Duo...

She: knows she's not the girl he fell in love with more than 3 decades ago. Blonde highlights glitter silver/gray. Life's lessons finely drawn at the corner of her eyes. Insecurity nags like a rusty hinge as she realizes the softening of her curves.

He: worries about providing, taking care of her the way he always has. Strains to see the younger man who's reflection once stared back at him in the bathroom mirror. Anxiety resides where confidence was once lived. The confidence born in youth that gets us only so far before it quietly exits like day turning into night.

She: is stronger these days. Children gone, no longer occupying her every waking hour. A career that gives her a different kind of sense of purpose. A confidence new to her, a form of security that she has created for herself. And yet...

He: wishes she'd understand that he shares the same insecurities as she does. Feels the same way that she does about the way life is changing them. Wonders if she understands how he only wants to be happy with her, together facing...

She: her life means nothing without him. Considers it her purpose to be a witness to this man's life. They have grown up together. No one knows her better. He probably knows her better than she knows her own self, though she'd never admit it. Can't imagine going through what lies ahead...

He: sad times and happy times. Watches her as she navigates life's cruel angles. Learns from her how it will feel to accept loss, to handle sadness and grief. Cares only to be with her, to laugh with her but also to catch her tears.

She: needs him to hold on to. Is afraid without him. Knows she can face what lies ahead as long as he is there by her side. Will be there for him when he has to look down this road.

He: hates it when he makes her cry. Admits to her that she's the best thing that's ever happened to him. Loves the life they share together, one that others would judge as being simple. But to him their life is...

She: perfect. Complete. That is their life together in her eyes. Angry at herself for not hearing what he's really trying to say. Wants him to know that when she looks at him she sees...

He: the same girl that he lost his heart to over 35 years ago. That's what he sees when he looks at her. Her laugh, the way she feels when he holds her. If he were to look into a crystal ball, he'd see them together, closer and more in love than he ever imagined. In her eyes he'd see...

She: the same wild, beautiful teenage boy he was when he stole her heart. And she knows he still holds it in safe keeping. Trusts that he'll take care of it, of her, as she looks in his eyes and sees...

forever.

-t.