As the evening winds stilled, he stood in the dark upon the widow's walk, listening to her tearful call, her pleading to have him understand, to return to her. As much as he ached for her, wanted to sooth her anxieties, he found it possible to resist. He had offered her his home, his regard and silently his love, yet she could not honor this important part of his past.
How would they go forward without that mutual feeling of balance, of respect? She cared, he was sure of it, and he had faith they would find their way, somehow.