The First Cleansing

Willow knew the moment she received the e-mail that it was kismet. Immediately, she responded, "I have an entire bedroom suite. Those people can have it. I've been trying to figure out a way to get rid of it anyway. This is perfect." Her co-worker, Bella, was ecstatic as well.

"Happy dance...here we go," Bella said. She and Willow poised for their morning shimmy shake. A few other co-workers watched and laughed as they shook their collective groove thing and it wasn't even eight o' clock yet.

"Here's the lady's phone number who's pulling this all together for the mother and her daughter. I'm not even sure what they're names are, but the lady who is working on this is named Diane. She's waiting for your call," Bella handed Willow a piece of paper with Diane's number on it.

Willow made a mad dash to the closest telephone in their cubicle area. "Yes, is this Diane?"

"Yes, it's Diane."

"How are you? I'm Willow. I work with Bella. She told you about me, yes?"

"Yes, she did. Bless your heart for donating your entire bedroom suite."

"Oh, it's no problem. This is a win-win situation, believe me."

"Well, tell me what's your address? Would tomorrow night or Wednesday be good for you?"

"Either day would be great. My address is 1822 Parkway Drive Apt. 1," Willow beamed as she blurted the information.

"Okay great. I believe I know where that is...near the mall right?"

"Yes...take the first right before you get to the mall. You'll be next to a gas station. That's Parkway Drive," Willow instructed.

"Wonderful! Once again, thank you so very much. I will see you tomorrow night more than likely," Diane said.

"Okay great. Give me a call before."

"I sure will. Talk to you soon."

Willow and Diane hung up. She turned towards Bella for another shimmy shake on the way back to her desk. Willow smiled so hard the corners of her mouth almost hurt. Finally, she would be rid of that bed. Perhaps, it will bring someone else comfort. After all, the mother and daughter had been sleeping on the floor for God's sake. Anything will do for them at this point. Willow was happy to do something for someone else and it helped her out too. A fresh start.

Tuesday Night

Two gentlemen - a middle-aged man and a much older, yet vibrant man and a teenage boy entered into Willow's apartment along with Diane. Willow was amazed at how fast they got everything together and out of the apartment.

"We just came from someone else's house who had a dining table for them and we unloaded that and came on over here. So, what's the deal, Willow? Are you moving?"

"No, I'm not moving any time soon. My lease isn't up until August next year. I just wanted something new in the bedroom. I've had this bedroom suite for a very long time. It's still in good condition, so I'm glad someone else will be able to use it."

"I know how it is. Some times you just want something new. I get that way from time to time myself," Diane said.

Willow smiled and spent the next fifteen minutes holding the door open for the gentlemen and Diane as they carried everything out piece-by-piece. First, the bed was broken down and taken outside to the truck. Second, the chest of drawers was taken out. Finally, the dresser was taken out to the truck. Willow felt her whole self get lighter and lighter with each piece removed from the apartment. The entire apartment started to feel better.

"Well, thank you again, Willow. You have a nice holiday," Diane and the gentlemen offered.

"Thank you! Same to you," Willow watched them walk up the steps. It was starting to rain and the temperature had dropped from Autumn to Winter within thirty minutes. She closed the door and fell back into her Lazy-Boy recliner with the joy of a kid with a brand new toy.

She could feel it. She could smell it. She could taste it. A new beginning thickened air around her body. Willow breathed it in. She exhaled tears. And finally, tears of joy.