Memory and romance

As they drive through the nighttime city, Mike watches out the window. “So, where are we going?”

Alicia simply smiles. “Somewhere special. A place I used to go when I was younger.”

Mike chuckles. “Keep your secrets, then. I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.”

With a laugh, she winks at him. Mike continues to watch the city go by, and soon notices that they’re reaching the outskirts. The roads outside the city lead into the hills, and soon Alicia turns off onto a side street, which becomes a bumpy, dirt road leading into the woods. A good distance into the woods, Alicia stops the car, near the crest of a hill.

Mike laughs as they get out of the car. “Planning on disposing of my body out here?”

Alicia rolls her eyes. “If you keep making terrible jokes? Absolutely!”

They both laugh, and Alicia takes Mike’s hand, leading him to the top of the hill. The view is spectacular. The city is laid out in front of them like a model, all lit up, while above the stars sparkle like glitter floating on water. Mike simply stares for a moment, before Alicia pulls him over to a well worn log. They both sit, and Alicia snuggles close as he puts an arm around her shoulders.

She smiles, looking out over the city and sky. “When I was a little girl, I would come up here to watch the stars. I used to wonder what people from other worlds were like.”

She chuckles. “When I got a little older I still came up here, but not alone. You can imagine what we did here.”

Mike chuckles, and Alicia snuggles closer. He gives her a squeeze, and she sighs happily.

“Now, I’m here with you. Someone from another world. And all I want you to do is hold me. Is that ok?”

Mike nods. “Of course, Alicia. Anything you want.”

She closes her eyes for a moment. “Thank you. I’m so happy you came, Mike. I’ve never felt like this, and it’s wonderful.”

Mike has no answer, so he simply holds her. Alicia opens her eyes again, and kisses his cheek. They smile at each other, and go back to quietly watching the sky. Above, the stars wheel as they always have, casting their lights on the two lovers.