One Breath - Works by Dashawn

One Breath was a phrase handed down from my grandmother. She would always tell me "God gives you one breath, Son, don't let anyone take that from you!" I watched how she lived her life, fearless, beyond the expectations of others, taking chances and risks beyond her comfort zone.

One Breath is based on a true story of a young girl, who, in 1958, was arranged to marry an older, successful man chosen by her parents, but ran away to live with her One Breath. Her bravery shifts the destiny of her family for generations.

How will you live your One Breath?

19-year-old Tavin is on a train from Wilsonville, Idaho, to Seattle, Washington. He is on a journey to find 21-year-old Nora, whose letters rescued him from the most challenging year of his life. On the train, Tavin is seated next to 78-year-old Charlie, who has taken this train ride every year for the past 60 years. Tavin believes he is seated next to a stranger but will discover his connection to Charlie is essential to finding himself. For 60 years, Charlie has kept a secret from his family. He has waited for this moment to tell Tavin the story that will alter both their lives.

SETTING
September 6th, 2019
Seattle Train Station – Arrival

"Charlie rested his bifocals atop his salted hair and placed the National Geographic magazine on his seat. He shifted to the center aisle, allowing Tavin to exit row 29. Tavin gathered his backpack from under the seat. Inching toward Charlie, he knocked the cap from the head of the male passenger sitting in front of him. He excused himself and continued toward the center aisle. Both men stood in the aisle, uncertain of the appropriate salutation. It was their first awkward moment since Tavin boarded the train eight hours earlier. Charlie extended his right hand. Tavin stared at Charlie's age-spotted hand, recalling how Charlie clutched his hand five seconds longer than usual during their initial greeting. This time, however, Tavin hugged the older man with both arms. Charlie wrapped both arms around Tavin, whispering: “Let nothing deter you from finding love, Tavin. Love is paramount!” Tavin did not respond, but their embrace spoke louder than words. They broke from their hug at the demand of hurried passengers behind them.

Tavin wove his arms through the straps of his backpack, turned, and walked down the center aisle, exiting the train. Charlie moved to his seat, 29C, allowing passengers behind him to exit the train. He peered through the window at Tavin as he maneuvered through the Seattle train station. Making his way through the sea of passersby, Tavin glanced back at the train, wondering how a chance seating assignment had shifted his destiny? Or had it been by chance? Fixated on the possibility of finding Nora, Tavin reflected on Charlie’s last words. “Let nothing deter you from finding love, Tavin. Love is paramount," he repeated. Tavin knew he was on the right journey."