The Summer Solstice

Overcast sky, tornado watches all around the Metro, dew point so close to the actual temperature that sweat slides down my back in an unrelenting stream of salt.

Holding hands, we walk around the lake, impressed by the sheer aloneness we feel in this city.  Everyone has been scared inside by the Armageddon forecasts, but we walk.  Our sweaty hands soon drop to our sides as we continue on, occasional words spoken, side glances given, and smiles exchanged.

It's not the first time we've been here.  Our lives up in the air, exciting phone calls made, the waiting game being played out.  We've been married over three years and the entire time we've been on the edge of building something that has slipped away just at the moment we most needed it.  But today we are happy with what we have. 

We have afternoon walks together. We have evenings curled up on the couch together, reading and flirting with my legs thrown across his lap. We have lazy mornings together, lingering minutes over breakfast, playfully kicking one another under the table.  We have bike rides to the grocery store to  pick up just one lemon.  We have homemade baked goods.  We have parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme growing in our window boxes.  We have time. 

He stops suddenly and turns to me.  I know his question without any words.  I would be here.  Always here.  Because I am with you.