Background: Charlotte might not like my posting of this piece, but it holds very good memories for me. I guess there's really not much more background that I can give.
Written: 4-6-01, In my work office shortly after living the actual story.
She was awake when I slowly got up to get dressed. At least I think she was because her breathing changed suddenly and wasn't as deep as before. Maybe she just turned her head in her sleep, it was too dark in the bedroom to tell. I've noticed that she breaths easier on her side than on her back.
I reached over to the window sill for my glasses and put them on, although it didn't help much in the darkness. I tried to rely on what I remembered of her room and what was laying out the night before so as not to step on anything important.
I made very little noise getting dressed (If not for my belt buckle there'd been none at all). I remember double checking my pager to make sure I wouldn't leave it behind, and then using the light on it to figure out her Alarm Clock and change the alarm back to her normal time so she could get just a little more sleep.
Then I made my way to the living room. Everytime I opened a door I was afraid of waking her, so I didn't close the bedroom door back all of the way because I knew I'd be back in just a few minutes.
I sat down on the couch and reached for my shoes. Before putting them on I turned my head to look at her cat, a dark shadow which was perched on the highest part of the couch watching me with little interest. But I knew him better. If I sat there for more than a minute he'd get up, walk over, and beg for attention. I looked back down and slowly put my shoes on. I didn't feel completely awake yet, but I knew that given the chance I'd find it hard to fall back to sleep.
Upon returning to the bedroom I noticed that her position on the bed had slightly changed, she was now laying on her side and breathing quieter. Only part of her head and left arm existed outside of the covers. I slowly brushed my fingers over the side of her face to move her hair, I leaned over and softly kissed her temple.
Before leaving I covered the rest of her exposed arm with the blanket and made sure to close the bedroom door all of the way as her cat would most certainly accidently wake her.
I remembered how to use her locks from the morning before so before I closed the front door behind me I set the doorknob to stay locked. I walked off towards my car, but before unlocking it I stopped and looked around…
Two cars drove by the house during that time, heading towards the highway. It was a subtle reminder that the world was still turning, life was continuing on. I figured that since time wasn't going to stand still for me I'd better get moving.
I unlocked my car, sat down, and started it up. The road that lay before me now could be long or short, bumpy or smooth. The majority of it depends on me, and a dear friend of mine. I have things to sort out on my own and she does too. We both have the means to build this road together or seperately.
I guess only time and the decisions that we make will tell.