Together Sam and Layla entered the home. Upon entering they both could smell the scent of incense in the air. It was not a scent that Sam particularly cared for, he would much rather have the aroma from the tall grass and field flowers filling his nose. Gerald’s medicine bag was at the front door, and many vials were missing. They walked down the narrow corridor, and with every passing moment Layla carried more and more weight as Sam was slowly losing his strength to stand. His head was pounding and his muscles were aching, but he pushed through the pain because he knew his mother was right though the bedroom door ahead. The door swung open and Gerald’s calm welcoming face met them “Hello there!” he said with enthusiasm. “Glad to see you have finally come too, your mother will be fine Sam. You are lucky you made it to me when you did!” Sam saw his mother tucked neatly into her bed, a wet cloth on her forehead. Sheets and blankets pulled tightly outlining the contour of her body. Empty vials lay discarded on the end table, their contents still noticeably stained inside. The early afternoon sun breached through the window, and the gentle rays landed on his mothers face. Sam knew that she was going to be alright, with his mind at ease his body followed suit. “We have no way of knowing how long she will be out for, but it’s probably best that you get some rest too Sam. I’ll take Layla home.” Gerald said sincerely. Sam wished that he wasn’t so sore, because the thought of walking Layla home played on his mind. But, reluctantly Sam agreed with Gerald. Layla looked up at Sam, and deeply into his eyes and without saying any words, he knew he would see her tomorrow. “Thank you for everything Gerald, I will be forever grateful.” Sam said. Looking over his shoulder at Sam’s mother Gerald replied “I Believe she is the one that will be grateful Sam”.
          Layla and Gerald both helped Sam to his room, where his bed awaited him. His room of course had a window with the view of the Field, and the one lonely Oak tree visible through a plane of a thousand of blades of grass. The Wind played the grass like an instrument; the fine rustling had an almost angelic quality. Sam was also laid out in his bed, covered with a soft bed sheet. It was different to be in his bed for once, as he would normally frequent the field for a soft patch of grass to sleep. Although it was different he was glad to be home, so if his mother needed him he would be here. “Here Sam drink this.” Gerald said as he pressed a vial filled with a think dark purple liquid to his lips. The liquid entered Sam’s mouth and slowly crept down his throat. He held back the urge to gag. “Yuck!” Sam exclaimed. The only flavour he could compare it too was that of a Dandelion. Definitely one flower you would only put near your mouth once. Layla giggled. “I know, I know! It tastes awful but it will help you relax Sam” Assured Gerald. “Rest easy now, I will be back tomorrow morning to check on you both.” Sam nodded. Layla kneeled down beside the bed and gently put her hand to Sam’s cheek. “Feel better Sam, I’ll come see you tomorrow as well.” The story that Layla’s eyes had told was true. She leaned in and kissed his forehead. Her lips lingered for a moment; he felt her warm breathe as she withdrew. Sam felt his heartbeat. He had never experienced a rush of emotion such as this. A deep sense of longing took over him. He wanted the morning to rush to greet him this instant. Waiting through the evening and dead of night to see Layla again was far too long. “I look forward to seeing you again Layla.” Sam said heartfelt. Layla offered him a smile in return. Layla and Gerald both stepped out of his small yet cozy room, and softly closed the door behind them. Before Sam’s mind could begin to wander, Gerald’s tonic took effect. Sam’s eyes began to feel very heavy, and his body too heavy to move. He managed to lift his arm and press his fingertips to his forehead; He could still feel her kiss. He smiled, and drifted off to sleep. 

