“Your wall is so high,” he said, “Has anyone made it over?”
“No,” she replied, remembering the ones who had tried. She kicked off her shoes and clenched the grass with her toes. Monkey toes he always said. She laughed and closed her eyes.
“I think I may know why,” he said thoughtfully. “They tried to break through. They used their dominance like a battering ram and attempted to crush the stones to clear a path inside.”
“A few came close,” she said. “I thought they’d made it in.”
“But they didn’t know their science. It’s simple geology, really,” he explained. “The stones cannot be crushed.” She opened her eyes and looked at him warily, curious.
“Stones are comprised of experiences. Each one a memory, unique in its own right. But over time they interlock.” He pulled her close, laced his fingers through hers. “Gravity insists upon it.
“Their collective strength cannot be demolished,” he went on. “Sure, it can be chipped at. But one man alone cannot make it fall.”
“So I’m doomed,” she lamented with an exaggerated sigh. “Forever imprisoned by years of bad decisions. Until you, my brave knight, wield the mightiest weapon of all!”
“Silly girl,” he smiled. “Do you see a hammer in my hand? A sword?” A flash of confusion crossed her face. “I’m not breaking down anything.”
He stood and pulled her to her feet. “I’m not even going to try.”
The lump came quickly and lodged firmly in her throat. He didn’t even want to try. She slipped on her shoes, head down. Her nose stung with the threat of tears.
“I understand,” she said. “And honestly, I can’t say I blame you.”
He looked at her, paused. Waited until she raised her eyes to his.
“I don’t think you do,” he said. “Understand, that is. I have no plans to demolish. I’m simply going to gather.”
“Gather?” she asked, confused. “I don’t know what that means.”
Again he took her hands in his, lightly tracing the soft pads of her fingertips. “Look at your wall. There are crevices between the stones. Do you see the flowers? Thousands of flowers, every color you can imagine. It’s quite beautiful, really.
“I’m going to gather the flowers. I will find toeholds where I can, and where there are none I will reach to you for a hand.”
Her breath caught; she didn’t say a word. She watched his fingers trace the blue on the back of her hand. “But I need to know,” he went on.
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