Note: This story was inspired by the spiritual and uplifting poems of Du Lac, one of Literotica's most exquisite poets.
Pam Kernis walked eagerly to Stone Ridge State Park. The feisty thirty six year old felt better than she had in days, and was determined to get in a relaxing swim. Although the grounds officially opened at 9 AM, Pam had discovered a way of sneaking in using a hidden trail and could enjoy a pleasant dip without anyone bothering her.
The sun was just peering above the horizon as Pam increased her pace. She was in a surprisingly good mood considering the circumstances. Her life had taken a dramatic turn nearly five years ago, when her husband abruptly abandoned his family for a nineteen year old floozy. Pam was left to raise her identical twin daughters Rosa and Pearl on her own, and the constant battle to collect child support weighed heavily on her mind. But the twelve year old girls were doing as well as could be expected, knock on wood. They were avid soccer players and had just recently made the High Honor Roll. Pam was so proud of them.
As difficult as her divorce had been, the devastating news had come just two years before, when Pam was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She had been given just six months to live, plunging her into a deep depression. When the clouds cleared, Pam's life became an obstacle course of chemotherapy treatments, radiation, unflattering hairpieces, and family therapy. Yet, she had persevered, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Her doctor shook his head as she passed the one year survival mark, then eighteen months. Eventually the day came when Pam had enough of the dreadful chemotherapy shots that made her so sick. She opted for no further treatment at all, despite the objections of everyone around her. Pam had always believed in holistic, natural medicine, and decided instead to continue her healthy vegetarian diet and exercise regimen.
That was two months ago, and although Pam often felt very tired, the clean mountain air exhilarated her and heightened her senses. Yet, as she walked Pam couldn't help but think about her current situation. Although it had been very exciting to watch her girls mature into beautiful young women, Pam sorely missed male companionship. She had gotten so self-conscious about her ill fitting hairpieces she rarely dated. And besides, who would date someone with cancer anyway?
Pam tried to push the doubting thoughts out of her mind as she reached the pile of wood that hid a rarely used trail leading to the back of Stone Ridge State Park. It seemed to take a little extra effort to move the dozen or so logs in the ill defined pile, but eventually she squeezed by the rotting stumps and continued on her way. In a few minutes she reached the imposing Lake Okukaw, 250 acres of virginal wilderness. The morning sun reflected off the aquamarine water as two cardinals frolicked in the wild bayberry bushes lining the shore. Pam took out her towel and quickly got out of her skimpy bikini top and matching teal pants. Although she knew it was risky, the lithe blonde had been sunbathing in the nude for a couple of weeks now. She then went for an energizing swim, being sure to leave the premises before the park rangers started preparing the park to open about 8:30.
Pam leaned back on her towel and closed her eyes, taking in the various competing sounds around her. The gentle "phoe-be" of the black capped chickadee, a distant morning dove imitating an owl, and the splashing play of a nearby waterfall. For a moment she was one with nature, and experienced intense rapture whereby time stood completely still and her ravaged body was made whole. After what seemed to be an eternity, but was probably only 15 minutes, Pam opened her eyes, utterly refreshed. She ran toward the warm shallows, splashing herself and whistling in glee as Lake Okukaw and her shared a secret. Pam's hair had just started to grow back, and was so golden it would put a towhead to shame. She had lost considerable weight, but so far had managed to avoid appearing malnourished.
Pam lay back on a small raft that had been washed up in the shallows, once more closing her eyes and wallowing in the enchanting sounds of nature. She was just about to fall asleep when a strong masculine voice startled her.
"Hello....Is anyone there?"
Pam opened her eyes and let out a half shout/half scream as she took in the most handsome man she had ever seen. He was walking toward her on the bank clad only in a pair of white shorts, with a dazzling smile which melted her very core. Pam tried to hide her breasts with her hands, then realized the futility of the situation. She decided to act like there was nothing unusual about swimming in the nude, putting her arms down and idly treading the very shallow water.
"My name's Ray Milone....what's yours?"
Pam thought the name sounded familiar, but couldn't quite place it.
"Pam Kernis....what brings you here so early?"
"I was sent to help you." Ray had reached the edge of the water at this point and continued to stare lovingly at the enchanting young woman in front of him.
"Who sent you?" Pam was suddenly alarmed.
"The rainbow" Ray responded simply.
"The rainbow!" Pam was flabbergasted. "I don't see any rainbow."