She stood to her feet offering him a hand. Sam gladly reached out and once again was able to hold her hand in his. Sam’s muscles ached, but he didn’t want to make it seem nearly as bad as it truly was. Sam found it hard to show negative emotions. He always wanted people to think he was happy, or pain free even though he may be having a terrible day or be in agony. Although even what little he knows about Layla he was sure she would not mind if he were to complain about his aching muscles just this once, and of course his swollen face. She pulled gently yet strong, lifting him slowly to his feet. Sam held back a whimper in his throat. His knees wobbled, and he felt as if his body was falling apart. Before Sam’s legs could give out Layla caught him, and wrapped her arm around his midsection, giving him support. “I’m sorry.” Sam said weakly. “You have no need to be sorry Sam, why are you apologizing?” Layla questioned. “Because Layla, you shouldn’t have to be looking after me like this.” Sam Replied. It wasn’t Sam’s fault he was so independent. That’s just the way he always was. He would rarely ask for any help, and if he did it was only to be shown how to do something, so he would never need to ask again. Even if he were sick, he would only seek attention if it was something life threatening or excruciating, Although Sam did had his limits. But to him, he felt wrong for letting someone take care of him. It made him feel weak inside to know that he couldn’t do something by himself. It also didn’t help that he had his father’s voice echoing in his brain saying “You have big shoes to fill, its time to become the man of the house Sam. Make me proud son.”

          Layla looked at Sam and again gave him a sympathetic look. “That’s what people do for each other Sam, I’m sure you would do the same for me if I were injured or needed your help, just like you did for your mother. Besides, I love helping people.” She said. Layla did make an excellent point. Sam knew that if the roles were reversed he would be right here by Layla’s side. He would never turn away someone in need, no matter how small. Sam let his guard down, and eased his muscles putting more weight on Layla as they walked together slowly towards the farmhouse. “There you go, much easier now huh?” Layla said. Sam Looked down at her, and a contagious smile was brought to his face. The more time he spent with her, the more and more he began to like about her. Layla naturally held genuine and flawless qualities, from every angle and viewpoint.

The walk back to the farmhouse was painfully slow and seemed like it was going to take an eternity. He looked up at his run down home, and could see Gerald’s horse and carriage parked in front. The condition of his home disheartened him, but his mother refused to let him care for it. The atmosphere and disposition surrounding his mother was as if she never planned on staying in the home long. But the years passed and the seasons changed, each taking its toll on the weathered home. Grass seemed to grow out of every cobblestone crack, although Gerald’s horses did not seem to mind as they grazed. Sam gave the grass much admiration for striving in their current environment and surroundings. The soil around the farmhouse was much less fertile then the soil in the field, not to mention it was small rocks or chips of cobblestone and tree’s blocked most of the sunlight during the day. Sam’s incomparable mind reflected upon the grass’s unique qualities in contrast to human nature and himself.

          He thought about how not all get the comfort and satisfaction of an easy life. Hardships are what give us character. They shape who we are and make us stronger. Those who are given everything, and never have to fight for what they truly want are the weakest among us. Sam did not have a choice if his father should live or die, and assuredly he would not have chosen death. But this event in Sam’s life created who he is today, the words of wisdom and the teachings his father gave him over the years were instilled in him completely. He swore to never forget anything he was taught and make his father proud. Although a terrible incident Sam looked at the positive. He felt like the blades of grass, swaying in the breeze beside the farmhouse. They did not have the choice as to where they would be, or how hard their life would be. But they grew anyways because that’s all they knew, and Sam shared the same ideology. He was going to grow, and to strive. No matter what obstacles life threw his way.

He struggled to open his eyes, but the pure exhaustion he felt was far overpowering. Sam felt the presence of someone nearby, he could tell by the way the grass rustled. The way it sounded when someone pressed their hands down on it was simply unique. It crunched desperately, but gave a soft cushioning welcome. Sam’s eyes may have been closed, but his ears were wide open. The sounds of the field enlightened him and made him feel even more awake, despite his eyes being closed. Then he began to hear something that he promised he would never forget. It was the same melody as before; her sweet tune filled his admiring ears. Sam began to smile once more, as he confirmed his assumption to be correct. Layla was watching over him, and taking care of him. Making sure he was surrounded by the things he loved the most, so he could be comfortable. He wondered how she knew to bring him here. It was as if she could look directly into his soul, and could act specifically as Sam had always dreamed someone would. The moment he shared deep within his mind only lasted a short time. Traumatic images of his mothers limp body lying on the floor, and the breathless run to Gerald’s came rushing back. He tensed every muscle he had in his abdomen, fighting to lift himself up. His muscles almost refused to budge, they burned like hot coals. Sam’s tough spirit pushed onwards, and slowly he rose to a seated position. 
