We're walking, you and I. Chatting incessantly about something that escapes my mind. Sun was beaming. You were beaming. Continuing to walk, we came across a closed section of a mysterious gate. Directly behind it lie several plastic slots with signs and posters to grab for the taking.
I went to grab one, of what it said, I do not know. Arms stretched out between the cracks of the gate, hands trying to grasp a sign, any sign, and nothing. I came up empty. There were no signs within arms reach, but you refused.
Defiantly, you go to hop the gate. As you near the top, about to jump over, your legs became entangled and you began to fall backwards. Without a moment's hesitation, I extended out my arms and caught you in one fell swoop. Make no mistake -- I am no angel, but you are mine. Always will be.
Your feet caught in the gate, still writhing in pain as I hold you. My dear fallen angel. I must set you free so that you may once again take your place amongst the heavens. We pulled and twisted to no avail. Unwavering, we pulled and twisted once more until your shoes were merely nothing more than tattered shreds. But alas, you were finally unbounded by the chains of burden. Alas, you were finally free in my arms.
I am not letting you go. No way. No chance. Dusk is settling in as the once beaming sun slowly starts to concede itself to darkness. Gradually letting go of the pain, you wrap your slender arms around my neck as I carry you away from here.
It's quiet now. My many thoughts and concerns deafens me to the point where I gaze upon your dark-brown eyes and ask with all sincerity, "Are you ok?". Eyes locked. You paused for a brief moment -- then reassured my apprehension with a resounding nod and a soft, delicate peck on the cheek. Touched by an angel, my lips, ever so gently, broke into a tender smile. I can finally exhale.
I must be walking for miles now. Fatigue desperately tries to cast its shadow upon me, but I refuse. Not today. Not with you. Any other day, I might have given in. But not this day. I am not letting you down. All I need is one glance, just one glance into the depths of your eyes, still beaming with energy, to cast out the shadow of fatigue residing in me.
Looking up towards the sky painted burnt orange, I can see it. We are close now -- your house resting softly upon the burnt horizon. "This is it.", as I thought to myself and proceeded to place you down. Standing at this instant, you fixated those majestic eyes on me once more. I can't move. I am completely captivated. It's as if you stripped me of my armor and caught a slight glimpse into the window of my vulnerable soul. Powerlessly, my head fell towards yours. Without saying a word, we both knew.
Perhaps I was the one that's actually been falling all this time?
Delicately lifting those soft, feathery wings of yours, you gracefully reached out with both arms to preclude me from free falling any further. Leaning your head towards mine and embracing my rugged face with those ever supple hands, I raised mine back in return to mirror you. At that precise moment, you echoed words that shook my very foundation.
"I'll always be with you."
And once more as if my knees weren't weak enough.
"I'll always be with you."
I'm overwhelmed. The floating feelings of joy jolting through my veins was met with a bittersweet sense of realization-- it finally dawned on me-- that today and, most importantly, you-- were a fleeting dream.
