It began a simple way as such affections often do—to the sense of being seen. Perhaps it
was the light of the sun in shine from window into room, or warmth of his eyes in gaze. Whatever it was, she felt it then in shine and warmth upon her.
Looking up, she met his stare, smiling onto her, new warmth rising from within.
“What?” she asked in smile, warmth of within still rising.
He paused a while, not in absence of words, but appreciating while more that was before moment and her being changed.
“You are beautiful in your joy,” he told to her as she kept in ready and preparation of the meal; large of their family gathered for Thanksgiving in their home.
Air stilled in room and she felt it’s thicken, strong and sudden in its change, heat of her face and throat becoming flush, reddening in the warmth.
All the while he smiled.
“I just wanted you to know that,” he told. “I love to see you happy.”
There was time. Home was distracted, cheers in other room from watching of a game; all the city drawn into even more than holiday and moment.
They stole away.
Climb of stairwell, through wall of light, ascending to above; they stole away, closed door fast and silently behind. Crescendo of cheers to watch of the game in mask of headboard’s knocking of the walls; his hands to her breasts under sweater’s cover; neither wanting long, only strong and then; covered bodies’ and face’s show of their after’s greater glow believing they alone would know while in the room old women smiled, remembering life when then.