Autumn Stops the Sky from Moving

I sat next to him, happy for some company, and gripping his hand, a small gesture, but one that said "I'm happy you're here, I'm happy we're here, and I don't want this to end." I was never sure if he did this with all of his friends who happened to be girls, or if he actually liked me. I sighed and breathed into his shoulder, my head just under his, I guessed it didn't matter. I knew it would end. I knew it would end soon, and I would drive away and maybe I'd see him tomorrow or the next day, but every time was always different but for the only thing that always stayed the same: I never wanted it to end. 1

Flames reached toward the sky, enveloping brush and branches and other miscellaneous kindling we had thrown onto the pile. Out in the country, the sky stretched on for miles. In the distance I watched the clouds moving, bowing to fit the shape of the earth, the same way he bent his fingers in, to fit between mine. We didn't speak for some time, just sitting there, watching the world pass by. 2

Alone, we were alone in the world, but it was okay because we were alone together. I moved in closer to him, nuzzled my head between his head and his shoulder. His kitten crawled between us, weaving in and out of his arms and mine. "What are you doing, kitty?" I asked, and patted his little head. It looked up to me with shining dark eyes. If only I could break gaze with that kitten and look HIM in the eye. But that was frightening. That was too close. That was too far. For now, holding hands was enough for me. The warmth of his body, the clouds in the sky. Time passed, time passed, and time continued passing.