To my present.
They asked, " What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of your past?"
Taken aback, my eyes watered-the tears threatening to spill any second now.
My trembling hands gestured to the glossy liquid and I answered, "the tears..."
Like a soothing balm, like a new petal forming its way out in the light, your hand covered mine, dangerously slow and then firmly, all at once.
The tears never fell because my shield has a name.
And I knew that I was meant to be by your side.
A/N: Extract from a book that won't be written.
-AS