Finding Sanctuary: A Story of Longest Night

A Night of Healing, Recovery, and Joy

June shares a Winter Solstice ritual of grief and letting go.
Seeking to heal herself as much as her congregation.
Ryan celebrates a loved one growing stronger.
Facing his own loss and changes at the same time.
Will June and Ryan's instant spark light the way to new possibilities?

Originally appeared in Sweet Holidays: A Holiday Anthology

Also available in the collection Uncommon Holidays: A Different Side of the Season

An excerpt from Finding Sanctuary:

Unexpected Joy on a Long, Quiet Night
"Thank you all for making your way here for Longest Night. Sometimes it can be hard to reach out at times like this. When you're blue, or grieving, or simply weary. Whatever your reason or what you need tonight, everyone is welcome."

June walked in a circle as she talked, looking at each person in turn. Some gazed steadily back, maybe with red eyes or wiping away tears. Some sat with their eyes closed or stared into space. A few looked at their feet or covered their eyes.

"What we offer tonight is a chance for you to do what you need. Tell your story. Sit silently. Cry. Pray in your own way. No one will judge you here. No one."

When she focused on Ryan's sister, Erin only looked back, eyes clear and steady. Ryan seemed to be concentrating intently until he caught June's gaze. Then he smiled bright as the moonlight outside.

June smiled back and kept walking, pretending her heart didn't flutter again.