By Rachel Murphy
Panting, sated, I lie back. Perspiration beads on my brow under the spring sunshine. He turns onto his side, facing me, sleepily blowing sweet breath my way.
I stretch out, hand reaching across smooth pebbles into the alpine stream. My dipped fingers freeze in glacial water. Pain: deep, unbearable, confronts my contentment. I resist moving, holding fast. Using the intensity to trick seconds into ticking ever slower. Eyes closed, I mindfully defy the rapidity of reality.Then…it’s over.
He has sprung up. Pulls on pants, boots, rucksack and holds out his hand with that impish grin. Annoying, but so irresistible.
“I mindfully defy the rapidity of reality.” Very clever. Good job.