The heavy mist blew quickly across the asphalt with nothing to block or slow down the wind or the rain. Emma grabbed the door and closed it while Michelle ran for the visitor’s center.

The car’s interior cooled down rapidly without the heater to keep it warm. Emma reached into the back seat grabbed her sweater and pulled it on. Michelle’s jacket also lay on the back seat, and she grabbed it for her when she returned. She was going to need it. The current temperature was 53 degrees but to Emma, it felt a lot colder.  

She saw Michelle a few minutes later with her head down and arms gathered to her chest trying to block the gust of wind as she ran against it. She hopped in the car and started it turning the heat all the way up. Emma handed her the jacket and pulled it on. 

“Thank you.” She shivered. “I don’t think we are going hiking today. It is freezing.”

“Can we still drive up to the summit?” Emma asked. 

“Definitely but I’m not sure I am going to get out of the car. I knew it was cold, but this is freezing” Michelle emphasized.

They sat there for a few moments letting the car warm back up and watching the clouds tear through the parking lot leaving a misty rain behind. The wind would gust occasionally and rock the vehicle. If Emma had to guess, the gust was at least a good 40 mph. It would be worse on the summit, she was sure. 

Michelle finally turned the heat down a little and pulled out of the parking lot and followed the signs to the summit. An elevation marker announced that they were now at 10,000 feet above sea level. The drive-up was sheltered from the worst of the wind and when they pulled into the parking lot it was less sheltered but still provided some relief from the gusting winds and rain.

“Are you ready?” Emma asked.

“No.” Michelle looked a little defeated. “It’s too cold.”

Emma looked at the temperature gauge on the vehicle’s dashboard reading 52 degrees. With the wind, it felt like it was freezing. She was in a place she would never see again and if nothing else she wanted a selfie of her and her daughter at the summit.

“Come on let’s go. One picture and we are done.” She encouraged her daughter. 

“Okay, fine just one.” She replied grudgingly.

They both opened the doors at the same time and walked up the short path to the summit that overlooked the volcano's crater. They stood together and Emma used her camera to take one picture of the two of them and before she knew it Michelle was running back to the car.

Yes, it was cold, and the wind was really whipping up here, but she wanted to see. There was something she needed to see but the clouds were thick like a heavy fog, and she really could not see anything. She walked a little further down the walkway fighting the gusts of wind biting at her cheeks and nose, but she kept going.

She stopped in a spot she felt was right and as if by a miracle the wind eased, and the rain stopped. It was still cold but more tolerable. Emma stood by a little stone barrier, and she could see the landscape more clearly with the light of the sun trying to break through the cloud cover off her shoulder. The terrain was bleak with different shades of red to dark gray with little vegetation other than a few Silversword plants here and there.

But as she stood watching, the sun broke through the mist, it lit up the cloud cover way below and off to her right as the last of the haze cleared. She could distinctly see the lines of West Maui Mountains, the land as it touched the ocean and Lanai Island further out ion the pacific. Her skin tingled from the warmth of the sun and from the sheer joy and thankfulness that was in her heart from what she was witnessing. It was as if she was on top of the world and God’s stunning creations lay at her feet.

Tears welled in her eyes from the strong emotion, one escaped and ran down her cheek. This was the most amazing thing she had ever beheld. She saw every color of the rainbow in the view before her. It was like she called for its creation as off to the side of the slope next to the cloud cover, she saw a small rainbow in the distance. God’s promise.

The creators pledge to never destroy the earth by flood again. In her heart, she felt that there was also a message for her in that rainbow. God’s promise to her if she was willing to open her heart and mind again to his love. To start living in the present and stop dwelling in the past.

The tears came harder because she knew she had been hiding from the world these past three years. Refusing to let go of the memories of a life she could no longer live with a man who no longer existed. She needed to be reminded that the entire world and a new future lay at her feet and all she had to do was accept it.

She sat on the stone wall and placed her face in her hands and cried from relief and thankfulness that God had led her to this beautiful place to tell her that she needed to move on and live her new life her own life and her own walk with God. Emma needed to walk this next part of her journey alone and if she accepted God’s love and guidance, he would lead the way and protect her. She knew in her heart that God had plans for her and all she had to do was accept and follow the path he laid out before her.

She cried for a moment longer, letting go of the grief she held onto for so long. Noah was gone, and it was here on the Summit of Haleakala – The House of the Sun – The House of God that she let go of that grief that had paralyzed her for so long. She looked back up at the clear azure sky, the warm sun beating down on her and felt God’s presence. Today was the day she started her new life, her new journey with God in her heart and at her side.