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.