A Time For Everything: Revisited

By Chris Clark Davidson

"If only there was a way to span time..."
In his futuristic society, genuine emotion, love, and laughter had ceased to exist.
Sadly, he was reminded of this tragic fact every single day.
Marc Matrix was a man born in the wrong century.
One day he happened upon the private journals of a woman with a kindred spirit.
Suddenly, everything changed. It was the ideal relationship in every way, except for one thing.
She was not there with him, having died about 100 years before.
He vowed to find her, though. Some how, some way, he would make it happen.
But if he could accomplish the impossible, would the astronomical differences of their two cultures, and a violent former lover, threaten their very existence?
Love knows no bounds, however. It cannot be stopped by distance or time.
What seems impossible, somehow becomes the possible.
"There truly is... a time for everything."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Clark Davidson
• Release date: May 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463422830

Chris Clark Davidson

Chris has always been interested in story-telling and through the years, she has used this penchant to accomplish many things. From term papers to 'Local Slice of Life', newspapers, magazines and an interview on "Its A Miracle", her stories have been distributed far and wide.The time-travel concept has always been fascinating, so it is no surprise to anyone who is acquainted with her, that these stories would center around that theme. If in the process, you add in a moonlight and roses romance plus a touch of life, then you have created a mysterious and thrilling love story that will captivate its readers.She has always believed that story telling is not only a gift, it can actually be a tool for helping others. If you can sweep someone away from their problems for a few minutes, someone who may be bogged down in this world by life’s pressures, you have accomplished much.She welcomes people to the world of her imagination.

Book preview

Time For Everything - Revisited

Copyright 2016 Chris Clark Davidson

Published by Chris Clark Davidson at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Foreword

There is a time for everything

A time to be born

A time to heal

A time to build

A time to laugh

A time to dance

A time to embrace

A time to gain

A time to keep

A time of peace

And a time to love.

There is a time for everything

— based on Ecclesiastes 3

***

The names of all characters in this work of fiction are fictitious. If the name of any person (or persons), living or deceased have been duplicated, it is purely coincidental.

***

2nd edition

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Prologue

If only there was a way to span time...

The year was 2124. Technology and travel capabilities seemed to know no bounds. But would he be able to push technology that one step beyond? Could he accomplish the ultimate journey?

But he was an inventor, inventing was his way of life. In fact, at the young age of 30, Marc Matrix was famous for his preternatural inventions. He often found his own solutions to life’s far-fetched peculiarities. This was not unusual.

Facing such an inconceivable yet visionary enterprise, he determined that nothing would be gained by not making the attempt. He set his jaw and locked himself in his workshop. Sitting down with one of his greatest creations, the Electronic Brain — his super processor — he worked feverishly. Attempting to draw plans for the invention of a lifetime would take every mental resource he could utilize, and then some.

It was the impossible, but could it actually be done?

He made many sketches, both on his processor and on paper. He jotted down so many calculations that to the normal observer, it could have resembled doodling. Satisfied, he continued his work.

The next stage was to draw up the blueprints, then things began to fall into place. He scrutinized his work meticulously, and when he was satisfied, he immediately started the simulations.

Procuring and assembly of his materials followed. He spent long hours with electronic components. Ordering some of the essential elements slowed his progress at times, yet this only motivated him to build non-stop once they arrived. He ofttimes worked around the clock following his acquiring the vital hardware he needed. He would refuse to sleep and sometimes would only take a break to eat when the cavernous ache within his stomach threatened him with illness. He was driven to the point of frenzy, in his obsession with the task at hand.

Each time he completed a phase of the assembling, he put each constituent through various stress tests, checking each one thoroughly. They passed the simulations, but would they be able to withstand the incredible strain actual time-breaching would place on it?

Many months had passed by, but he was unaware of the passage. He had labored until the unit was complete and all simulations cleared. Very soon he would be equipped to go, and he was more than ready. It meant traveling back to a time where life, love, and real emotion was the norm. It was a place where he knew he was meant to be.

If he made it, of a certainty, he would not wish to return. Bearing this in mind, he quickly made his departure arrangements.

As he strapped himself in, his mind flashed back to how it all began.

***

History had been his enthusiasm for as long as he could recall. From his youth, his obsession or thirst for this knowledge could not be quelled. In fact, he gained and preserved everything ‘old’ he could acquire. He loved history so much more than the present, and sometimes he even felt that he was a throwback to at least a hundred years prior. When he had the opportunity to purchase a house which was centuries old, he hesitated not even a second.

