I woke up and looked to my left. Sitting in the rocking chair was my dear friend, Tumnus the Faun.
"How long have you been here?" I asked sleepily.
"Since last night," Tumnus replied, as he opened his eyes. "Queen Susan sent word that you were ill, and I came immediately to help take care of you." He yawned, then continued. "Pardon me. I've been up the entire night, looking after you."
Smiling softly, I moved over and patted the top of the bed covers. "Come rest."
Tumnus accepted the offer and lay his head upon a pillow. I bit my lip and tried to decide what to do. For several months I had caught myself thinking of Tumnus more than usual. My face would grow warm each time I saw him, and he made my heart beat faster. Now I had a chance to tell him how I felt, and I wasn't sure how to go about it.
"Tumnus, look at me." He did as I asked, and before I lost my nerve, I pushed my lips against his. A few seconds passed, and I felt him pull away.
"What was that?"
His response made me blink. It hadn't occurred to me that fauns may not show affection the same way humans do. I began to stumble over my words, in an attempt to explain my previous action. "T-Tumnus, I'm sorry...It's called a kiss. That's how humans tell another person that they are cared for." I turned my head so that he wouldn't see the tears fall. "But if it makes you uncomfortable, I won't do it again."
Tumnus was silent for a moment. Then I felt his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him, and he moved his hand to my face to wipe away the tears. He finally rested his hand on my cheek, and I reached up to take it. Amidst the pounding of my heart, I heard Tumnus whisper, "It doesn't bother me. Kiss me again."
The tears began again, and as I leaned in to fulfill his request, I wondered why it had taken me so long to express my feelings.
