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She felt the muscles in her shoulders, lengthen, and then relax as she dropped her arms by her sides.

Another long day was in the books. Now, she was ready to enjoy an evening paddle in her kayak

before bed. She fantasized about taking a hot shower afterwards,

wrapping her hair and sinking into bed. By the time she returned home, the dryer would be finished

making her sheets warm and toasty. She smiled at the thought. The sound of a tail thumping on the

wood floor reminded me of that her bull Terrier Nala was ready to get going. She reassured the dog

that they would be on their way soon. The Terrier gave a grumbling complaint, sank to the floor

dramatically and laid her head on her front paws. Mia chuckled, shook her head at the dog,

and finished her preparations. Nala could be such a diva when she wanted to be. Mia thought with a smile.

Spying her hat dangling from a hook across the room, she walked over to retrieve it.

Hanging next to the hat was her uncle's compass. She took hold of it on impulse. You never know

when a compass would come in handy. Her uncle always said. He'd given it to her as a housewarming

gift last year. She remembered he was a little hesitant at the time. It was as though he wanted her

to have it, and yet there was a part of him that didn't want to let go. But reluctance only showed

on his face for a moment. Then he flashed his reassuring smile and handed it to his favorite niece.

He told her the compass would guide her wherever she most needed to go. At the time, she thought it was a sweet gift,

but she always wondered if there was more to it than met the eye. She looped the chain the compass

...