"Sometimes I feel overwhelmed," he said, his eyes fixed to the floor.
"I know you do," she whispered.
"Then I think of you – and I smile." A tear slid down his cheek.
She cupped his face in her soft, warm hands, brought his eyes to hers, and said, "As long as I'm in your heart, then let the world stay outside. We'll be inside, together, where nothing can hurt us. Not now. Not ever."
He smiled.
She smiled.
And for a little while, the world became their smiles — at least on the inside.
© Copyright 2009 Christopher V. DeRobertis. All rights reserved.
