Karen’s anxious and excited footfall rushed through gate 243 of the Phoenix airport. Her first flight in twenty-five year left her stomach jumpy, but this first flight alone had added a colony of nervous swells too. She knew her world would calm down the moment she spotted Teri Lynn.

Two years and a lifetime of changes had taken place since the best friends last saw each other. Karen clutched her handbag and scanned the huge room. Teri Lynn told Karen she’d lost two dress sizes and had let her hair grow long.

Surprise filled Karen’s eyes as Teri Lynn’s heavier form with matched smile, ambled toward her. Her thin, blonde hair resembled a dirty straw broom, more than the limp paige-boy it tried to hold.

Karen’s heart sank for a moment. She took a deep breath and reminded herself to concentrate on the inside of a person’s heart, and Teri Lynn won the award for the sweetest person she knew. Accompanied with a generous hug, Teri Lynn lead the way to her car.

The outside temperature smothered them. Karen scanned the barren countryside. No match to the comfortable climate and lush green mountains of her home in Portland. “It must be one hundred and twenty degree.” Karen blew her bangs off her forehead.

“Only one hundred and twelve.” Teri Lynn laughed.

They ate hamburgers and fresh banana shakes in the air conditioned car, while Teri Lynn drove around and pointed out some of the sights.

“There’s Penacle Rock. Isn’t it gorgeous?”

Karen stared at the small rocky mountain formation and tired to see the beauty.

“Isn’t this country breath taking?” Teri Lynn burst with enthusiasm. “I just love it here. This is home to me.” Karen tried to capture a piece of it but hesitated too long. “You miss the trees, greenery, and masses of blooming flowers, don’t you?”

“The palm trees are nice.” Karen forced some excitement into her voice.

At Teri Lynn’s small apartment they sunk into the secondhand couch, with a big fan whirling in front of them to keep them cool.

“So, how are you?” Karen stretched her legs in front of the fan.

“Well, it’s been nearly a year since Greg left me for another woman and divorced me.” Teri Lynn plunged her hand into the huge tub of chocolate candies on the coffee table. “These help.” A dry giggle escaped her lips as she popped the candy into her mouth.

“It’s rough at times, but I’m doing okay. Sometimes Lacy misses her dad, but being a freshman in high school keeps her busy, and she has a weekend job at the Swap Mart.”

Another handful of candy found her mouth. “I’m starting to feel like I can begin to live again. For so many years I lived the way Greg told me I should. He was always afraid my actions and appearance would pull down his credibility as a businessman. I always felt like we were sold as a packaged deal, a two for one bargain. The company hired and paid for one employee and I was expected to be the free bonus. You know, host parties, flatter clients, win their confidence, and sell them on my husband.”

Teri Lynn heaved a sigh and threw her head back against the couch. “I’m seeing a therapist.” She ate more chocolate. “He believes the paucity of my early memories are so painful I’m repressing more than I’m remembering. Maybe he’s right. Maybe their scarcity has been halting forward movement.”

Karen patted Teri Lynn’s arm. “Don’t be afraid to open your heart to love again. You’re a wonderful, caring, giving, person.”

“Thank you.” Teri Lynn threw the candy back into the tub. “As soon as you told me you were coming I made a big decision. I decided it was time to find out who I am, and what I want to be. I’m still finding me, and learning about myself. Some of me I really like, some of me I don’t. That’s okay. I’m growing, and eventually I’ll find the pieces to complete the true picture of the real me.”