In the end, William and Alice were wed. It was an autumn afternoon, and they filled their banquet hall with shimmering shades of gold and maroon. They were not wed within the confines of a church, as neither Alice, nor William, not the old man happened to be particularly religious, and they figured the factory was whimsical enough of a venue to host such a momentous occasion. The entire town was welcomed in, to celebrate the love and happiness of the newlywed couple. Alice was particularly pleased to see the jolly baker and his husband, as well as the mousey librarian whom she had come to regard as dear friends.
Alice and William built a home, close to the old man. Alice continued to assist him in the dentistry as his assistant, as she had become accustomed to his quiet, calm company, as well as the comfort she found in the monotonous routine. William continued to have dinner with them every night, only, after dark, instead of retreating to the upstairs bedroom, Alice would accompany William in bidding her now father-in-law goodnight, before stepping out into the night. Where they would be whisked away inside the glass elevator, high into the night sky. They would retreat into their own cozy abode, which William took great pride in decorating with ornate and obscure fixtures and fixings. From ridiculously obtuse candelabras to golden sculptures of the two of them, which she had the sneaking suspicion were simply gold foil-covered chocolate statues. She didn't press the issue, however. Winter was fast approaching, and they would keep well enough. Come summer, that would be an issue they would deal with as it arose. However, as Alice regarded her husband; all curled and cozily sleeping beside her and brushed a tuft of dark hair from his forehead, she felt a surge of such happiness and contentment she had never before thought possible. She felt as though her heart could burst with joy. If only everyone could be so happy. She thought to herself. Her fingertips brushed against his chin, lightly tracing the outline of his jaw. She bent low to kiss him on his cheek, and in he stirred in his sleep. His eyelashes fluttered ever so slightly, and he opened his arms to her in invitation, to which she gladly accepted. She nestled herself securely in his arms. With her heart pressed against his chest, and his chin resting atop her head. Before meeting him, Alice thought that peace was knowing where her next meal was coming from. Knowing where you would be spending the night. Peace had always retained her ability to provide for her own physical needs, and that is where the concept both began and ended. Alice smiled. Wrapping her arms around her sleeping husband she realized she knew better now. This is it, she thought. This is peace. With that final thought, she drifted off to sleep, and the pair of them had what can only be described as very sweet dreams.
THE END.
