Sway. The wind touched her face gently; dancing with the stray tendrils of hair that framed her face. Hands clutched at her chest. Lips part at a sigh. The sky was not so much so dark anymore; A blue-ish gray. The air smelled wet; Clean grass. Were things starting to get better? Could it be? Was her heart finally ready to be free...? The small hands gripped tighter. Eyes looked towards the heavens. If so, why the apprehension? Was it so difficult to let in something new? She closed her eyes as sunlight broke through the clouds and kissed her face. She welcomed the warmth with arms wide. The breeze embraced her slight frame, caressing her skin; tenderly almost lovingly. She suddenly opens her eyes and checks herself. The temptation to open up, to give in, to fall in love was sweet, enticing. Being held, being cherished once more... These touched her with a longing. The face that she held in mind was slightly blurred. Like an old painting worn away. She searched her heart, the secret corners that were now quiet; waiting. Eyes widen in sudden surprise when she felt...nothing. Not the pangs of anguish, loneliness or even longing. And with this realization she felt something different. She was frightened.

The girl sat on the grass, hugging her knees. The new stranger. He had made her smile. Made her laugh. More than that, he made her want to give in. To let go of the old, embrace the new. The notion was intensely welcoming. She whispered a prayer to the Spirit, asking wisdom, asking protection of the heart. The answer came swiftly and she nodded, almost regrettably. The God had other plans for her. Not this. Love was not His plan for her right now. She could not love the stranger. It would be foolishness. He could not possibly love her as well.

She got up and brushed love grass off from her skirt. Then, unexpectedly, memory of the old painting came. Along with the hurt that had so often gripped her heart.

And she was glad.