Was he the enemy Lori asked herself as she stared at him lying across her? The sheet had fallen off and she could see the silhouette of his torso moving rhythmically to his silent heartbeats. The sun penetrated the room through the thick curtains, and dust and mites danced in the sliver of light that gradually grew into a column, heralding the beginning of the day. She watched the whirlwind of mites, marveling at their unison. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, disappearing suddenly as dawn reluctantly gave way to daylight, the pervading rays of the sun swallowing the impish mites in its wake.

With trepidation, she tiptoed around him and headed to the bathroom trying not to wake him. The rise and fall of his magnificent chest, accompanied by his deep breathing and gentle snores, assured her that he was in the throes of slumber. Quietly, without washing her face, she got into her clothes and headed home.

As she stepped onto the streets, she felt the happiness of a woman fulfilled and yet niggling doubts of her past kept creeping in. The day was bright, the streets washed in sunlight, dispelling the frostiness of the past few months. Lori could not waste this beautiful day and

decided to walk the two miles home, slipping off her jacket, and allowing the dazzling sun to beat mercilessly on her back.

A picturesque park wound its way along the road and enchanted, she stepped into this fairyland, taking the long route home. The grass was washed with early morning dew and she kicked off her shoes, feeling the moist undergrowth under her bare feet. In spite of the wetness, she felt a tickling in her feet and began to giggle uncontrollably. Had she not always wanted to walk barefoot in the park? She loved hearing the sound of water as it rippled in the stream, winding…