slowly and went to the door. I thought I heard the
squeaking sound of Evan's wheelchair and then the
nearly silent closing of his door. My heart pounded.
Had he seen us?
"Rose? Anyone there?"
"No," I said.
"Maybe I should get going." Barry said, coming
up beside me. He kissed me on the cheek and I leaned
back into him while he held me, kissed my hair, and
whispered, 'I really like you, Rose. I like you a lot." "I'm glad. Barry," I said. I turned to him and we
kissed again. Then we walked to the front door. We stood outside looking up at the starry night
sky. There was no moon but the stars seemed closer,
their illumination washing the world in a silvery glow
that turned the trees into sentinels manning the walls
of our castle, keeping all the sadness and worry away
from us. securing our dreams, It was magical. "I'll call you tomorrow." Barry promised.
"Good."
He kissed me again and then he left, letting his
hand slide slowly through mine. I kept mine extended
as if the warmth and the feel of his remained, even
though he was already down the stairs. He paused at
his car, waved again, and got in. I watched him drive
off. Then I embraced myself and went back into the
house.
I stood in the foyer and listened. The television
was still on. but I didn't see or hear Evan. I returned to
the family room, straightened out the settee, and then
turned off the set. Before I went upstairs. I walked
quietly toward Evan's room. I noticed that his door
was slightly ajar and there was some light behind it, a