November 2025 "Beyond the Grapevine" by Halenna Castillo

    Passing the familiar countryside, with grapevines aligned in unison, becomes a blur of green as I drive. I can’t help but chuckle to myself for ever returning to this valley. It's been years since I left this place to go into the big city, working my dream job designing for the elite. Leaving was the only chance to experience the world beyond the grapevine. My younger self yearned for an opportunity to be something, watching businesswomen on TV wearing beautiful clothes, making something out of herself. That's the woman I wanted to be, and with hard work, struggling to make ends meet, and a competitive environment, I finally made a name for myself, creating my own Home Decor and Design company from the ground up.

    We are the leading company in interior design and recently landed an impressive deal with a high-end hotel franchise. With business booming, living in a high-rise studio apartment, and without debt to my name, I've made it in life. I am satisfied with what I've accomplished, and sure, when I return home from long hours at the studio, I'm greeted with the darkness of my home. Dinner is already made by the personal chef, whose name I've yet to learn. These are the only quiet moments I have, where I get changed into comfortable clothes, warm my food, walk to my study, and look over design layouts. It's peaceful, sure, but for being me, myself, and I, some company would be nice.

     I remember the day I got a call from my sister, Angie, five years older, and my only sibling. She had always been content with the little things in her life, always been the kind and gentle soul, getting involved with our small town events growing up. She had called, telling me she was getting married. In all honesty, I wasn't too surprised. I had expected her to get married sooner, but now is better than later. 

     Within two weeks, I was on a flight back home, driving a rental back to my parents' country home. Years have passed, yet my little childhood town has remained the same. I never thought I would return here, yet here I was driving up the long driveway to their ranch-style home, hidden amongst the vineyards. Looks like they've painted the house, finally. I always hated the color growing up. Some extensions to the ranch were made. Pop's business must've gotten bigger. I find myself parking and take a few moments to collect myself.

   My attire and the rental look out of place with the peaceful ranch home. Stepping out of the car, my Prada boots hit the gravel. I shut the door and look through my shades; the smell of smog, despair, and manure instantly hits me, a smell I definitely didn't miss. Walking to the trunk, I open it, reaching for my Louie duffel and case. As I grab my duffel. I hear a voice

     "Need some help?" a deep, gentle voice spoke from behind.

     I turned and saw a tall man; he wore a simple grey-blue tee, dark-wash jeans, boots, and a baseball cap. He was incredibly dirty with dirt, sweat, and other stains I don't wish to know. Wearing some working gloves, he had his hands on his hips and gave an unfairly lethal smile.

    I cleared my throat and spoke, “I can handle it, thanks," I said shortly. I don't want dirt to get on my belongings, nor do I want a stranger to touch them.... To Be Continued