Opening his eyes he saw Layla’s figure sitting in front of him, sitting legs crossed. Wearing a blue sundress and hair combed back. Although his vision was blurred he could tell she was giving him a sympathetic look. His face was swollen due to landing face first on a stone floor, and all his muscles were tight and stiff. Layla was amazed by the physically beaten boy that lay in front of her, his character and will was something of that she had never seen before. He pushed himself to the breaking point to save his mother’s life. And indeed he had. “My... Mother...” Sam spoke softly. Layla reached out and grabbed Sam’s hand as his muscles gave way and he began to fall backwards. She leaned in and pressed her shoulder against his chest and wrapped her arms around him for support. “She’s fine now, she fell ill but Gerald was able to give her the medicine she needed, because of you.” Layla assured him. “Gerald told me what you did how, you ran all the way to his house for your mother."  His head lay softly on Layla’s, her hair smelt like fresh flowers. In this moment he felt no pain. Tears boiled to the surface of his eyes, the sudden realization that he had saved his mother’s life shocked him. Sam was beyond proud, he felt invincible. He tilted his head towards the farmhouse. Layla looked sympathetically at him again, reached up and brushed Sam’s tears away with one swipe of her thumb. She didn’t have to say a word; her smile said more than words ever could. “Can I see her?” Sam asked, as he looked down into Layla’s deep green eyes. “Sure, as soon as we can get you on your feet. You’ve been out cold all night and afternoon. I had Gerald help me carry you out here so perhaps the sun and mist from the sea might perhaps wake you.” Sam went to laugh, but decided it would be a bad idea considering the condition of his muscles. So he smiled a true smile, and let out a sigh of relief. 
Sam was stunned by how close he and Layla had become in only a short period of time. He wrapped his arms around her and tugged her backwards to the ground. She let out a scream followed immediately by a laugh. Sam’s back landed with a thud, but he didn’t care. Layla’s head rested perfectly on his shoulder. She looked up at him again stared deeply into his eyes. “I love your eyes.” She said. Sam gave a questioning look, “why, what makes them so special?” He replied. “They’re just beautiful, they’re blue. Like the ocean. I can’t look away.” Although Layla’s eyes were not blue, he shared the mutual feeling that he also could not look away. Her eyes were deep green, which looked as if they held the wonder and mystery of the world. There was certainly something beautiful and special about her eyes, Sam just couldn’t place it. “Your eyes are green, like a swamp.” Sam said. Layla gasped, and then burst out laughing. He realized that he had in fact compared her eyes to one of the most avoided and disgusting, yet green, natural environments. “I’m sorry; it must have been the blow to my head.” Sam stated. “Sure” Layla said drawn out while laughing.

