He swooped her up in the midst of the stormy darkness, carried her away to a remote barren place, and left her there. She had no way of knowing whether he would reappear. Her tears mingled with raindrops, misting the dirt she lay upon until the stars melted into radiant sunshine. A lush meadow sprung to life out of the freshly watered earth. During the early morn, a rainbow dusted the verdant carpet with ambrosial columbines.

She gazed up into his penetrating ebony eyes. Her love had returned.

He held her closely and tenderly brushed his finger across her flushed cheek. She smiled and said “Darling, I want to stay here forever.” He replied, “My darling, forever is now.”

©Nancy J. Walker