She was beautiful and we were happy then. Hand in hand as we watched her, tail red-tipped as though dipped in wine. Then he came to join her, wearing his phantom mask, but not a mask to hide, a mask that was his true beauty. And we watched as she fed him, loving as only we knew.

We were young, carefree, relishing in the freedom that was our togetherness. I remember you with your tender eyes, your gentle smile, your touch intended for me only. Do you remember these same things, wherever you are now? I would like to believe that you do.

When we met, we were alone, much like she was that sweet summer day. Fate drew us near and when our blue and brown met along the wooded path, I knew what forever could be. Words fell easily between us, soon followed by our lips, our arms, our bodies. This is what life is about, I thought, this is what I fought for through those early years. A world that once seemed to taunt me, was suddenly alive and new. I felt reborn to a different life, the life that began when I saw you. You told me time and again how finding me was like a lost treasure, something you knew but did not know when. And I, with my full heart and newborn eyes, understood.

We vowed our eternal love for one another June of the following year, facing each other beneath a fountain of roses, the scent of baby's breath in the air. You were handsome that day, the one that I dreamed of as a child, not knowing that it was you. Our tears mingled, happiness entwined, as music soared through the sweet summer air.

Then I saw her. She looked over us from an oak, eyes knowing and black. He joined her at her side, eyes so much like hers and, together, they watched. I thought I could see them smile before turning and leaving together.

As April rain turned to the fragrance of May, you and I stood in the scented garden, surrounded by the sounds and the lushness of early spring, as we gazed down at both our faces. We saw my eyes, your smile, the little cleft in your chin. What we saw was the creation of our love. Fulfilled, we kissed beneath the apple blossoms, two that had now become three.

I heard the familiar song and, looking up through white blossoms, I saw her there. She was with him and three more who had a hint of her eyes, his eyes, her red-tipped tail, and his phantom mask. They began to sing, delicate strains so known to me now. And for a moment, we were all together.

Now you have been gone for what seems a lifetime to me. Alone, I stand with all that remains in my arms; this, my only memory of you. The tears that wash over me are filled with a sorrow I never knew existed. Even my heart weeps as my last thought of you drifts away, borne upon the wind.

A sorrowful sound comes to me as I stand here, lonely upon the wooded path. And she is there, her tail red-tipped as though dipped in wine. Unlike myself, she is completely alone, those, her only memory, long gone by now. I know now that even she can cry as we share one last moment together.

All at once, I know what I still have...

Then, another comes down to join her, a different mask than before, but equally as beautiful. And I watch as she feeds him, loving once more...