Page 102 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

Helena smiled at her and placed her own hands over her own chest and mimicked the gesture.

A silent, prolonged gaze connected them, so no gestures were necessary. Even though I couldn’t see their eyes, I could feel their heat.

Abruptly, Helena took several steps back, shook her head, and made an exaggerated frown. She held her left arm out in front of her and then let it drop to her side. Then she grabbed her left arm with her right hand and lifted it to an extended position. Once she let go of her arm, it fell back against her side. She repeated the gesture several times.

By the pained expression on Katlynn’s face, she interpreted Helena’s meaning the same as I did. Helena’s actions represented her physical deterioration.

Katlynn steeled her jaw, stood up straight, and pounded her fist against her own chest. Several people in the audience gasped at the gesture, while Emma flinched beside me.

Helena, seeing the determined expression on Katlynn’s face, stood a little taller herself, and a hopeful expression replaced the apprehension that was there moments before.

Katlynn smiled and held out her hand palm up toward Helena. For several beats, Helena looked from Katlynn’s face to her outstretched hand before she took a tentative step forward.

Even though Katlynn leaned forward, she remained standing in place. Her expression conveyed her struggle not to rush toward Helena. Instead, she wiggled her fingers as if to encourage Helena to come to her. I viewed it as an invitation, but also an acknowledgment that the decision was in Helena’s hands.

Damn.When had I become skilled at reading people?

Helena’s second step was less tentative than her first, and by her third step, she showed no apprehension as she covered the distance between them.

The audience cheered when Helena grasped Katlynn’s hand.

Robyn appeared beside them and put a hand on their shoulders. Her eyes were misty. Watching the pair had been so compelling that I’d temporarily forgotten Robyn.

“Wow,” Emma said.

“Wow is right,” I responded.

Robyn spoke to them in a voice too low for us to hear. Helena and Katlynn sported enormous smiles and still held hands.

“Thank you for that lovely conversation,” Robyn said as Katlynn and Helena made their way from the stage. “That was beautiful. I hope everyone watching can see the magic happening without words.”

“I’m stunned,” someone called from the audience.

“I know, right?” Robyn smiled. “The first time I attended a silent session, I was skeptical, but I’ll ask you the same question the facilitator asked me. Have you ever seen an opera or gone to the ballet?”

Murmurs rose from the crowd.

“See.” Robyn pointed at the group. “It all clicked when she said that. I’ve gone to several operas, and I don’t speak a lick of Italian, yet I followed the story. That’s what we’re doing here, evoking emotions through means other than words.”

Katlynn and Helena had returned to their seats beside Emma and still held hands. I peeked around Emma and gave them a thumbs up.

Robyn called more participants on stage, including a trio, before announcing there was time for one more pair.

She placed her hand on her forehead, cupped her hand, and peered out at the group. “I’m looking for one more, so raise your hands high.”

I felt Emma shift beside me, but I was too busy staring at Robyn to give Emma much thought. As Robyn’s gaze swept the crowd, her eyes widened when they met mine.

She nodded at me and mouthed,are you sure?

Huh?Was she asking me whether I was sure about her? Certainly she wouldn’t do that in front of everyone.

“It looks like we have our last pair.” Robyn pointed toward me.

What?

When Emma let out a squeal, I realized she wasn’t pointing at me after all.

“Come on.” Emma jumped to her feet and grabbed the back of my shirt.