The hotel room's dim lighting gave only the barest outline of her, but that's all I needed.

She was beautiful, too beautiful for the light's negligence to hide.

Her straight figure, the sharper features of her face.

The low lamp behind her let me know that her dress was her favorite color, green.

She opened her arms and begged me to come closer.

Come, she said, so sweetly, come here. I've missed you, I said, taking my first steps forward.

Are you real? Come closer, she said. Come to me. My doubts were forgotten. Her voice was so soothing,

her arms so open. There was nothing I could do but rush into them. My arms wrapped around her

with ferocity I hardly knew I was capable of. And into her shoulder, I openly wept.

I missed you so much.

I was barely able to get out.

Every moment of every day, I have missed you.

I've missed you too.

Stay with me.

I nodded without questioning.

I'll stay.

Good, she said, as I ran my hand through her hair, holding her face close to mine, tears,

streaking down my cheeks.

I couldn't believe it was her.

I couldn't believe I was seeing her again.

Never leave me, she said.

I shook my head.

...