Away from his wife so long, he almost forgot the sweet smell of her hair and the soft touch of her skin. Looking in her teary eyes, he cursed himself for not being able to come back earlier. With a gentle stroke of his finger, he carefully wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. A gust of wind blew through the open doorway, threatening to put out the fire. Yearning to hold his wife longer, he reluctantly went to close the wooden door. Seeing a mixture of happiness and sadness on his love's face, he could not help but let out a small chuckle as he held his dearest close to him. After many years of being away, the small hut was almost the same as when he had left. No one believed he would come back; no one except his loving wife who never gave up hope. Dearly, he held her even closer, hoping to never have to let go. For a few minutes, they quietly sat, watching the fire. Only after she looked at him with warm eyes, gave him a small kiss on his cheek and let out a tiny giggle, did he also smile and begin the tale of his adventures. Right outside, a storm began, but the two lovers were oblivious to the turmoil. Every so often, he paused in his storytelling, holding his wife, just a little bit tighter, telling her that he loved her. Vanishing, he told her, was the only way he could keep her safe. Even though he told her everything, shared everything with her, he could not tell her of the whole danger, which threatened the both of them. Rolling thunder sounded, as if the danger was coming.


[dedication page]
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