There was a burning sensation is his legs that was causing him discomfort. But he pushed the pain to the back of his mind; he fought it and ignored it. He wouldn’t stop until he reached Gerald’s house, then he knew his mother’s safety was out of his hands. He looked up, the sun had now completely vanished from the horizon and the sky held on tightly to a glowing pink hue. This normally would have enthused Sam enough to stop and stare, but he brushed it off like an everyday occurrence. Sam’s demeanour held no sympathy or tenderness. His look was stern and determined no room for weakness. Sweat poured from his forehead, every muscle and tendon in his body was reaching their threshold. Sam leaped over a large rock and gave a powerful exhale upon landing. He ran through thorn bushes completely ignoring all the scratches he sustained upon his legs. He felt nothing he had always destination in mind. His breathing remained steady and calculated. The house was nearing ever so closely; he couldn’t wait to scream for help and collapse. Candle light was visible in the houses small windows, the smell of freshly burned firewood filled Sam’s nose. The wind was cold on his face, but inside he was burning. Heat emanated from every pore of his body. Sam ultimately reached the door step of the man who would save his mother, and end Sam’s agonizing journey. He knocked gently three times, feeling very lightheaded. There was movement inside, someone was coming. He saw the oddly curious man that Sam identified as Gerald Green; poke his head up into one of the windows atop the door. A sudden shock filled his eyes, as he swung open the door upon recognizing Sam. “What’s the matter my boy?!” he called loudly. Sam struggled desperately for the right words inside himself, fighting for breath and enough to say it. “My mother has fallen ill; I didn’t know what else to do.” Sam stated weakly. “Where is she now?” Gerald questioned. “She is at the farmhouse, I ran here.” Sam replied. Gerald was searching meticulously through his nearby closet for a coat, or perhaps some medical instruments, as Sam swayed ever so slightly back and forth. He was struggling to keep his eyes open, and remain in control of his body. Head spinning and vision blurring Sam couldn’t bear to stand anymore. He needed to sit down; his body practically begged him too. His body and spirit had in fact reached the pinnacle of sheer endurance. Gerald noticed Sam and rushed to catch him before he fell but was too late. Collapsing to the floor in a heap, his face met the stone flooring with a thud. 
Finally inside his mind he was free. The dreams in which earlier he wished he wouldn’t receive was only that much more of a gift when he graciously accepted them. Harmony was the only way to explain his delusion. The cold wind upon his face was more refreshing than an autumn dive into the ocean past the rainbow cliffs. The sense of relief was something similar to a long but joyous day amidst the field. Flashbacks of Layla clouded his dream; her pure perfection was truly something to be admired. Sam yearned to look into her glowing green eyes again, and hold a desperate gaze until she smiled. The sound of her sweet calming voice and giggle surrounded him. It took away all the pain he experienced in his legs and feet. The ominous gut wrenching feeling that plagued him during the run appeared to have left him. Thankful and happy, Sam smiled. Suddenly he again became aware of his body. We reached out around himself, feeling the soft morning grass between his fingers and the soft daylight upon his delicate cheeks. He could hear the waves crashing upon the rocks below the cliffs. A fine mist was noticeable in the air, so fine he could taste the salt on his lips. A soft hand tenderly brushed through his hair, and across his cheek. The feeling was so caring and gentle, Sam felt calm and unconfined. He knew who’s hand it was, he only wondered how.

He stared helplessly at his mother. A piercing shiver electrified through his spine, and exploded in his brain. He wanted to do so many things at once, he was paralysed. His attempts to call out for help were but a whimper, as his lips seemed to be frozen shut. His desperate attempts to lift his mothers head faltered, due to the numbness in his hands. He wondered what could have possibly happened to her, how this could have happened. He was so scared to lose his mother; although he was never particularly in his home there was so much she did for him. He blamed himself for not being here when she needed him, and not paying attention to the fact she must have fallen ill. Tears came to his eyes as he pictured his mother crawling around weakly on the cold damp floor calling out, for someone to help her. One of the last requests from his father was to take care of his mother. To make sure she was okay, and to fill his shoes and become the man of the house. He was too young to understand what he had meant at the time, because after all it was Sam’s mother who looked after him. Not the other way around. But he understood now, and he had failed to do what his father had asked of him. Sam dropped grievously to his knees above his mother’s body; as he began to cry forlorn over his careless actions. She looked so peaceful to Sam, the way her hair was flowing out along the smooth stone floor. He placed his hand upon her cheek. “Hot” Sam thought out loud. He grabbed his mothers shoulder, and shook her gently. “Mother!” He called out in desperation. “Please, Mother! Wake up!” Sam cried. His mother let out a deep exhale. His mother had indeed fallen ill. Pitiful sobs of heartache escaped Sam’s lungs. How he wished his father were here, he would know what to do. The only man Sam was ever taken too when he was sick was Gerald Green, But he lived more than an hour’s run away. Gerald was inquisitive towards people’s illnesses and had a simple solution to each one. Sam thought it would be the only way to save his mother, so he delicately looked at her. He would need to be able to give Gerald a list of symptoms if he was to help her. She was Hot to the touch, and clearly unconscious. A cold sweat was evident across her forehead. Sam stood, and with the life of his mother in his hands, he felt more powerful than he had ever felt before. He grabbed a damp washcloth and placed it softly on his mothers head. “I’ll be right back soon mom, I Promise. Everything is going to be okay. I promise.” He assured her. She breathed softly. Sam felt as though she heard him. 
