When the Day Met the Night

It was late summer, and the sun was high in the sky. She was sitting in a garden, enjoying the pleasant view she had of the pond and all the lovely plants that surrounded it. She smiled to herself softly before sipping at her tea. It was late afternoon, and she had the rest of the day to herself. Her mother would not be calling for her until it was dark. Long laced sleeves on her Victorian summer dress swept past the trunk of the tree she was currently resting on. She was dressed in cheery colors of yellow and white, for they were the colors of the sun above. It was a peaceful summer afternoon in her garden alone.

At least, that's what she thought it would be.

He showed up without an invitation, swaying into the garden alone. He was dressed drably in hues of gray and black. Dark circles hung under his eyes from restless nights by himself. He looked as though he were hanging onto life by a mere thread of hope.

“Excuse me, madame,” he spoke, his voice slow and deep. He looked into her eyes, loosing himself in the deep colors of gold and brown that swirled about her pupil. She flashed him an awkward look before he caught himself. “Would it be alright if we sat and talked for a little while?” he asked softly, giving a smile. “I have nothing else to offer but this smile.”

“Yes, you may. But promise me this, don't break my fragile heart or leave me alone.” she said, having said this before to many other suitors. But, unlike any other man she had met, she was drawn in my the mystery of his darkness almost as soon as he had appeared. “Your smile will do just fine.”

And so, the man in drab clothes took a seat underneath the green umbrella tree next to the bright, beautiful woman. They began to converse and as they did, they were both lost in each other's presence.

Soon, little did he know it, he was falling in love with the woman. He knew not of what to do, or how to get out. He'd never been in love before this. A look of worry spread about the man's face.

She gave a gentle smile before taking his hand in hers and looking into his eyes.
A soft shudder tickled down his spine as he stared back into her eyes. He now saw it.

Her eyes had saved his life. He leaned in, slowly catching her lips with his.