Hearts Across the Divide

A Special Day

From the start of your life, you knew that you were different. Your mother, Gemm, could sense this difference in you and made it her mission to provide you with the knowledge and experiences that you craved. She didn't want to lose your unique identity, but she had to be careful in balancing that with providing you the education and understanding of humans that you longed for.

As a young girl, you clung to your mother as she walked through the thick brush, your small body bouncing against her back. As you near the camp, Gemm sets you softly down on the ground. She signs slowly, "Must be quiet." You nod quickly and turn your head to observe the camp.

Humans were everywhere, the camp bustling with activity as they went about their daily tasks. Most of them were too preoccupied to notice the two of you watching from the shadows.

They were there for months, only leaving when the winter became too harsh. But in the months they were there, you and your mother spent most days observing the humans within the camp. You paid attention to every detail, your mind taking in all the information possible.

You watched intently, studying the subtle nuances of their speech. From the way they pronounced their words to the inflection of their voices, you absorbed it all.

Very slowly but surely, you began to understand the complexities of human emotion, picking up on the subtleties of their expressions and body language.

Considering the years that had passed, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the fact that you had honed and developed a more mature and civilized mindset.

Most humans might not immediately recognize the depth of your intellect, given your upbringing among apes. However, you found comfort in knowing that you had shaped yourself into a unique individual that transcended the norm.

~

You sit by the fire, the moon high in the sky, most of the village has gone to bed leaving very few others roaming around. Unbothered by others, your nose is tucked in the pages of a book you've read many times over.

A dimly lit castle chamber. The princess, Liora, is kneeling by the bedside of her wounded knight, Sir Cedric. His armor is scratched and stained, revealing the fierce battle he fought to save her. He lies pale and weak, and Liora trembles with emotion. "Cedric... You fought so valiantly. I can't believe you did all of this... for me." Cedric struggling to speak, "I wouldn't have it any other way, my lady." He pauses to catch his breath, "Your safety... was worth any cost."

Liora's tears are streaming down her face. "But your life..." she kneels beside him, taking his hand, "Please, you cannot leave me. Not like this... not after you saved me from the dragon."

Cedric smiles weakly, "You are brave, Liora. Braver than many knights I know," his breath falters, "If I must go, know that... with every beat of my heart, I love you."
Liora sobs, "No! You cannot leave me, Cedric", she leans closer, her forehead touching his, "I need you."

Cedric's eyes start to close, "I'm afraid there is little time..." a slight cough erupts, "But remember this, my love, when the stars shine bright... I will always be with you." The Princess gathers herself, and her breath catches, "I would traverse any realm to find you, Cedric. I will not let you go." She leans in closer, "Let me prove my love..." Cedric speaks, his voice barely above a whisper, "A kiss... my princess."

As you get immersed in the story, the passages about the deep devotion and love between the characters in the book stir up something within you. You find yourself blushing, the heat creeping up your cheeks as you become engrossed in the romantic tale unfolding on the pages. You find yourself reading the sentence slowly, your fingers tracing the word 'kiss'. The character's wish for a kiss, for a moment of intimacy before his end, strikes a chord within you. Your heart beats a little faster as you imagine the tenderness and the desperation behind the character's desire.