Sunset Lake {h.s.}

*16

Sitting in the garden, Harry and I are a couple of glasses in.

This morning he showed up on my doorstep with flowers and invited me to a picnic in his vineyard. Once we got to the winery he had a basket full of different types of cheeses, crackers, grapes, strawberries, and so much more. He also had a few bottles of wine waiting to be opened by us.

He was so excited as he showed me everything. His face lit up, seeing him this way made my heart explode. Ever since we all went out on that boat I've noticed Harry not being himself. He's been quiet and not the Harry I've come to know.

I was quite surprised to see him this morning. After he told me that he lost someone he shut down. It's become a habit of us seeing each other every day, but today was the first time I saw him in almost a week. I worried about him during the days I didn't see him, but I gave him his space.

After our bath that night we laid in his bed together. His head was on my chest while I ran my fingers through his hair. I remember drifting off to sleep but I was awoken by the sound of silent whimpers. Harry softly cried himself to sleep that night on my chest. My heart broke for him. I continued to comfort him and remind him that I'm right here.

His sunshine faded but today it came back out. I'm hoping it's here to stay.

We walked together through the vineyard, his hand was in mine. He continued to talk about how he loves it out here. Being away from the crowd makes him less on edge. He told me how he was never a big people person. He's polite to others when he's in a social environment, but he chooses to keep to himself.

His favorite thing to do at work was pick the grapes to make his wine. He wouldn't stop talking about how being in his vineyard felt more like home than his actual home. He had this spark in his eye every time he talked about the winery. He was proud of himself for what he achieved.

We finally reached our destination. Harry places a blanket underneath a huge yet beautiful oak tree. The sun poked through the leaves but Harry made sure that we were fully in shade. I turn to see the winery has shrunk in size. You couldn't see anyone anywhere. It was only the two of us out here.

"Would you like some help?" I asked Harry, who was taking food out of the picnic basket.

"Sure love," He says. "Could you cut up some of these cheeses and place them on this board?" I nodded and took the cheeses from his hand.

I sit down on the blanket and begin to cut small pieces of Asiago. I cut them into squares and placed them neatly onto the board. Next, I pick up the mozzarella and pull the slices off. I noticed Harry had some tomatoes next to him so I grabbed one and put it on the board.

I take a napkin and clean off the knife I used to cut cheese with. Taking my free hand I hold the tomato down and begin to slice it. Once finished I take another napkin to clean up the tomato juice that remained on the board. I put it to the side and lay out each tomato.