Erik and Christine were barely awake. Erik was softly humming a tune in Christine's ear as he let his fingers wander through her soft brown hair. Christine was curled up at his side, one arm slung over his waist, her head lying on the center of his chest. Aside from the soft tune Erik was humming, no sounds disturbed them, no light other than the flicker of the candle in the room. It was a quiet, gentle peace that had settled over the two of them. A still contentment that could only be found in each other's arms.
"Christine?" She turned her head and propped herself on one arm, chin now in her hand. "Yes?" "What was your mother's name?" Christine smiled at Erik, pulling herself so she could nestle her head at the side of his neck. "My mother….her name was Katherine." Christine began delicately running her fingers across the expanse of Erik's chest. "Why do you ask?" Christine's interest now peeked. "I was thinking…you started me thinking…that would be a wonderful name for a girl." Christine tightened the grip of her arm around Erik's waist. "I'm so glad to hear that you are now sharing my dream." She said with excitement in her voice.
"I know in my heart that it will happen someday Erik. I am anxious for you to have a daughter to love, and a son to teach. Alas, we will have to be patient." Christine sounded like she was pouting a bit. "Christine, it seems almost foolish to think of this now, I know….but I know that we will one day have to have a proper home for you, and for our…family. I am not certain where we will make our home, but it does give us something to think about, dream about. I fear we may spend many months traveling, until we can find a place where we will not be questioned, but accepted." Erik said, gently rubbing Christine's shoulder. "I know, it will all come in time." Christine said.
Christine stretched, pulling her arms above her head, and up around Erik's neck. "My dear husband. I've done nothing for you today…you've been the one to take care of all of our needs." Erik smiled up at her satisfied that he'd provided for her as she came to her elbow once again. "May I do something for you?" Christine said with a smile crossing her face. "My dear, whatever you wish for I am yours." Erik looking a bit confused, but agreeing to trust her.
She gently reached under his back and began to roll him over to his stomach. Erik had never allowed his back to be turned to anyone, he felt far too vulnerable. He would fight his need to roll back over, to maintain eye contact; he had to trust her.
Christine gently slid a blanket under Erik's chin, and turned his head slightly to the side. "Christine, I…" "Shhh now. I am not going to hurt you, actually, I am hoping to bring you some relief." Christine placed her soft hands at the top of Erik's neck. She began to gently massage each tender muscle, feeling the tension that had been built from days of toil, and years of worry. Her hands traveled down his back, vertebrae by vertebrae. Coming to his shoulders she worked tenderly on each one, until she could begin to feel his muscles relax. She cradled each of his arms in her hands, carefully massaging the bicep, forearm, wrists, fingers. She swirled her index finger in the center of each of his palms, tracing the curve of his lifeline. Her hands glided to his back and worked her way all the way down each leg. She massaged each foot carefully, gently.
When she was finished, she gently ran her fingers up and down lightly on his back. Bringing herself to rest next to Erik on the pillow. He had slipped into a peaceful sleep, at the tender touch of his gentle wife. She smiled as she looked at his sleeping face, hoping that he was comfortable…and content.
As he had dozed off, Eric could never remember a sweeter thing that anyone had done for him. He had promised to let her love him, help him feel whole. Slowly she was cracking that exterior wall he had painstaking built to keep the world out. She was piercing it with her goodness, her compassion, and her love.