Colby shook his head. "You don't understand. My grandfather, if I return, will see it as a sign and he'll pressure me to return to the tribe. He'll want me to reclaim my heritage. I have no desire to do that."
Megan shook her head more perplexed with each word he spoke. "You'd rather never see your grandparents again than to tell your grandfather no? That works for now, but what happens when they are no longer here?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, grabbing her arm. "You just said my grandfather was fine. What aren't you telling me? Is it my grandmother?"
His abrupt change in attitude startled Megan. He cared more than he showed.
"They are fine, as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Trust me when I say anything can happen." He released his grip and Megan rubbed the spot on her arm. Colby continued to stare at her as if needed more of an explanation.
Megan took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Experience taught me that accidents happen and our loved ones leave. What's left? Pain for not saying I love you one last time. No more laughter, hugs, and smiling faces. Colby, don't let this happen to you. See your grandparents." She kept her tears at bay.
Fireworks blasted their colors against the night sky. Oohs and aahs surrounded them, but Colby Jackson took center stage. He stared at her as if trying to find the path home, but why would he come to her? She only understood one thing about this situation-she understood none of it.
She looked away for a moment and sighed. When she looked again, he was gone. "He is so much like his grandfather. I hear it in his voice. How do I help him push through the fear of the unknown? Gray Cloud helped me face my fears about college and showed me where to find inner strength to take the next step. Will Colby allow me to do the same for him?"
Megan rubbed her arm, her fingers moving over the beaded bracelet. "Each bead has a special place to complete the design. What happens when you get a mixed bag and don't believe any of the pieces belong together? Do you try to make a picture or do you give up?" She considered her options and a few of the pros and cons. "I refuse to see my friend hurt anymore. By summer's end, I will find the pattern to complete the picture."
After the grand finale, the tired campers boarded the van to return to Circle M. Sleep overtook the kids before the van moved. Thoughts on reuniting Gray Cloud and Colby kept Megan's mind active.