The Great Altruist (60 page)

           
“How did you survive?” Jadzia finally asked.

           
Her mother caught a glance from Genesis and answered: “We were rescued a few months ago. Genesis told us everything – and that we could see you today. We couldn’t wait another minute.”

           
Genesis approached and shook hands with Jadzia’s parents. “You’re timing is perfect. I’m sorry you had to wait so long to see her; I wanted to make sure she was healthy again.”

           
“I made the most of the time,” Jadzia’s father said as he patted his fattened stomach.

           
His wife laughed. “We both did.” She patted her slightly pregnant belly.

           
James and Jacob raced down the beach and greeted Jadzia’s parents. “It’s good to see you again,” James said. “Can you stay for dinner?”

           
“Of course,” Jadzia’s mother said, she still not letting go of her daughter.

           
The reunited family returned to the campfire and enjoyed their first family meal together in almost a century. Genesis and James regaled them with tales of their adventures and answered the myriad of questions Jadzia had.

           
Jacob, meanwhile, sat by quietly, still shy and intimidated by Jadzia’s beauty to speak up. Even her parents wondered to themselves what was wrong.

           
“Excuse us,” Genesis said to Jadzia and her parents. Then, in English, she said to Jacob: “What’s wrong?”

           
“I don’t know what to say,” he said.

           
James cleared his throat. “I think I can help with this.” He took Genesis by the hand and deftly picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder as he raced off for the water; Genesis giggled the whole way.

           
Jacob laughed at the sight of his parents playing and set his food aside. He wiped the sand from his legs and extended a hand and friendly smile to Jadzia. She took it, smiled back, and headed off down the distant shore with her future husband.

           
Genesis and James returned from their swim and embraced as they and Jadzia’s parents watched their children walk along the water, the first stirrings of love in their hearts.

           
“Didn’t I tell you?” Genesis asked. “I knew just the girl for him.” She reached up and tenderly kissed her husband.

           
“But what about
their
child?” he wondered.

           
Genesis leaned into his chest and whispered: “Jadzia had a friend in another life called Kamila. She’s already waiting to meet
her
future husband – twenty years from now.” She laughed.

           
As the
           
sun’s final rays cast their light across the beach, the moon steadily rose over the top of the mountain, illuminating the beach below, where the Grant and Konik families rejoiced and embraced the peace and unity around them. After the fear that remained in Jadzia’s heart faded from memory, no one on earth had reason to be afraid ever again.