Summer Sunset
The heat and humidity of a summer day had passed. The heat of the sun had lessened as it slipped slowly from the midday heights and began its slow decent beneath the horizon once more. The humidity of the day would linger long into the night, perhaps for weeks at end, but when it was this way year in year out, it was expected.
The day had been sunny, light and full with laughter. Unexpected, considering how serious he always seemed to be. Walking together, bright comments were met with humour in return, warm remarks followed by softer admissions. Her heart felt lighter than air. The warm colours of the summer evening softened the atmosphere, smoothing his angular features as he turned to her with a soft smile.
A murmur passed her lips quite unbidden, she was caught up in the moment, enthralled. How often did she get to see him smile like this? Around others? Rarely. Almost never, really. How often was he this open? This inviting of company and conversation? It was as if the evening had them both caught up in some wonderful spell.
Was it the warm summer evening? Was it the day of glorious distraction? Or…? Was it her?
The soft sound she had uttered had caught his attention and she felt herself colour with a flush of embarrassment. She hadn’t meant to say a word, and now he was looking back at her, a soft smile on his lips as he questioned her, what had she said? Was she alright? Her embarrassment, it seemed, amused him. He laughed quietly, his hand lifting to worry at his hair.
Had he ever looked more wonderful? His warm smile bathed in the light of a summer sunset.