He began to rummage around, poking about in even the most remote corners of an old, partially renovated barn on the premises. In there he found treasures thrust aside — discarded — in odd places. It was perfect. Soon, though, his interest in the past sparked in another direction; he was no longer limited to just ‘vintage things’.

She was not notable and did not have historic significance. She was someone he learned about quite by accident. There were some old journals, found in the corner of the lower loft in his barn, wedged between two beams. They were yellowed, aged and fragile, an amazing find. He was astonished that they had not been discovered previously. It was obvious that some of them had been there for over a hundred years, and the pages instantly captured his attention.

With care, he read about the hopes and dreams of a woman from the past. This woman was raised by her aunt, and in the prime of her development as an adult, she was injured, from what he could perceive, in an accident that could have easily been prevented. For the rest of her days, this accident left her feeling cheated, maimed and undesirable, as if she had no purpose left in her life. Ultimately it must be assumed, she had died a heartbroken and lonely death.

These journals were vast and spanned many years of her life. She endured many tragic occurrences throughout her remaining existence, and it caused her to be a humble, broken recluse in her later years.

He found that he was intrigued by her, even infatuated, an unknown emotion for him. Despite her suffering, he longed to know her. He wished with every fiber of his being that he could have lived in her time.

What impressed him most, though, was her way with words. She was most intelligent and had such a gift. They thought as one about many things with an important difference. In the beginning, she was full of emotion, love, and expression, something his own society and his life were sadly lacking. He was a novice at such things, but he knew he desired it with his whole being. He had always felt out of place before, now it was like a neon ticker, ever flashing before him.

Time had not been on their side.

He had no picture to gaze upon, so he read her words again and again, memorizing every detail about her. She was always on his mind, ever present.

He began using every resource accessible to him to find out more. She became his new obsession, so great was his thirst to learn even a shred of knowledge about her.

He went to public records yet could not find what he sought. He even became desperate enough to research the old-time residents’ memories of that era, but no one could remember anything definitive. It was just too long ago.

He fervently continued his search, he even used the Electronic Brain, or ‘a computer’ as it was called long ago, to break into various archives. Finding no new information, he was about to give up when he remembered the accident.

The newspaper office had excellent records. Their chronicles not only had a detailed account of the story, but also the clearest photo he could have ever dreamed possible. The crystal clarity of the picture was possibly more vivid than the original print. After all, the present-day remastering technology was incomparable.

She was not as he expected. Even though he found himself drawn to her from her words, he was pleasantly surprised to find such a beauty. He began to carry her picture with him always so that he could gaze at her often. He could not take his eyes off her.

Her name was Lily Roseni and she had dark hair with big, beautiful, but sad eyes. He wondered how life could have mistreated someone like her in such devastating ways.

Why, why must life be this way? he cried out in anguish, time and time again.

He tried to bury himself in his work, but it was no use, he could not forget her. He needed to be with her, some how, some way, he needed to be with her! So, if the only way for this miracle to happen was for him to create his own path, then so be it.

***

He shook himself out of his cogitative state, concentrated on the final preparations, and tightened his harness one more notch. His hand poised over the control panel right in front of him, hesitating but for a moment, while he monitored the pre-travel warm-up. Then he fired up the ignition switches in sequence and clenched his jaw determinedly. He was leaving.

He set the counter to her time, the exact day it was necessary for him to arrive, and hit execute. After a sudden burst of speed and light, he slowly faded away.

Chapter One

This is what it was like a hundred years ago. It is like a whole new planet!’ he thought, surprised. He knew it would be this way. He had read about it, studied it extensively, and still it amazed him. ‘Is this what the sun really looks like?’ He shielded his eyes. ‘The sky is brilliant, so clear.’ He blinked hard from the illuminate view.

He moved his head and groaned softly. Such pain, the migraine, it was massive. He immediately regulated his breathing to a slow and deep pace.

He exclaimed suddenly, but the sound came out more like a sharp intake of breath before he verbalized, The air! Is there not even a hint of pollution?

He breathed in the colorless, crisp scent deeply, unable to get enough of its heavenly fragrance. It smelled so pure, so fresh, it was exhilarating.

Perhaps it was the migraine, but something else seemed amiss. He tipped his head slightly, carefully, till it came to him. Where were all the houses? He had never seen such wide-open spaces anywhere. These mountains! They were almost purple just like he had heard mentioned in that ancient song.

