Sliding With You

     The summer sun spun out of sight while mice crept out of their holes to enjoy strawberry banquets beneath wispy willows.

     He’s coming to visit me tomorrow, she thought. The hardest thing I’ve ever done was telling him how I felt. That event will pale in comparison to saying good-bye to him when he has to leave.

     Owls danced in the night air while the moon murmured silent dreams. When we are young, the night seems chilling and terrifying, but as we grow older it acquires a certain ponderous beauty that we associate with secretive trysts and coloured holiday lights.

     “One – two – three – four – five – six – there are six clouds! Why six?”

     “I don’t know, honey,” he said.

     “What are you thinking about right now?” she asked.

     “I’m thinking about how beautiful you are and how much I love you.”

     It’s amazing how quickly time goes by when you’re incredibly happy and with the one you love most. The second hand on the clock ticks ceaselessly, air is exhaled and soft words are spoken, but at some point the peace will be broken.

     “I have to go away,” he said. “I will be back to see you again as soon as I can. I don’t want to leave, and I know that you don’t want me to leave, but I can’t stay here forever.”

     “I know. We will get through this,” she said and smiled through tears.

     Promises are better left unmade and hope nurtured by frequent calls. Even the strongest of love faces challenges, but every bit of pain and struggle is worthwhile and meaningful.