Drinking in the exhilarating air, the natural wine of the morning, Radha walked bare feet on the moss-covered grass of the rainforest. The mist from the morning dew soaking her feet wet. Her tan-colored sandals hung from the tip of her fingers like a cliffhanger, dangling beside her hips, swaying side to side. It was 72 degrees Fahrenheit, bright and sunny Seattle morning. Almost a rarity after the harsh winter snowstorms and a welcome change. Walking with an air of gratitude and repose, unconsciously stopping to embrace the fallen bleeding heart wildflowers, she went around meticulously collecting it. It was half-past nine, when she finally reached the earmarked giant Western Hemlock tree, closely surrounded by cat-tail moss, covering the ground all around it, as if trying to protect the tree from impending danger.  

Radha looked at her wristwatch, exchanging glances with the narrow pavement, and spoke finally breaking the silence, “You are late. But I forgive you. Come on, let’s go.”, and started marching ahead. Like clockwork, Radha and Maya started walking on the Banyan trail. Both slowly admiring the beauty of nature, and the change in color, seasons had brought in. The morning sunshine cut through the thick canopy of the giant red cedar, Western Hemlock, and the Big Leaf Maple gridlock, dwarfing their tiny steps. 

This had been their routine for years now, going through high school and now college. Their bond fresh as a mayflower was like two poles of a magnet, opposites but complementary to each other that cannot be set apart. Radha and Maya took a lot of pride in their unique bond that was supposed to last forever. Forever. That was their word. Being the only brown girls in school had brought them together. But they had long denied the obvious connection. “We are toodifferent to be alike”, they would tell each other. 

Radha was the carefree one that wanted to embrace life as much as possible, without being rushed into the hustles of life. Maya was the diligent planner who was a go-getter and went from one goal to another, striking them off like nuke missiles. Usually, these nature walks were a chance for them to reflect on their lives together and alone. Admiring the microcosmic beauty, while giggling and laughing about boys, finding relief in confiding in each other with their darkest secrets, all the while stressing about assignments, grades, internships and prospective jobs. But this time it was different. There was silence. The only noise was from the wind sifting through the leaves and the soft creases from the fallen leaves as they walked through them. 

Finally, Radha spoke, “So, is this your final decision?”

“There is no such thing as final. But yes it is my decision as of now”, responded Maya. 

Radha looking through the corner of her eyes, giving a side glance, shook her head and asked, “What about us? What about forever? I thought that was our thing or was I the delusional one!”

“It will still be forever. Going to Germany is going to be good for my career”, she paused softly emphasizing and continued, “I get to work with great minds in the industry, who knows what it can lead to”

“It can lead to a lot of things. What it definitely does not lead to, is us being together”

“Don’t say that. I want your support through this”

There was silence again. Both walked with their neck buried to the ground, occasionally lifting their gaze to admire the thick canopy of the forest, that got thicker as they kept walking. “It seems we don’t know how to talk to each other anymore”,remarked Maya. Radha slightly nodded her head side to side. 

“And here we are”, Maya stopped in front of the dark end of the trail that appeared to have a dangerous steep below. 

“What is it? Let’s keep moving. Maybe a little further”, Radha hesitated, looking confused. 

“No, I want you to come see this”, Maya said, stretching her hand out, “This won’t hurt. I promise”. 

Radha’s soft palms juxtaposed between the sweat of her body and Maya’s hands. And the next thing she knew, she was rolling down the cliff like a log of wood, screaming in fear and pain, until it was lost in vain and silence. 

Maya stood at the top of the cliff with a disconcerting expression on her face. She had debated in her conscience but knew what she had to do. She consoled herself. She had no choice, Radha was not going to come aboard with her plan, and was continuously questioning her motives and action. Maya was not willing to pass upon the opportunity to work abroad, even though it meant breaking away from her comfort zone and leaving everything behind that has shaped her, including Radha. She reminisced her past life memories, and a drop of tear rolled down her cheeks. 

Maya turned around and started making her way back. Pushing Radha off the cliff had killed a part of her, which in fact was only a part of her, slowly giving room for something new. 

Her phone rang, “Radha Maya’s phone, who's this?”

“I am calling to discuss further this research opportunity, from the University of Munich”, said the person on the other side of the line.

“Yes, of course. Call me Maya. Please continue”

“Alright, Maya. We are looking to have you soon…”