What’s happening? you wonder. You try to ask, but no one seems to speak an intelligible language here.
Put me down! you try to shout at these people in white coats.
Finally, the people catch on and place you into the hands of another person. Her hands are soft and her eyes wet, but not sad. They are proud and happy and relieved all at once. You can hear a thumping from her chest and find it soothing. The sound is constant and familiar. Never ceasing. Never slowing. Always ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump. The other noises in the room are still there, but they seem distant now. For all you know, this person may be the only one in the world, but that’s all you need.
Looking up at her eyes, your own tears slow. Your breathing returns to normal. You can hear the thumping from your own chest, syncing up to her’s.
An understanding passes between you and the one holding you. You do not know what it is called. Some words come close, affection, fondness, tenderness, but they are not enough. They don’t capture the protection, the connection, the willingness to sacrifice that emanates from the woman.
The woman makes noises, but nothing you can comprehend. Tears stream down her face in joy. You decide that you must learn the language of these beings. You must communicate with this woman.
“Love.”
That sound, through the rest, sticks out to you. You know it’s the one to describe the understanding.
Love, you think. Love.
You will soon forget this day. You will forget the blinding white light, the cold flowing water, and even the startling loud noises, but you will never forget the understanding. You will never forget the one word to describe the most wonderful feeling in the world.
You will never forget the Love.