The world outside the small cave flooded as Max found the deepest and highest point to escape for the night. It was impossible to trek though, and he would just have to wait until it stopped. He had enough oil for his lantern to get him through a few hours, so he could make an area for himself to be comfortable this night. His sleeping mat that he hadn't had use for in years was rolled out onto the floor and he lay on it, relaxing and stretching out. The woods outside were far too soaked for him to attempt to gather fire wood, so he would have to settle for the lanterns glow this evening. Eyes closed, he listened to the pounding of water on rock as it hit the mouth of the cave. It brought him back to a fateful night a few years ago.
Knowing he had nothing better to do with his time, he sat up and dug into his bag, grabbing something to write with. He was going to be late returning to Felix, as usual, but he still thought he should warn her, even if she wouldn't be receiving his message until after he'd already returned. Letting the storm outside fuel his thoughts, he began his newest message to his companion;
Love, do you ever wonder what it would be like going back in time to a specific moment knowing what you know now? If I knew that night in the pouring rain, hearing your fragile voice calling out to us from the darkness. If I knew that wrapping that bandage around your wounded leg, or handing you that cup of hot tea and feeling your cold and shaking fingers accidentally brush against mine would be the first of many gentle touches that we'd share. It's strange to think about, isn't it? Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if you didn't stop and ask us for help. I didn't know it at the time, but that was the beginning of a whole new life for me. If I knew that moment of meeting what I know now, I would have picked you up in my arms and thanked you for how happy you were going to make me. All of this started with a simple sense of purpose and blossomed into something so much more.
Realizing he'd let his heart get carried away with the writing, he shook his head and continued;
But this isn't why I write you. I am going to be late again. I know, you expect nothing less from me with all this traveling. Tonight, I am stuck in the pouring rain, and this poor weather always warms me just a bit because it reminds me of the night we first met. Days like this can bring many people down, or completely ruin any mood. For me, I am lucky to have such a positive memory with something otherwise gloomy. My lantern won't last much longer, so I suppose I'll sleep now. Our warm blankets and pillows will be wonderful after these few nights away.
- Love,
Maximillian
Max saw his lantern dim a little from the corner of his eye, and he packed away his belongings neatly to be sent out the following morning. A crash of thunder startled him a little, but he rolled over on his mat. His clothes were soaked, his bed was hard, and his temporary quarters were cold. However there was nothing but warmth within him as he fell asleep to the sound of the pouring rain.