He surveyed the terrain as if it were surreal, a fantasy land. Then as his thought patterns cleared, he recalled what he had studied about these conditions. He knew they existed, but he had no idea why his processing of this information was so muddled. The dull pounding in his head must be affecting him more than he was aware.

Where was he? He did not recognize the layout of the territory. He reprimanded himself for not selecting his journey’s commencement from within his own property boundaries. Was he near the location he would be needed?

And was he needed? Absolutely! he vehemently stated aloud.

He popped up his porta-processor, or computer as he mentally corrected, and reconfirmed all data. Everything correlated in accordance with his original calculations, so the question remained, where was he? His traveling conveyance, or time machine, as science fiction has referred to it, was also a small recreational vehicle he merged with one once called an ATV, or all-terrain vehicle.

Nothing is being accomplished here, he reasoned with himself, ever mindful of his real assignment.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, he pointed his vehicle in the direction of the town his computer indicated was nearby.

He read the billboard, ‘Welcome To Smithsburg’, and sighed with relief. He had made it! The town was vastly different, though, he never would have recognized it. However, as he continued through, various stores and buildings took on a somewhat familiar look. Then he drove down a drastically changed, but well-known stretch.

At the edge of the pine grove five miles out of town, there was a large, old farmhouse, not restored as his was. It still retained its rustic beauty. He must also remember that in this time, it is not his home, but hers.

The next steps had to be carried out exactly as he mapped, and he must play his part well. He knew about her, but she did not know him. All this must be done with the utmost precision for she could not realize he had planned this ‘chance’ meeting they were about to have.

He memorized all the facts. Simplified, it was this: There was the flat, then the jack failing, and finally the debilitating accident.

He grimaced as he recalled the details. It was just three miles from home where she would have a flat tire on the steep grade of the road. The jack slid out from under the car, causing an unexpected lurch forward. The weight of the vehicle crunched down onto her knee, leaving her pinned to the road, and her leg crushed. She would be all alone, unable to move or even reach her portable mobile device, or cell phone as they called it. Finally, someone would happen to travel down that little-used road, hours later. Then after months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, she gained but limited use of her leg.

From that day forward she would have constant, agonizing pain. This ended — to her — the dream of finally having an active life of her own. She was free as of this particular day from the responsibility of taking care of her maiden aunt. However, she would never fully be able to enjoy that freedom. Many operations down the road, she would still remain the same.

Arey Roseni, after many years of letting her niece care for her, finally came to the realization that she may have been a burden. She packed her bags and voluntarily moved into a senior center, where she would also get personal care. So today, at the age of 28, Lily Roseni would begin her life anew, and he would make sure nothing prevented that. He will be there to help her... he will be!

He glanced at the timepiece on his instrument panel; the moment was almost upon him. He was so excited he was finally going to meet her, he could hardly wait for the tire to blow-out!

Suddenly there was an explosion as it ruptured, and the sound of thumpa-thumpa-thumpa filled the air. His pulse raced with anticipation as he surveyed the incident. With extreme effort, he made the attempt to look nonchalant while casually driving to where her car was parked.

Hello, he called out using the period greeting as he remembered it to be and pulled up beside her. May I be of assistance?

Yes, please, she replied, with a somber, faraway look in her eyes. As he took note of that, he silently vowed he would do everything in his power to change it.

He walked around the car, assessing the damage. Your tire is beyond repair, he observed aloud, so a few feet forward will do it no more harm. Then he directed her. Would you carefully drive it down to the level stretch below?

I can, if you really think that’s necessary, she replied, but with a dubious tone. He nodded, so despite her misgivings, she proceeded to drive slowly down the hill and pulled off the road onto the shoulder.

He raised his hand, indicating that it was far enough, and proceeded to drive down after her. She hit the lever to pop the trunk, then got out of her vehicle.

They both stared at the spare for a moment, then he stated the obvious. It appears that your replacement is deflated as well.

What will I do? she said softly.

‘She has done things on her own for so long, she is not really talking to me,’ he thought, but instead stated, When I was traveling through the town, I noticed a repair garage. Perhaps they could mend this one or perchance have one to replace it.

It’s Harry’s garage and he should. Thank you so much for your help.

You are very welcome, he told her, wondering how he should play the scenario next.

She reached for her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She scrolled through her contacts and made a call. He heard her say, You can’t come out now? and realized she was attempting to get a ride back into town.

