“I love you, David. I’m sorry for not telling you, but I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you. I’m sorry I hurt you when all you ever did was love me. I need you to forgive me before . . .” I reached out for David with my left hand, “before it’s over.”

“I’m going to tell you my name, since you’re too shy to ask.”.... “It’s David . . .” He slowly leaned in toward my face, “ . . . and I’m real.”...I suddenly recognized that voice... “I win,” he grinned.”

“I tried opening the door to the car again, forgetting the darned thing would not open. “You need to get this door fixed,” I nagged. “It’s not broken, my lovely,” David grinned. “Then why won’t it open?” “Child locks to keep the princess from opening the door herself.” He gave me a crooked smile. “Oh,” I blushed.”

“Will I be allowed to drive you this afternoon?” David picked at his salad. “Oh, about that . . . I have a doctor’s appointment. I’m riding with Bill and Andy.” David’s eyes narrowed. “Are you ill?” “No.” I was hesitant to tell him I was seeing a psychiatrist. I didn’t want him to think I was a nut job.”

“My Dearest Love, As I sit here writing, I wish nothing more than to have you with me. The days have gone slowly without your tender gaze upon mine. I am weak without you and do not know how I can survive in this state. The scent of your hair, the touch of your lip, the rose of your cheek all lay engraved in my touch, my sight, my scent, my mind and my heart. I am committed to you with all that I am, and I am nothing without you. Tonight I lay awake recounting our lover’s meets and I agonize over the insignificant distance between us. Yet, it so pains me to have you this short distance away. Might I be a fool to feel this way? And if a fool I am, then it is for you; for you would make any man a king’s fool, my queen. I pray thee sleep well, with dreams of your one true love and may he be me, for the love of my eternal life is the one that breathes life into my soul and that is you and only you. I bid thee sweet dreams and sweet kisses on thy cheek and thy lip and thine eyes, that I should be so fortunate to keep them on mine lip every night. Ceaselessly Yours, David Chios”

“I gasped as he tightened his embrace around me.“I’m afraid I’ll never have the opportunity to hold you like this again.” His voice was soft and vulnerable. “You don’t have to let me go . . . ever." David shook his head in denial. “My mind refuses your words, yet my vacant chest welcomes them,” he argued, his face buried in my neck.”

“What’s up with you and that new guy anyway?” Simon watched David leaving the room with contempt on his face. “Nothing.” “Nothing or none of my business?” “Both.” I placed my hand on my chin over the table and pretended he wasn’t talking to me.”