He desired the toll of years on him to go unnoticed

He stayed from telling her for he feared

It would end what had began to swell up in his heart for her

Still she pressed on for the truth, it was important to her

She was important to him and so he gave way to her press

Vingt six, he said.

She walked away

His heart almost sunk

If it were not for her hand that tarried behind waiting for his

Her fingers opened up patient to lace together with his

A gesture he had long looked to its coming

An embrace deep into the soul.