The Secret Waterfall Everybody Knows About
Jessica Mercier resides in Twin Falls, Idaho surrounded by tall cornstalks (she's convinced they're full of secrets). She lives with her husband Justin and daughter Hensley, and her two cats Christmas and Molly.
There is no parking lot, only a little sloped road. My feet hit the grey-blue pebbles. The sky is the same color as the pebbles. I can hear the constant sound of the of the waterfall in the distance. The air is crisp. I stroll down the slope with my hands dug into my sweatshirt pocket.
There is my destination— a mass of water arcing into a large plunge pool below.
Once down the slope, I lift my leg to swing over the cement partition and then the other. I wonder if this is trespassing, because if it isn’t, why in the world haven’t they made it safer? The path is awkward boulders, shifting rocks, and slippery mud. I vaguely wonder if small, fuzzy animals will attack me from the surrounding bushes and overgrown trees as I descend.
There is self-doubt involved as I descend: Am I too old for this? Why didn’t I choose to do something easier? Why did I wear these shoes? I test a rock to see if it moves under my foot. I take two quick steps through a deeper muddy patch. I place a hand on the top of a boulder to steady myself. I move until I’m standing on flat ground again. I don’t glance behind myself because I don’t want to think about going back up again.
I’m mindful of my steps because the smooth, rocky ground is a miniature river system winding and curving under my feet. The big waterfall is a loud, pounding sound that quiets the mind and sooths the soul. This waterfall isn’t as big as others in the world, but it’s conveniently six minutes from where I live. I stand behind the curtain of water, eyes wide— alive.
I turn my back to the waterfall. I find many magical, miniature waterfalls and tiny caves covering the entire expanse of the high cave-like wall. I imagine a community of fairies must live in the small caves. They probably only come out when everyone is gone. Although, I wonder if I stood there long enough, believed in them enough— if I might see one someday.