Of the things he knows about himself, one is that he is shy. When meeting somebody new, he cannot seem to find his tongue; when pushed from his box of familiarity, his words stick and run together into silence. He cannot help feeling terrified at the idea of newness, at the thought of trying something different. He is quiet and eyes the people around him with timid envy.
She is bright, happy and outgoing. She creates her own joy in everything around her, taking rain and molding it to a shower she wanted. He is in awe of this, of her ability to push and nudge the world to be what she wants, or at least to be something with which she can be content. He wishes for her control, for her easy capability.
When she notices the silent stranger in the church, under the pastor's wing, she is intrigued. Who could he be, and why is he so sad? She wants to cup that sorrow in her hands like water, drink it down to relieve him of it and to gain a little solemnity in her silly little life. She comes to think daily about his dark dark eyes and the grief pooled deep in them. She comes to wish for his hand to reach out and brush hers. She learns from his sobering eyes that not all things must be loud and bright, and so she calms a little from day to day, just enough to make her think before she speaks.
He learns from her, too, learns from her that happiness comes from wanting something enough.
When he is brave enough to reach out and take her hand, she and he make the church glow softly with their joy.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
This one goes to Saltypepper, who requested this couple and also reviewed. Thank you, Saltypepper! The couple is… Cliff and Ann, from Friends of Mineral Town! I love this couple so much, and felt so guilty in More Friends when I married Cliff and denied Ann her hubby. Still, who can resist a shy, pony-tailed loner? Ah, Cliff… *smiles goofily*