Our Magnificent Oak

We had found, residing rather deep in the forest, a small alcove lined with mulberry trees. At the center of this alcove grew a magnificent oak, which always gave off the most wonderful of smells - an aroma as pure as nature itself. It was at the base of this oak that we made our refuge from the outside world; a living fantasy born from dreams and raised with compassion. Life was different in that alcove, if only for hours at a time. There were no laws to live by, expectations to meet, or people to please; it was you and I, alone, together, at the base of the oak.

I remember, one early summer morning, an event that had forever changed my life. We had been exhausted, obligations having occupied our previous night, and decided it best to rest ourselves against the oak. I was the first down, gently planting the upper half of my back and head against the bark. Much to my surprise, not four seconds after closing my eyes, did I feel your head rest gently on my chest. You had snuggled up beside me, and decided I would make a comfortable pillow. I didn't mind; the warmth your body gave off was inviting, and your scent, intoxicating. Though initially startled, I quickly grew to enjoy my disposition; I was quite content with being your support, my chest lightly moving your head with each breath I inhaled. Fatigue was quickly catching up with me, however, and with a sigh of satisfaction, I snuggled up against you even tighter, sleep slowly overtaking my eyes.

Our hands were the first thing I noticed upon waking up. Our fingers had become intertwined, our palms gently resting on one another. Looking down, I could see your head was still planted firmly on my chest. Somehow, we'd managed to get even closer together, a hair's length away from embracing the other. Slowly, my fingers began stroking the back of your hand. I could feel your body stirring at the touch, the stimulation slowly waking you up. As you rose from your sleep, so, too, did your head, until it rested itself upon my shoulder. There was nothing more beautiful at that moment than the features of your face, made even more precious by the sleep still lingering in your eyes. "Good morning, love", I whispered gently, our eyes gazing into the vastness of the infinite the other possessed. I caught briefly the slyest of smiles growing across your face, and couldn't stop myself from what would happen next; leaning forward, our lips tingling at the contact with the other, I kissed your lips.