Haley Dowell

Ms. Gardner

English 10H period

3 September 2014

Searching for Infinity

“The Orion constellation has always caught my eye. In a way

he’s much like myself, always in search of something. Unlike Orion, my

search can’t be stopped even when I’m long dead. By now I should know

what I’m looking for, but I guess that takes a lifetime,” Jolie looks over her

glasses at me, “Haley, dear, your time is up.”

“Thanks Jolie. That was suppressed for too long.”

“No problem, Professor,” she says as she hands me

I struggle to sit up in the therapy chair. Jolie walks me

back to my office, and tells me to take it easy.

My office is larger than any other professors at UCSB.

Since I’m older they figured I needed more space for my unexplainable

search. On my desk sits a lamp and a couple books by various authors.

Behind it a huge, oak book case stands tall. Fathers’ beloved hat box that he

made in the Coast Guard nestles into the bookcase like a puzzle piece. Along

with the box, piles of books cloak the bookcase. Some books I’ve read as a

child, some recently read, and some I want to read.

I settle in the old recliner my grandmother gave

me, on the opposite wall from the desk. It’s grey, uncomfortable and old

much like myself. Rock music begins to travel through the room, and the

new intern brings me a steaming cup of coffee.

KNOCK! KNOCK! “Ms. Dowell someone is here

to meet you!” My eyes roll to the back of my head. “Let ‘em in!” my voice

is tinged with irritation.

The mood of the room completely morphs as the

girl strides in. The dull, grey of the room is obliterated by an abrupt wave of

excitement and intent curiosity.

“Hi, I’m Haley Lindsey Dowell,” the smile

on her face is wider than a crescent moon.

“Nice to meet you,” I give her a quizzical

glance, it’s impossible that this girl has the same name as I.

“Your name is Haley?”

“Yes and you’re Professor

Dowell?” “That is correct…You

are aware we have the same last name?” “Of course! Tons

of people have the same last name but it’s impossible for you to have my

same first and middle name though.” “Yet I do. My full name

is Haley Lindsey Dowell,” Haley’s eye dilate.

“How can that be?”

“My dear, I’m just as

dumbfounded as you.” There’s a slight pause. “How old are you,

Professor?” “I turned 70 today

and you?” “I turned 15 today.

Coming here was a birthday gift from my aunt,” an excited tone quietly slips

off her tongue. “What a strange

gift. Why would you want to visit me? I’m of no importance.

“Oh but you

are. I’ve read every single article, paper and book you’ve written. I’m an

aspiring astronaut, I want to go to Mars someday,” it becomes clear, and I

finally piece together who she is. “I’m

flattered, and that’s very ambitious of you,” I scan up and down her figure.

My eyes catch on the necklace. It’s a small Space Shuttle.

“Where did you get that necklace?” I ask as her fingers drop down to

it and start gently rubbing the little wings.

“When I went to go see-,” in perfect unison we both say, “the

Endeavour.”

She forcibly backs into my desk almost knocking the lamp

over. I get out of the recliner, and wobble to my desk. I pull out the top

drawer, and with very much care I take out the exact same mini Space

Shuttle. “This can’t be real!” she whispers. Awkward silence creeps

throughout the office, Haley scares it away, “Since you’re apparently me,

can I ask a few questions?”

“Of course.”

“Well, umm, are me and Ben still together?” A

smile creases my face, “Yes,” She lights up, “But he has been gone for a few

years now. I would’ve preferred it have been me…Fate chose otherwise,”

her face reflects the sadness I felt in mine.

“Oh…I’m deeply sorry for your loss,” her voice quivers.

“Don’t be, just know to enjoy him while you have him.”

She begins asking questions about family and what the

future is like for me. Haley’s questions become more difficult as she asks

about Mom and Dad, and I explain to her that it’s going to be hard to lose

them. My wrist watch begins to blare making Haley and

I jump a little, “I have to go, but it was such a fascinating experience to meet

you,” we hug. “Thank you, this will be something I never forget,”

the good mood in the room follows her out the door. She exits into the

hallway, “Wait! Can I ask one more question?!” I nod. She comes up to my

ear and whispers, “Do we find what we have been looking for?” I make her

look me in the eye and say, “We will see when we get there.” She smiles

and walks nobly out the door as if she is carrying a bow crafted by the gods

themselves. During the fall death awaited me with its

caring hands. My family gathered around my hospital bed, and I could hear

my daughters’ quiet sobs. The last thing I felt was her warm tears on my

face. After death nothing but pure serenity greets

me. My young self and my old self joins as one. Sprawling out, as far as I

can see, is the infinite expanse of the universe. Peace consumes me and my

search is completed.