At what seemed like break neck speed Sam bolted from his house. The day’s events with Layla had been long forgotten. He only looked ahead and thought of nothing. He never told his mother how much he loved her and if he were to lose her tonight, He would carry regret with him forever. Sam paid no attention to the sky in which he loved to stare wonderfully at, and he ignored the field in which he ran. The destination was his only thought, and his mother was his motivation. His feet pounded the ground without mercy, pure adrenaline coursed through his veins. Sam could feel his heart beating inside his chest, and he could hear it in his ears. A strong breeze on his back guided him, making every stride just that much longer and his venture that much shorter. Sam didn't bother taking the road, he knew that if he ran through the field and took some paths through the woods he could cut a lot of time off this journey, even though this way would be much harder “She’s going to be alright.” He assured himself. Sam smiled and he picked up speed. “She’s going to be okay.” He repeated. Never in Sam’s life had be ever felt so scared or more alone. Yet he found a reason to smile because he knew deep down in his pounding terrified heart, everything was going to be alright and very soon he would be back in the field, or in Layla’s arms. Tears rolled down his face but Sam was still able to see along the eastern hillside, Gerald’s house was barely within sight, but was only visible to someone who knew where it was in the narrow valley. “I can’t stop running.” Sam thought out loud. Sam couldn't help but think how much faster he could be able to get to Gerald's house if his horse were still alive. Pearl died soon after the passing of his father. Sam did as much to could on the farm, but without Sam's father tending to it they were never able to bring in enough to feed themselves and have enough to trade for a new horse.

Now with the long journey nearing its end, he felt content. Never had he accomplished so much and felt so great, all while doing the things he enjoyed most. Walking, talking, and admiring beauty. Sam kept imagining her laugh, but it always turned out to be a soft breeze blowing past his ears. How he longed to see her again, his mind raced with thoughts of tomorrow. He would not sleep tonight, He was sure of it. As usual he would lie awake under the moonlit sky. Arms and legs sprawled out freely in the grass, inhaling the pure taste of the night air into his lungs, and then exhaling with a sigh of relief. Sam would repeat this over and over until slowly he would fade into his dreams, which although at this point didn’t quite compare to reality. He had never experienced a dream as wonderful as today. A dream would seem trivial, and insignificant. So he wished he wouldn’t dream at all. Sam wondered if Layla felt the same, he wondered if he had made an impression on her. He had to admit to himself that he acted a little shy and perhaps a bit nervous, although you can’t blame a boy for acting that way in front of such an appealing young woman. It was just a very unexpected day to say the least; to find Layla in the one and only place in the world he could call his own, and for her to be exactly what he always strived to find was inconceivable. 
Before Sam even realized it, he was home. With so much on his mind it was hard to keep track of how far he had walked. It had been his bright idea to run off the road they followed, hoping for a short cut. But as it turned out, it lead him past his field and he arrived from the opposite direction in which he and Layla had left. Sam looked up at his house, and for the first time in his life he noticed how run down it had become sense the passing of his father, he compared it to Layla’s lovely well kept home. It made him sad to think that if his father were here today; his home would not look the way it did. This was the day that Sam made a promise to himself, to spend less time in the field and invest some looking after his home. Sam reached for the moss covered door handle. “I’m Home mother.” He called while opening the door. He heard no reply, but it was mildly late so he assumed his mother had called it an early day, and gone off to sleep. Sleep sounded like a great idea to Sam, after suddenly feeling very tired. The long walk paid a toll on his strength; he was just too busy daydreaming to notice. Sam often would get carried away with his thoughts, sometimes he would sit for hours. Looking out a window, or up into the sky, or over the rainbow cliffs to sea. Some days, there was nothing Sam wanted to do but think, and he was very content doing just that. There were so many thoughts in Sam’s head, it almost seemed like no wonder he needed so much time to think. He would question everything he saw, and would wonder how it worked, or why it looked the way it did. Or why a flower, or a blade of grass looked so beautiful in his eyes. Sam wondered if others could see what he saw, for their sake he hoped they could. 
