We’re on the road,

windows down,

wind whipping through my hair.

His hand rests on my leg,

fingers tapping to the beat of the song on the radio,

my flip flops lay abandoned on the floorboard,

feet kicked up on the dash.

Sunlight filters through his window,

illuminating the profile of his smiling face.

We travel a winding country road,

dust kicking up in our wake

green trees and open fields around us.

We’re almost there

each second bringing us closer

but if I could pause here forever,

I would.

Even so,

we eventually slow

meeting the water’s edge.

Our adventure stalls in this small town

but without time urging us forward,

we pause

taking in the vastness of the sea beyond.

Warmth blooms in my chest

spreading through my body into my fingers and toes,

my smile widens, eyes closed,

face raised to meet the sun.

His arms envelope my body from behind

his chin resting on my shoulder,

The breath trapped in my lungs escapes

All that time,

all the frustration

everything was worth it

for this moment.