He knew his next move in an instant. Again, may I be of assistance?

I don’t wish to be any more of a bother than I already have.

It is not out of my way, he assured her, while thinking, ‘This is the opportune situation I desire.’

It was a short drive to town, but she had enough time to introduce herself. My name is Lily Roseni.

I am Marc Matrix.

Do you live around here?

Not yet.

Are you planning on living around here? She seemed to be playing a game with him.

I am planning on it, yes, he replied casually. Then he thought, ‘There are so many things I want to tell her, but I do not dare. I must not alarm her.’

Here we are, she announced, breaking into his deliberation. Thank-you again, for all your help.

How... will you return to your vehicle? he inquired. His casual demeanor belied his desperation to stay with her.

Maybe Harry can drive me out.

No-can-do, Miss Roseni, Harry interrupted. I can fix your tire alrightie, but since my helper’s out towing a van and won’t be back for a while, I have no truck.

Marc’s heart leaped in anticipation as he calmly stated, I would be most pleased to linger, then re-transport you back.

I don’t want to be a burden, you have done so much already, she said hesitantly.

It would be my pleasure, he replied. ‘Definitely my pleasure,’ he added mentally.

After Harry resealed the spare, they returned to Lily’s vehicle, and Marc changed the tire. He fumbled at first, but he was adept at working with his hands so the job was finished quickly. He stood back for a moment and admired his accomplishment, until he heard a soft sigh from Lily, indicating she had observed his attire. His clothes and hands suffered badly. He was filthy.

Evidently changing a tire is not exactly your forte? she observed, but smiled.

He recognized he was being teased and a warm feeling of pleasure swept his being. Then he noticed her brilliant smile. ‘I surmised she was beautiful previously, but I understated. She is gorgeous!’ he thought.

You are essentially correct. Building, not disassembling is where my talent lies. For example, this conveyance, he said, pointing to his vehicle. Changing a tire may be part of it, but a very small part. Of course, when my task is completed, it becomes necessary to incinerate my clothing. He grinned at her, showing he was joking as well. Her smile deepened at his joke, and again that warm feeling swept his being.

I would like to pay you for your troubles, she told him, her tone turning serious. I’ve taken up your whole afternoon with my problem.

I could not possibly accept gratuity, he replied. But I do have need to cleanse. His voice trailed off as he displayed his hands.

I have just the place. Follow me, she told him, with another brilliant smile.

Follow? he queried.

She nodded and replied, Follow me home. You can wash up there.

As he drove behind her, Marc tried to reason out the previous conversation with Lily. Why does she trust so freely? She does not know me. How could she invite a stranger to come to her domicile in this manner? An occasion such as this will be her undoing in the future. Marc’s voice was full of concern. Has she not learned yet of what people are capable? He closed his mouth firmly, recalling what he learned from her journals. She was trusting, and it would devastate her later.

Once at her home, Lily waved him to the backyard, where he found something amazing that would not be there when he purchased the property. It was an old hand pump which instantly captured his full attention. It was in well-kept order and he was so engrossed with its functionality, he did not notice that she had appeared at his side. She tapped him lightly on the shoulder and handed him a bar of abrasive soap along with a dark towel.

Your point is not lost, dear lady, he remarked with a smile.

I knew the moment I met you, you were an intelligent sort, she retorted, but kindly, and smiled back.

She went inside the house while he scrubbed the best he could without having a mirror to pinpoint things. A few minutes later when he was finished, he knocked on her door to return the supplies, and she proceeded to let him into her home!

His mind quickly assessed the situation. ‘I care for you more than you could imagine, but you are not privy to this information. You cannot let an unknown, enter your residence!’ How could he be upset, though, when he was with her. Instead, he told her, Could you tell me where there might be part-time employment available for someone such as myself? I am also in need of housing. He quickly glanced about the house, comparing the present decor to the future.

What kind of work are you looking for and for how long?

He refocused. Any type of position imaginable is acceptable, and the term is open. It is dependent on how rapidly I find a place to occupy and liquidate some of my assets. Do you have knowledge of such a place?

As of today, I need someone to help me make some repairs. This place needs a little fixing up, she explained with a wave of her hand. That is the main reason I was in town earlier, to post a few ‘Help Wanted’ ads. Is this something that might interest you?

Marc’s mind raced with the pros and cons of the situation. He was thrilled about the prospect of working closely with her while recalling the period’s protocol, ‘You did not even ask me for references!’ The bottom line was, however, This may be the perfect solution to my situation. After all, how better to protect her than to be right here near her?

