The Meeting

It was a cool bright Fall afternoon. The chill in the air made her pull her cardigan closer around her. Maybe she had underestimated the change in weather. Should she have brought a jacket? The falling leaves had changed color and were blowing in the breeze camouflaging the path that she was trying to follow. He had promised her he would be there waiting. She could feel her pulse quicken as she followed the all to familiar way; the twigs breaking under her feet. It had been many months since they had last met and she could not wait to see him again. She pushed the branches out of her way as she walked. Her heart felt as though it would leap out of her chest. She could see the opening ahead. 
She broke through and saw the river spread wide in front of her. It never failed to take her breath away. Its gray color told the world of the windy night that was in store. The shore was in rougher shape than the last visit covered in fallen trees and drift wood. It made their spot even more intimate almost like a privacy fence separating it from the rest of the beach. She scanned the shore looking for him. Then she spotted him sitting on a log staring out onto the river. She was anxious to see him but didn’t want to disturb his thought. She walked slowly towards him wondering what was on his brain. He heard her approaching and turned to look at her. His face was rough and wrinkled from the years, but he was still the handsome man she had fallen in love with years ago. 

“How was your trip?” He asked. “Did you have a good flight?” 

“It was smooth; a little traffic but nothing major.” 

She hated the small talk that always started their visits. She rushed to hold him then felt a shyness over take her. She blushed and he grabbed her turning chin so that he could look into her eyes. They had not changed at all over the years. The dark green sent his mind reeling. He brushed her graying hair out of the way so that he could stare some more. Her blushing deepened. He kissed her softly and then grabbed her hand. “Come on we better have our walk before the sun sets. The cold air will bite tonight.” The two hold hands and she leans into him as they walk down the beach. The landscape had changed only slightly over the years. The crunch of the oyster shells under their feet as they walk towards the small cottage that was theirs for the weekend. The old trees leaning over the water because the surf had washed away their foundations. Many had given way and created obstacles for the couple to reach their destination. The waves had softened their rough edges making them a part of the river. They continued down the beach taking their time absorbing every precious minute they had together. They pause as they see the cottage sighing in unison wishing the walk had been longer. He grabbed her hand and pulled her up to the lawn. He held her close, kissing her, and starting their weekend. “I’ve missed you, love.”

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