He stepped into his room, which remained untouched. His bed looked lonely in the corner. Neatly made, and pressed. A fine layer of dust was evident on all pieces of furniture. Sam let out a sigh, no matter how many times he stepped foot in here it never felt like home. He sat upon his bed, which gave a welcoming squeak. He felt confined, and caged when he was in this room. The cotton sheets of his bed felt like coarse sandpaper to his hands. The walls felt as if at any moment they would collapse and crush him. It was a very uncomfortable feeling, but he knew he was just accustomed to the freedom of the outdoors. His heaven was beyond the walls of his home. Sam stood up, and got out of his bed. He reached for his heavily knitted sweater, as he could tell by the way the sky looked it was going to be a cold night. He looked around his room for a final time, thinking if there would be anything he should need tonight. Nothing came to mind, so he left his room in a silent desolation. He carefully tiptoed along the narrow corridor of his house towards the back door, where the field awaited his arrival. That’s where Sam saw his mother, laying on the floor. Sam let out a scream of devastation and heartache. It was going to be a cold night indeed. Thunder echoed in the walls of his mind.

Sam now knew the angels name. He repeated it over and over in his head. It didn’t begin to dull in the least, in fact the more times he repeated it, the better it sounded. Her hands slowly loosened around his back. She looked deeply into his eyes; Layla could see the pure emotion flowing from Sam’s eyes. She was amazed by him, and he shared the mutual feeling of amazement. “Shall we?” She motioned. “Were almost home, not too much further now.” Sam looked off into the distance, and managed to put his eye on a small house. Smoke was gently rising from the chimney, up and over them. The smell of a wood fire in the air was evident. It reminded Sam of home, and how he should be getting back soon before his mother begins to worry. In spite of the fact Sam’s mother never really worried about him because she knew he always kept himself out of trouble, and would be home at a decent hour. He was always more concerned about others than himself. It was his loving, kind, and gentle nature. Sam wasn’t happy unless he could make everyone around him happy, and this was a difficult task to perform on most days. Sometimes he couldn’t exactly tell if it was true joy he was feeling, or simply the bliss of others around him, clouding his deep feelings of loneliness. Nevertheless, Sam felt happy, and to him that was all that mattered. If he could travel anywhere, he would want to be traveling there smiling, and today he was. 
