Sorting Things Out
For several minutes after Hans had fled, I remained frozen at the banks of the stream, unable to think. That one golden instant of my life had come and gone so fast, I had barely had the time to fully appreciate it. The memory of that kiss swirled around in my head while I stood staring blankly at the trees, encompassing me with its perfection. Fire and ice, melding together into one just for a moment, and I knew that I would never forget. Years from now, when I had finally found a man decent enough to marry, I would still remember this night. I would forever compare every kiss, every touch, to how Hans had made me feel. My heart pounded out a jagged rhythm, and I closed my eyes as I sank into a reverie. One perfect kiss . . . . Oh, my darling, can you not love me the w