Now about that place to stay, I have a proposition for you. On the south corner of the farm I have a small cabin. If you look beyond the grove, you can just make it out from here. His gaze followed hers, searching for what she was indicating. You are welcome to use it while you make repairs for me, if you would like.

I never knew there was a cabi... He clamped his mouth shut suddenly and looked away.

Didn’t I hear you say you just got into town? she asked, her eyes narrowing and her tone bordering suspicious.

I... I just had not noticed such a structure when we entered your premises, that is... His sentence trailed off as he honestly did not know what else to say.

Oh, I see. She studied his eyes for a moment, and said, Well okay, it’s settled then. Let’s go down and look at it, shall we?

‘And we are also taking treks into the woods with strangers?’ His mind blared with all the precautions she should be taking. He wanted to scold her, to warn her of the dangers, but all he said was, It is not necessary for you to accompany me. You could stay here and wait for my return, if you would like. He had to modulate his tone so that he did not growl his words.

Oh, I don’t mind, she chirped back cheerfully, oblivious to his inner tumult. It’s not that far.

‘My dear lady,’ he thought, shaking his head.

I should really go down to assess the damage. The roof began to leak last winter, but since we were not using it, I let the matter slide for the season.

We?

My Aunt Arey and me. She is the one who took care of me as I was growing up. But then after she developed health issues, our roles reversed and I began to take care of her. She decided to move to a senior center and there she will get the extra care she requires.

Was this a recent occurrence? he questioned politely, but he already knew the answer.

Today, in fact, she replied softly.

It is obvious you are close. Her loss has created a void. He had read that in her journal.

I have been rather preoccupied most of the day, wondering what I am going to do now that she has gone. I... Her words trailed off and the expression on her face indicated she was deep in thought.

There does not seem to be any real damage, he announced suddenly from inside the cabin, bringing her back to the situation at hand. The leak has not caused any serious problems that I can detect, but I will be able to scrutinize it thoroughly after dwelling here for a time.

All right then.

They did not talk on the return hike, which allowed Marc to have ample time to concentrate on the farmhouse and the property surrounding it looming on the horizon.

He was amazed at the incredible differences of the ‘before and after’ look of the place he would call home in 2124. He was sure of one thing, though, everything here in the present was superior to his property in the future. Its original state was unmatched in its elegance and beauty. Then his eyes fixed on yet another object that fascinated him. It was an old-style porch-swing. As he gazed at it, he began to daydream about sitting there swinging. It was a cool summer’s eve and his arm draped about this beautiful woman who was leaning against him, her head on his shoulder...

He mentally shook himself out of his reverie and silently warned, ‘Slow down, you have just become acquainted and she does not know you.’ He raked his hand over his head through his hair and rubbed his neck. Then he glanced about him, taking note of the trees encircling her house. His place had only a few scrubby shrubs that he had personally planted. He shook his head slightly as he made his way toward the ATV.

He paused briefly before climbing in, and they stood there for a moment in awkward silence, not really knowing what to say. Lily broke the tension, though, by raising her hand to wave as she turned and headed for her front door.

After she disappeared from his view, Marc slid into his vehicle and drove down to the cabin. He had many things on his mind, but he knew he must prioritize them. Some thoughts, he was not meant to ponder yet. He entered the building and instead of continuing that mental path, he began to scrutinize the damage. He gave it a thorough once over, nodded and smiled, for it appeared to be an easy task. His ATV was spacious and he already had most of the supplies he would need at his fingertips.

I might as well get to it, he told himself, dabbling with the period’s slang. He turned on his music player and scrolled to his favorite tunes. He was glad he had tossed it into the ATV. Then peeling his shirt off, he dug in.

***

I must replenish my fluids. He had been at it for over an hour. I wonder if the water will taste different from... His words trailed off as he scooped up a mittful and raised it to his lips.

Don’t! Lily’s unexpected warning rang out over his shoulder, startling him. He whirled about suddenly, coming face-to-face with her. She raised one brow at him briefly, as she noticed his shirtless attire. His skin was pale but quite muscular.

I was unaware of the fact I was not alone. Your tone caused me a moment of surprise, my apologies.

She raised her eyes to meet his. Sorry, it occurred to me you would probably be thirsty by now. Apparently, I was right. Here, try this instead. She handed him a jug of lemonade and continued to look him over.

