September 2012
Katherine felt nervous as she collected her things, walked along the aisle and down the steps of the plane. It was 14 years since she had left the Islands, as a young child, when her parents had decided to go back to England. She had never imagined she would return, but the letter from her Grandfather had made her think again. After all, since her parents death, last year, there was no one else left.
For the first time for sometime Katherine felt happy and relaxed as the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine reached her.
As she walked across the concourse to the airport buildings, she wondered if anyone would be there to meet her. She left the customs and saw a tall young man holding a card bearing her name, KATHERINE WINDLER.
'Did my Grandfather, Carlos Mendos, send you?'
The man nodded as he took her suitcase and led her towards a parked car.
As they cruised along the coast road, Katherine could see the sparkling blue sea and the beautiful beaches and coves. Slowly the road started to twist and turn as it climbed up through small villages clustered on the sides of the hills.
Suddenly the car was in front of a pair of ornate gates, which slowly opened as the car approached and moved forward up the long drive, sneaking through lush green bushes. A vague memory came into Katherine's mind, and then there in front of them was the large white villa, where she had been born and spent her earliest years.
As she got out of the car and stared up, looking at the steps leading to the door, it opened and a stately gentleman came down.
Miss Windler, your Grandfather is waiting for you upstairs in his library.
Katherine followed, as he led her through the doors and up the staircase to the large room, where the windows gave a 360o view of the surrounding area. Again it stirred up memories for her.
As she turned she saw a huge leather chair, with a hand resting on the arm. Her Grandfather? Would he be the same as she had imagined him throughout those years away?
'Katherine?' The voice sounded right but weaker than she had expected.
Carlos rose out of his chair and turned towards her. He seemed smaller and older than her picture of him, but his face, eyes and smile were the same.
He came closer, with his arms out stretched. Katherine ran into them and felt his loving grip enfold her.
'Katherine, you've come home at last.' Carlos whispered in her ear, 'Never to leave again.'
Katherine relaxed and felt safe again.
She was home.