• Bloody tints mixed with bright golden hues, laying softly above dark waters. Her head on his shoulder, the sunset picked out the red tints in her auburn hair. Peach skin turned goldenrod from the light, it looked softer than silk. Reaching out a nut-brown hand, he gently stroked her cheek. Lightly her hazel eyes flicked to him, gold rimmed and shining. They brightened as she smiled, and turned her head to kiss his palm. The way his eyes widened and his cheeks seemed redder than the sun-tint, she knew his heart was pounding. Eyes laughing, she kissed his cheek and settled herself against his shoulder once again.
    When the sun had finally settled into its bed, and twilight was descending swiftly, they stood together on the dock. Taking her hands in his, he leaned forward to kiss her gently. When he pulled away, his cheeks were flushed.
    She smiled at him, and held his hand as they walked towards her car. As they pulled away from the sun-filled lake, he smiled and said, “I’m glad my first kiss was with you.”
    Her smile was bright, but her eyes were sad. “So am I,” she said softly. Softly her heart whispered: I have kissed you so many times, my love.....

    The next morning, when she woke, her bed was empty. Quickly sliding out of bed and dressing, she hurried downstairs, peeking into doorways as she went. After a search of the house, she went outside.
    Standing in the garden, still dressed in his pajamas, he stood there, a look of quiet bemusement on her face. She hurried up to him, her heart pounding as she prayed frantically for anything but her fears coming true. “Sweetie?” she queried softly, touching his arm.
    He turned, his face registering nothing as he stared blankly at her. “Who are you?” he asked, his voice flat and cold.
    Her heart shrivelled inwardly, and she began to cry softly. Tears in her hazel eyes, she whispered, “You forgot me again, didn’t you?”