Somewhere In Time

The fireplace was lit and the room was warm. She lay on his chest, under the blanket, within his arms. They liked to lay on the floor by the fire. The lights were long gone. Flames from the fire and scattered candles allowed them to see. All they needed to see was each other. All they needed was to know the other was there.

The two 22 year olds lay together, intertwined, breathing synonymously. Her nose got tingly and her throat developed a lump the size of her fist. What was she to do when he leaves her? Who would she lay with? Who would keep her warm?

She tried to hold back the tears, but the tingling grew stronger. He knew. He kissed her hair to let her know it was ok to cry. He was crying too.

She sat up and looked directly at him. Her hair fell over her shoulders and across her face. She placed her unsteady hand on his chest and traced his collar bone. He reached for his camera and smiled. He just wanted a few more pictures. He could never get enough.

She lay on the hard floor and moved slowly as he captured the beautiful images of his angel. She closed her eyes and imagined them together one last time. That’s all she could ask for.

The series of photos would accompany him on his journey. When the days were hot and the nights were long, he would look at them, admire them, long for her touch. Long for her scent, long for her kisses.

It was 13 months last time, it would be longer this time.

She sat up and he continued. Every moment was perfect.

He would miss her laugh, her smile, her eyes. He would miss how she looked up at him in the morning. He would miss calling her at 2 in the morning to bother her. Although it was no bother at all. He would miss hearing about her days at work, the lives she saved, the one’s she lost.

He would miss hearing her sassy sarcasm and her witty jokes. His favorite was to hear her opinion on a subject she was passionate about. He loved seeing her passion.

She would miss more. His hands, smile, positivity, jokes, comfort, warmth. His concern, interest, attention. His beautiful mind, his beautiful soul.

They thought the world of each other, and now were going to be worlds apart.

He snapped the last few photos and motioned her to rejoin him by the fire. He took her head in his hands and mouthed I love you to her.

When they arrived at the airport the next morning, he did the same. Wiped her tear, mouthed I love you, and marched away. He marched into her heart like a firecracker, and marched out the very same way.

That night, she sat by the fire. Alone this time. Thinking about him. Missing him.