Early 1994

We are in a cabin in the hills, smoke rising from the chimney. Quietly, I pad across the oak floor to stoke the fire. When it is crackling once again, I slip back under the covers with you. Snuggling next to your sleeping frame, I feel the heat radiate from your skin, and you stir in your slumber. I caress your cheek with my fingertips, memorizing every curve - and I become lost in the touch.

Suddenly, I notice you looking back at me. When I blush, you reach up and gently stroke my burning face. As I lean towards your touch, you pull me close and we kiss tenderly. I cuddle up in your embrace and nuzzle your neck playfully while my heart races happily.

"Morning hon," I say. "How did you sleep?"

Your reply is unspoken, but very clear that you slept well. We lie in bed and cuddle for a while, then I get up to make breakfast.

Once again, my bare feet pad across the floor - this time to the stove. I start to make eggs and bacon, and the smell fills the room. The sizzling in the pan is almost a song, and I begin humming a merry little tune to myself. Without warning, you wrap your arms around my waist, and I melt from your tender touch. I turn around and kiss you passionately, forgetting about breakfast altogether. You lead me back to the bed and we wrap our arms around each other in complete happiness ...

Then, I wake up and think to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if life could be so simple, like that?" But, of course, it can't.