Disclaimer: The Magic Riddle, all related characters, places, and related terms belong to Yoram Gross Films.


A Long-Delayed Picnic

"Phillippe!" Cindy exclaims when she jostles against his chest, instinctively tightening her arms around his neck.

The young man laughs lightly as he carries her, and she relaxes. "I got you, Cindy… Here we are!"

Cindy gasps as she is lowered, the feel of soft grass beneath her. She moves to remove the blindfold covering her eyes, but her hands are caught in strong ones before she can.

"Wait."

Curiosity bubbles up inside her, however the eighteen-year-old claps her hands in her lap, listening to Phillippe as he moves about.

"Now!" he declares a minute later. Coming to stand behind Cindy he pulls off the blindfold.

Water fills her eyes as she squints against the bright sun. Then her vision clears, and she takes in the lovely, familiar lake sparkling in the light.

"Ah…," she sighs.

Then she notices the blue checkered blanket on the ground in front of her, nearly every inch covered with delicious looking food.

"Oh!"

Cindy turns to gaze up at Phillippe who meets her wide-eyed look with a wide grin.

"Phillippe, what is this?" she whispers.

"A picnic!" he replies, seating himself down beside her.

She takes it all in again, delight tugging on the corners of her mouth while confusion furrows her brow. "It looks more like a feast than a picnic!"

"Then, Cindy, it is your feast."

"But what is it for?"

Phillippe's grin fades into something more serious. He lays his hand over hers, gently laces their fingers together.

"Many months ago, I invited you to go on a picnic," he slowly says, gazing deeply into her eyes.

"But…we didn't," she murmurs, the memory flashing back to her as though it had happened yesterday.

Phillippe echoes, "But we didn't. So much happened. It was difficult to see you. Then I almost lost you." He swallows hard, his face becoming pained.

The dark-haired girl brings her free hand up to his cheek. Relief flows through her when he focuses back on her, his expression softening.

"Yet here we are, a happy ending," she reassures, resting her forehead against his.

His smile is tender. "You deserve to be happy."

Cindy blushes and shyly glances away for a second. "Thank you. For the picnic. I love it. I love you, Phillippe."

"And I love you, my Cindy."

Sweetly he kisses his wife, and she smiles against his mouth.

THE END