The Scent of Mangoes
It was a bright, sunny day, quite contrary to those the survivors had encountered in the weeks before. It was the first day in three weeks that the sun had chosen to push the clouds aside and brighten the island. Which quite relived everyone.
As Charlie pushed through the thick undergrowth, headed to the caves, he could distinctly make out the scent of mangoes hanging in the air. He smiled, knowing she was nearby.
Charlie stepped out of the forest, only to be greeted by Claire, who wore a brilliant smile…and smelt of mangoes. Charlie smiled and stepped forward to hug her, then leaned down to place a playful kiss on her pregnant belly.
"How's my darling?" He asked her, grinning.
"Quite well, thank you," Claire told him jokingly, taking his hand.
"That's what I wanted to hear," Charlie said, squeezing her hand.
Claire smiled again, her blonde hair falling into her eyes.
Charlie and Claire stepped over to the clear pool of water as Charlie knelt to refill his empty canteen.
Claire trailed her fingers over the surface of the water, marveling at the ripples it created as Charlie watched her, a grin on his face.
"Pretty is it?" He quipped, watching her reaction.
She turned her head to look at him, a faint smile gracing her bright face.
"It is."
Charlie loved the way Claire appreciated the smallest things. But he loved her more.
He leaned forward to hug her again, burying his face in her hair. He took a deep breath.
"You smell pretty," he sighed, smoothing her hair.
Claire giggled and pulled back to look at him.
"What do I smell like?" She asked.
"Mangoes. Pretty mangoes. But not as pretty as you," he told her honestly.
Claire grinned and lifted her hand to rest on Charlie's cheek.
"Thank you," she told him. She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
Charlie was grinning from ear-to-ear when she pulled away.
"Well," she began. "We'd better be getting back."
Charlie nodded and they stood, setting off into the forest, and leaving the scent of mangoes in their wake.
Complete