First Kiss

He'd traveled time and distance to meet her.  He first saw her sitting on the bench outside the restaurant where they'd planned to meet.  Later he would tell her, he knew their meeting was going to be good.  That was confirmed at first embrace:  Gentle, slightly tense, but a feeling like coming home.  All the anxiety of this initial face-to-face meeting yielded slowly and was replaced with a comfort neither had felt in some time.

They took each other in, exploring one another's features.  Lovely, he commented; you look good, she told him.

This is how their first day together would go:  A gentle inquiry into each other's place of thought.  Navigating comfortably around each other's physical being.  Holding hands, replete with soft caresses.

Early in their time together they found their way to a nearby park, where he lavished her with thoughtful birthday gifts, each one significantly marking the fact he'd been attentive as she had revealed likes, preferences, and things that brought her delight.  His presents were both  considerate and practical; characteristics that mattered to her.  In her characteristically demonstrative manner, she requested permission for a small kiss to express her thanks and appreciation; he willingly obliged and there it was - their first kiss.

It would not be their last, for during the remainder of their time together they would seek opportunities to once again come close in a tender embrace, holding one another cautiously yet firmly.  This was fresh for both of them and they neither wanted to mar the occasion nor move beyond the propriety of their early relationship.

He was quiet.  Far more more quiet than his "talkative" letters had been.  In days past, she may have been uncomfortable in that sparseness of speech, but not with him; his company provided a tranquility that settled her spirit.  Just to be, in each other's presence, was a sweet gift.

Their time together was brief yet full.  They loathed saying 'good-bye' despite knowing it was inevitable.  They could each imagine their next meeting:  More familiarity, more comfort, more connection... oh, let those days move swiftly by!  Not five minutes lapsed from their moment of departure before he let her know his thoughts:  He was already missing her.  Her response, with a heavy sigh:  And I, you.