Star Light, Star Bright
Prologue
The first thing that occurred to him upon waking was the sunlight filtering through the blinds on the window opposite the bed. So strong was the illumination on his closed lids that he thought better of even starting to open his eyes just yet, not wanting to be blinded by the light, like the old song. Ha! He was the least musical of his family, but even here music invaded his thoughts.
Cradled by the pillow under his head and shoulders, he sank even further into it. It exuded feelings of undeniable comfort, perpetual warmth, ultimate contentment; indeed, a shield between him and the incessant cares of his world. He needed to indulge himself with one, imagined dancing through all of his dreams and waking up every day a happy man. Not that he was not already, but … well … the memories it would stir! He grinned, sleepily, slyly.
But was it really the pillow or the company? She stirred. He reached out an arm to pull her close. He focused his thoughts back to her, to last night, to their waking during the night to start all over again. Ah …
Slumber ended about noon. He had overslept but did not care, reasoning he needed a break every now and again. It was Sunday, damn it, a day his family set aside as much as possible for rest. He would miss church, but that was okay. She made the day worth it. Maybe one Sunday he would take her to services or … dare he think maybe even go further than that? Nah, too soon to think about a lifetime. They had breakfast, or was it lunch? No matter.
Finally dressing in late afternoon, he prepared to take his leave. Their fourth date, it was the longest time they had spent together. Feelings on both sides heightened, they seemed in harmony with each other. But he had responsibilities at home, and like it or not, needed to attend to them. The weekend, though, was only five days away, and they could talk in a couple days to make plans for it.
So, he left. He would endure the good-natured ribbing from some of his family members and anger from others at his being away so long. And while he enjoyed her immensely, he also knew deep down he needed to put space between them.
