As she walks, she runs her fingers gently on the tops of the low brush; the exotic plants seem quieter at night. Everything does. The stillness makes her ears perk at the smallest noise. Her bare feet press into the soft dark soil, rich and full of moisture as she steps closer to the water.
The trees hum, as if they were asleep and breathing in a low rhythm. They huddle together forming the thick growth of the jungle, as if whispering secrets to each other through the breeze. As she comes to the opening, the stark darkness is pierced by the silver light of the moon and the water laps around her feet as she steps in. Ripples break the smooth surface and the moonlight glistens on the tip of every wave. She exhales loudly, enjoying the coolness of the water, the sleepiness, and the loneliness in the exotic heat of the night.
Her thoughts are interrupted though, as soon as she sees him. His broad shoulders and his familiar smile are what she sees, as he is leaning casually on a bent tree with its branches dipping into the water. They send ripples that counteract hers, crashing in the middle of the water, and is a metaphor of the heat between them. His silver silhouette doesn't move, but she watches him from a distance wondering what he is thinking about, and immediately she is engulfed in maddening thoughts.
He is too far to touch, and she knows that she will not be able to communicate her feelings with body language. Her caress the hush of her passion, her breath the anticipation, her heart beat her anxiety, and her eyes giving away her love, none of which he will be able to feel.
She didn't wave, nor look up again. She just stepped gently once again into the still water. He takes a step, but instead of moving towards her, he takes a seat and watches her. The water tickles the backs of her knees, and the trim of her wispy dress trails behind her. She steps again and again, and the water is at her waist, the white dress now becoming a beautiful tail sweeping behind her. She trails her fingers on the surface of the water, and looks up at him from under thick eyelashes. He is still watching, silent and unyielding.
She wishes he would come to her, make her feel beautiful, make her feel loved, but they are just empty wishes, and she knows. Leaves gently rock on the water, and she is almost in the middle of the pool. The tall trees open to the beautiful dark night, the stars beautiful speckles in the sky, complimenting the glowing moon. The air is fresh and clean, although warm in her lungs, it feels good to breathe. The water is licking her shoulders, one strap of her dress delicately slides off, the slackening and relaxing of her body makes it float around her body. She still doesn't look back to him, she knows he's there, but looking in his direction floods her mind with memories. She turns her back to him, and lays back into the water. Her long curly hair is drenched and the water is in her ears silencing the world as she gently floats there. She closes her eyes, and for that first moment in a long time, she cannot see or hear him, and this realization is the most refreshing feeling ever.
Paddling her feet gently, she can finally relax, no judging eyes, no harsh words, and no absence of affection. She indulges and vows that this is the feeling that she will find. This feeling of serenity, completeness, happiness and gentle solace in independence is what she will search for.
And when she opens her eyes, and wipes the drops from her eyes, she stands, and she could not resist looking to him; but to her relief, he is no longer there.