As they neared the small house, which was evidently Layla’s home he began to look around the property. A small hand crafted make-shift fence was visible through the back-yard, and the cobblestone facing of her house was truly remarkable. Soft stones, rounded ever so carefully placed a perfect distance apart from one another. The smell of fresh grass and flowers hung in the air, and dandelion seeds white as snow gracefully sailed through the sky. A large stone boulder was set in the ground only a small distance from the house. So big, and out of place it looked as if it had fallen from the sky above. Within the house, through the tiny glass windows he saw movement. A woman wearing a white dress, he assumed to be Layla’s mother. “Thank you for walking me home Sam.” Layla said with a smile. Her smile was more of a thank you than the words themselves. “You are quite welcome.” Sam replied. They glanced into each other’s eyes for a moment. Not sure of what needed to be said, they were both thinking the same thing. But Layla beat him to it. “When can I see you again Sam?” This made him feel special, she actually wanted to see him again. Next time he would show her the true beauty of the field, and the rainbow cliffs. He couldn’t wait. “What about tomorrow at early morning, back at the Field?” Sam questioned. Layla nodded her head. “Its settled, I’ll meet you where I did today, by the tree.” She stood on the tips of her toes, placed her hands gently on Sam’s shoulders and kissed him quickly on the lips. “Goodbye Sam.” She said with a smile. Sam stood in place, in awe of what had just happened. He felt as if it couldn’t have happened, that his imagination must have just played a trick on him. But as each moment passed, he watched Layla take each step, step by step closer to her house. He figured after watching her walk through the door, it might be time to turn around and head home. He turned around and began the long journey back home, each step he took was softly greeted by what felt like clouds. The sky seemed to brighten, and a warm easeful breeze touched his face. Something inside of him told him to run; he let out a laugh and ran off the road in which they followed, into the meadow of the surrounding property. He was full of energy, full of life. He was anxious to get back home and tell his mother about Layla. Because he knew that she had always wished he would find a friend, someone to talk too and play with, rather than spending all his free time alone. The field was beautiful to Sam, and made him feel alive. But this feeling he was feeling now was something entirely different. It wasn’t comparable to the joys he felt when he was alone admiring the vivid allure of the field. It was something entirely different.

Sam didn’t want the beautiful sound to end. He stood stiffly yet relaxed, and let the radiant voice course through his ears. So he would never forget it. He must get closer he thought. Sam's brain told him to stay where he was, but his legs refused to listen. The closer he became, the more he began to tell what this mysterious angel looked like. Her hair was as blonde as a freshly bloomed day lily, with features that only a goddess should possess. She wore a pink sundress, that matched the evening ever so perfectly. Sam could tell she was exactly his age, no more no less. He noticed a delicate sparkle in her eyes, but she had yet to see Sam standing in the tall grass of the field. This girl was special, the moment he heard her voice he knew. He had to talk to her; he had to find out exactly who she was. His heart was pounding at the thought of interrupting her beautiful melody. She seemed as if she didn’t have a care in the world which reminded Sam of himself. She gently touched the trunk of the oak tree, and glided her hand across the soft bark as she walked. Round and Round she went charmingly. Her hair blowing in the wind, changing direction as she made her way around the tree.
“Excuse me”, Sam said while feeling quite timid. She was mildly frightened by the unexpected appearance of Sam through the grass. “Hello”, she spoke softly. Her voice was as magical in spoken word as it was in song. “What was it you were singing, just there” Sam said, wishing she would begin to sing again. “It has no name, I just sing how I feel inside” she explained. Her reply was a surprise to Sam, such a mysterious and emotional girl. Yet Sam had never seen her before, and he never saw anyone in the field. Not even once. “With a song as lovely as that, you must be feeling pretty good”, Sam claimed. She giggled, “And who might you be stranger.” Sam’s brain began to cloud over; he wanted to say so many things at once but managed to spit out “Sam”. She paused, then smiled and held out her hand, “Pleased to meet you Sam, my name is Layla”. What a beautiful name. “Would you like to walk me home Sam? I’d really enjoy the company.” Sam had never been so excited to answer a question in his entire life. His heart was pounding, he felt as if time itself was in slow motion just for him to enjoy the moment. “Sure” he replied blissfully. Layla smiled again, and he felt his heart melt. She started off towards the roadway with Sam on her heels. “Are you new around here?” Sam questioned. “I just moved in not too far down the road, is that your house over there?” She pointed through the field to Sam’s farmhouse. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was home. Sam nodded yes. Suddenly Layla darted ahead hands outstretched, gliding her hands over the tops of the tall grass laughing. Sam was stunned, but managed to pick up the pace and followed in her wake. He glanced ahead and noticed how gracefully she ran, and how her hair almost sparkled in the sunlight. This was his motivation to catch up. “Come on Sam cant you keep up with me?” she laughed. “That’s not fair, you had a head start!” Sam yelled ahead of him. This feeling Sam was feeling was difficult to describe. Although he had just met Layla, there was something inside him trying to tell him he had met her before. He felt as if he had a direct connection to this girl. Sam was thinking so hard he didn’t even realize that he was laughing, and smiling so much his face began to hurt.
