May 13th, 2015

      "But," he grinned, "All is as it should be." He touched my face tenderly with the tips of his fingers.

      Even then, I knew he didn't really mean it. Deep inside, I realized he would give up everything to have her back. I was young, but not oblivious. Just today, although he laughed as we played together, I saw his eyes travel towards the grassy slope and linger on the solitary tree where the monument stood camouflaged in its shade. For a few moments, he would lose himself to random memories, and a dark shadow would pass over his face. I never interrupted his silence. I knew he needed those few precious seconds to be with her.