Over the hills, into the sunset

This one's for all those who've loved; for all those who've felt that ‘magic'

The road snaked its way around the little hillocks - a band of black amidst the greenery, a wonderfully picturesque setting. The sun was slanting into the west; the clouds were few but were now slowly gathering around the setting sun allowing themselves to be dipped in gold. But the sky was still mostly blue. For miles the trees and the tall grass painted the hills with a sea of green and wild flowers grew in between. The air was pure and the wind was mild. But not when you rode! It blew against the face and through the hair but it was not cold. It was the kind of breeze against which you put your face up, close your eyes and feel the freshness and smile.

And they were doing just that!
For miles they were on the road now heading back to the city, enjoying the country air, the beauty of nature and most of all - their togetherness!

He was smiling, humming a song. She was silent, just drinking in the sights. And then he slipped into thoughts and she started humming a song. But they would soon start talking again - about this and that, just the way they spent all their time together. But this was different…this was just the two of them on a lonesome road, riding without a care in the world! He was not going fast. He'd figured out, the slower he rode, the longer they could be together that evening! As they rode around another bend, he adjusted the rear-view mirror so that he could see her face.
He could see her smiling, a glow in her eyes and her soft hair being thrown around in the wind. He loved her!
She sat behind him on the bike, often closing her eyes, feeling the wind, listening to him speak, and allowing the moment to sink in. She knew she was with the person who loved her more than
anyone else. A person who would do anything for her. A person who had grown so dear to her over the years! She smiled, a smile that comes from deep within and spreads a glow over the face. She watched the small lake coming into view, nestling at the bottom of the hills – down below. The sun was sinking further into the west and the sky was turning pink. There were lots of birds in the sky now – sparrows, parrots, a few eagles and lots of crows.
‘Look at the birds, they're heading home!'
‘Yes, it's beautiful…but not more than you!'
‘Stop flattering! Liar - that's what you are!'
But he could see her blush as she said that. He laughed.
‘But you know you should soon stop this?' her eyes grew moist as she said this. The smile had left her face.

He heaved a deep sigh, ‘Yes chum. I know. I know we may never happen. I know this won't last for long now.'
‘I feel so guilty. I feel I've ruined your life', the tears were slowly coming in to her eyes.
‘No! That's not true. You know I would do that for you without blinking an eyelid. You know I would do anything. You should not feel guilty chum. You should not'
‘Maybe you are right. But I don't know why we should go through this? Why can't we happen?'
He sighed, ‘Both you and I know that there is nothing we can do about it! That's the way the world works. That's life I guess'

Her brown eyes glistened with tears. The wind blew them over the eyelids onto her face. She
quickly brushed them away and tried to smile. He didn't want to cry though his heart ached.

‘I think we should face what comes at us. We know we don't deserve it but if that's what God has willed for us, then so be it! We know what we have is something special, something precious that will last us a lifetime. The pain will be there, but we should fight it! Remember chum, we take the good and leave the bad behind. Please don't cry. I can't bear to see the tears in your eyes. Look around you - it's so beautiful. We should cherish this moment. We may never be together like this ever again'

‘I know. You are right. You are so right', a small smile returning to her face.

The sun was a golden orb now and sky was streaked with pink and gold. The trees swayed and the birds flew in flocks. They rode on – two friends, two lovers – riding through the hills on the
lonesome road. Soon they would cross the hills and return to the city. It was the last time they
would ever ride like this.
He started to sing a song, one of his favorites.
She groaned, ‘How am I supposed to cherish the moment with you croaking like this?'
Pat came the indignant reply, ‘I'm not croaking, I'm singing!'
‘Like hell you are!'
‘Like hell I care!'
They burst out laughing. And the wind carried their laughter over the tall grass and the wild flowers, leaving a bit of their love all over the hillside.
It was a wonderful evening, an evening when they rode over the hills and into the sunset…

- Strider