Layla stopped running when she met the roadway at the edge of the field. She looked to Sam as if she hadn’t ran at all, her breathing was fine and she looked even more stunning than before. “I’m disappointed in you Sam”. She stated as Sam slowly trudged up to meet her. Winded he replied “You said, walk you home, not run!” She smiled a smile so bright it made the run worthwhile. He had never laughed so hard, and ran so far in such a short amount of time. “That’s true Sam, I didn’t.” She giggled, “But in order to walk me home, you had to follow me too the road. I felt like running.” Sam realized that he did agree to walk her home, and she made an excellent point. Layla pointed up the road, in the direction away from Sam’s farmhouse. “My house is just through the tree line, then over the ridge.” She said. “Still want to walk me home?” Little did she know Sam enjoyed walking more than almost anything. It was an easy way to clear his head, and think. Walking kept Sam’s body busy, when his brain was the same. “I'd love to walk you home Layla”. He studied her face as she smiled. Her eyes squinted, but not because of the sun but because her smile was genuinely so bright, and cute. “Alright Sam, it’s this way, come on.” She said reaching for his hand.

Sam lay in the grass, hands outstretched. Touching every individual blade with his fingers, noticing just how delicate they are. He compared them to himself. He gazed into the night sky, watching the stars twinkle and blink, always hoping he would see a shooting star to wish upon. Yet no matter how many times Sam walked through the endless fields to gaze at the stars, he always looked up in wonder. As if it was the very first time. This was his escape from reality. Long walks with no destination in mind, all he needed to feel at ease are a soft patch of grass, and a cool breeze through the night. The day’s events that caused him heartache ceased to matter. For when his eyes became locked onto the bright night sky, all his troubles floated away. Suddenly feeling small wasn’t a concern for once. The sweet sound of rustling grass and the faint noise of crickets filled his ears. His eyes began to droop as he soaked in the beauty of what he saw and heard around him. The world was beautiful in his eyes, not a single thing was ugly, just overlooked by the average person. But the most beautiful place to him of all was the field. It was an ever changing plane. Every day, every week, and every season, there was something new to experience, something beautiful to find, and somewhere soft to sleep.
       Sam rarely slept at home even on the worst nights, the pouring rain being one of his favourites. He would head out into the damp field, lifting his feet higher than usual because of the way the tall blades of grass would stick together making walking more difficult. Never the less Sam would trudge onwards knowing that soon he would be safe under the many boughs of the oak tree at the back of the field. It was a long walk. But it was well worth it for shade in the hot summer days or cover from the rain. He breathed the rain. The sound, the smell, the feeling of the rain upon his face and skin compelled him to smile. The sound of thunder in the distance was like music to his ears, he found joy in how the clouds were feeding, and hydrating the thirsty earth. So the grass could grow tall and soft to give him a comfortable bed, and to be strong, unlike him.       There was an overwhelming sense of uncertainty in Sam’s life. He was longing for purpose, and a reason to be placed on this earth, other than to enjoy it. 
Home was never the same after the passing of his father. Sam was very young, but still remembered almost every detail of his father. Sometimes when he lay in the field late at night, when the wind wasn’t blowing, and the crickets were not chirping, he would hear his voice. Never being able to tell exactly what was being said, but Sam knew in his heart it was his father. He always wished he could have been there for him. Even for a few extra years. This was one of those occasions that Sam would desperately scour the sky looking for a shooting star. In his short 18 years of life, Sam had only ever seen one shooting star, but he was so amazed by the sheer beauty of it, he forgot to make a wish. He always regretted it, but in a way it was worth it to see something so wonderful cascade itself through the night sky. Sam’s mother never mentioned his father, and Sam never brought it up out of respect for his mother. Although, there were days where Sam would watch his mother look out the back window, staring with a deep emptiness into the field he loved so dearly. And he could tell, she could hear him too.