All around me, the sky with its deep shade of dark.
The stars.
--"Tenderness" by Lisa Zaran--
Becky watched the sedan leave the parking lot, her face on fire and her heart thundering. Her skin tingled from where she'd felt his kiss on her jaw. Her lips buzzed from touching his. They had been so soft and warm. Her chest fluttered at the thought of him responding, though he hadn't.
"One day, I promise I'll repay you more appropriately…"
Those words of his echoed in her mind and she shook her head, bringing herself back to reality for a moment. She realized she was cold. The cool air of the evening was blowing though the parking garage and the rain was still falling hard. It reverberated off the cement walls as Becky finally pulled herself to move, placing her cane before her each step. She stared at in and suddenly was struck with awe.
Did Jonathan really like her, despite the cane? He never asked why she used it, never said a word. He just accepted it. She paused. He accepted her, her heart warmed even further. Now along with the fear and excitement for Monday morning another emotion took root.
Acceptance, someone finally accepted her without judgment. Her affection for Jonathan grew. She prayed by Monday he wouldn't rethink his vow, and yet her stomach was alit with the prospect with just how he was going to repay her and how long she'd have to wait.
But his eyes had promised her and his mouth was inviting. And most importantly his heart was open. She smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. She looked like a drowning victim, she was soaked and freezing; but she'd never felt happier in her life.