Though he had known it was coming, the question, when it was ultimately posed, froze his thoughts in time. Suddenly, he felt it swallow him, the cold fear that paralyzes some animals faced with imminent death. Like a deer staring at incoming headlights.

The sound of a stifled cough from somewhere behind him snapped him out of it. He couldn't really tell how long he had paused. The fear slipped away to give room to embarrassment.

He looked at her, ashamed and apologetic. She had her head lowered, her eyes burning holes into the floor. But then he noticed the ever so slight trembling of her shoulders.

She was failing at containing her giggles. Clarity is a vessel for serenity. And in that fraction of a moment, watching her laugh at his ridiculous confusion, clarity washed over him.

An audible clearing of the throat drew his attention and gaze back up front.

The question was repeated to him, this time underscored by a reprimanding tone.

He found his voice and truth, and answered with a firm conviction.

"I do."



© Wylewist