The sun, my bare feet, and the Ceiba tree. I knew I was where I needed to be.

The first place I went when I arrived in Key West was the cemetery. It would be my second above-ground cemetery after St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. As I made my way through the gate, I decided to veer away from the standard entrance path. I turned right and simply started walking. I took my shoes off, and for the first time since the Digori Battlefield, my feet touched the earth. Shortly after, I found a little spot to sit and rest from the relentless heat of the day. I had no particular direction in mind. I just walked, explored, and let the cemetery lead me. And then I walked upon it—the Ceiba tree with the shrine. At that moment, I knew I was on the right path.