Thank-you for your concern, although I could have made use of the water in the tap. His words contradicted his actions as he raised the cold liquid to his lips and took a long drink. This is incredible! Her amusement at his exclamation caused him to quickly ask, But why did you wish me not to drink the water? It cleared several minutes ago.

It’s just a gravity-fed spring that was never tested so it’s uncertain whether it’s safe to drink. Everyone that ever stayed down here would just import water from the main house. That’s not a problem, is it?

Not at all, if it will not be an inconvenience to you. Yet another legitimate reason to interact with her.

It would be no inconvenience at all. Come up anytime and get as much as you need, she stated with a smile.

‘Things are shaping up nicely. I will be drinking plenty of water from now on,’ he silently mused.

You sure tackled this place, it’s almost livable. But look at you! Will you be burning these duds, too? Her mischievous grin lit up her whole face.

Amusing. He was smiling as he addressed her teasing. Actually, I am planning to cleanse them and use them again later this week when I finish the job. When was the last time this place was occupied?

Well, let’s see. She started working in the kitchen as she spoke. We had a family reunion about two and a half years ago. One of my cousins needed a place to stay for a few days, and that was probably the last time this place was cleaned as well. Are you implying all this is not immaculate?

That explains much. Marc grinned at her joke. You should not be helping. You are not properly attired for this task. He had been enjoying her company immensely but had not noticed till now that she was cleaning too! It was not until she had disappeared, that he realized just how much he was focusing exclusively on her. I will not be able to complete it for a few days as other tasks must take precedence, so perhaps we should halt our labors for today. The necessity rooms are completed and since I brought my rolled bedding, the sleeping arrangements will be adequate. Then he chuckled softly as he thought, ‘I have been so distracted, it is a wonder I got anything accomplished this afternoon!’

If you need help this week, I would be more than happy to...

No, he interrupted quickly. I have a few assets I have decided to liquidate immediately, so I will be absent much during the next few days. I cannot and will not in good conscience impose upon you any further. It is, however, my intention, being new, I should like to ask your advice on several matters. If, well if, it is no trouble. He heard the insecure words and grimaced, because one would never know by listening to him that he had an excellent command of this language. It was a trait of which he was rather proud. He flushed as another wave of insecurity washed over him.

I don’t mind at all. Anything I can do, I would be more than happy to do so. She was very curious to learn more about this unusual, but very attractive man.

Thank-you. I would be most appreciative of your assistance, he said. ‘And the pleasure of your company,’ he added, but silently.

Despite his protests, they continued to clean that afternoon, side by side. They worked well together, complementing each other’s style. Marc became less concerned about her naiveté for it was refreshing, and yet such a rarity.

She was so alive, so sweet, and so beautiful. Just being near her, spending time with her, allayed all his misgivings. Even now, in these few short hours, he was discovering that there were more facets to her personality than he originally perceived from her journals. He was intrigued.

One more thing came as a complete surprise to him, since he did not know he possessed such a capability. She had totally captured his heart.

About dusk she announced that it was time for her to go. He had adjusted the breakers earlier and snapped on the electric. They had been using the lights for close to an hour and did not notice the sun had set. Glancing out the window and observing the waning light, he inquired, Would you like me to escort you home?

No, it’s not necessary. I would be able to find my way home even if blindfolded. You should probably concentrate on getting cleaned up. It’s a good thing you got the bath in working order. She reached out her finger and left a streak in the dirt mixed with perspiration on his chest. Just look at you.

He felt as if a high voltage wire had zapped him and he stepped back quickly, turning toward the front door. Well, if your decision is absolute, I shall go bathe. His hand was on the knob as he held the door open for her. She was a bit surprised by the brisk way he dismissed her, but simply waved her goodbye and left.

I will see you upon the morrow. he called out as she walked into the night but did not wait for a reply. He stepped back into the cabin and gazed at her departing figure as it retreated toward her home. He shook his head sadly, then headed directly into the shower. He knew he needed one... a long, cool one. The casual touch of her finger when it made contact with his skin, affected him in ways he never dreamed possible.

He turned the faucet on and stuck his face right into the spray. ‘The complexity of such a situation has never affected me previously,’ he thought, confused, as he let the water stream over him. He replayed the day’s events, analyzing each conversation in his mind. Of all the things envisioned for this day, none of it even remotely resembled what had transpired. The question that came to mind was this: What did he leave behind, and more importantly, how much more had he gained?

He involuntarily smiled