In her dream, her eyes scanned the trees, expecting him, knowing all

the while what would come of it. She cast her eyes over her shoulder,

surveying the familiar scene behind her. Her sad blue eyes drifted over the

surface of the ocean as they took in the dazzling colors of the reflected

setting sun, never really seeming to see. With a sigh, she turned back to

the woods. A few silent tears fell down her cheeks while she watched him

approach. A gentle breeze ruffled his black hair, and she smiled faintly in

remembrance as her brown hair danced on the wind. He smiled that

wonderful smile of his in response, and her heart began beating wildly.

Finally, after what seemed like years, the man reached her. They stood

silently looking into each other's eyes. "I've missed you," he whispered as he

took her into his arms.

Silently she slipped her arms around his waist. Tears now ran freely

down her face, sparkling like gems in the light of the setting sun. "Why

are you crying?" he asked quietly.

"I've missed you more than you could ever know," she replied, her heart

aching. Leaning her head on his shoulder, her tears soaking into his shirt,

they silently watched the sun sink lower into the horizon. As the sky

darkened, she tightened her hold. Once more she looked into hishazel eyes,

wishing they could stay like that forever, but knowing that they couldn't.

Once more she whispered those words she hoped he would never forget, but

knew he would, "I love you more than anything, forever and a day."

"I love you, too," he replied softly with a confused smile. She closed

her eyes, praying it wouldn't happen. Her blue eyes snapped open as she

felt the familiar, sickening lurch as she tumbled over the cliff. With

tears flowing freely, she watched him turn and walk away as though nothing

had ever happened. The rocks at the cliff's base approached faster, rushing

up to meet her, but she never uttered a word. She just cried and cried...

She bolted upright in bed with a choked sob, tears streaming down her

cheeks even now. Silently, she reached into the top drawer of her nightstand. Her

hand grasped a tattered, folded piece of paper,slightly yellowed around the creases.

As gently as she could with shaking hands, she unfolded it and took out the silver

ring. It glimmered dimly in the moonlight as she rolled it in her hands, feeling every

curve and edge. Once again, he was so close, yet so far away. Only a phone call,

an IM, 4 hours away. The ring was clasped in one hand; the other lingered

hesitantly over the phone. A moment more was spent in this position, the soft

moonbeams outlining her figure through the window. With a sigh, she

withdrew her hand. She'd spent two years without him, she could go on

without interrupting his life now. She didn't want to ruin anything he had

now. Once more she sat staring out her window, the only ones to witness her

tears the moon and stars.