conversation with him while I put away the gift of
music. Then we left the house and I took him toward
the pond.
"This is my favorite place here," I said "I used
to spend time with my uncle Peter here."
Chandler nodded, gazing around. "Very
peaceful. pretty."
"Sometimes I sit on the dock and dip my naked
feet in the water. Minnows swim around my toes." "Let's do it," Chandler said, and sat to take off
his shoes and socks. I laughed and did the same. "Wow, that's a lot colder than I expected," he cried when his feet hit the water. "I think my ankles are going to turn blue. How come it's not bothering
you?"
"I guess I'm just used to it," I said with a shrug,
"All I've ever been in is a heated pool."
He closed his eyes to endure it, then finally
surrendered and brought his feet out, curling his legs
so he could rub his ankles. I laughed and helped,
rubbing the chill out vigorously.
"You must have steel flowing through your
veins to enjoy that," he said.
"Feeling better?"
"Yes, thanks."
"It's refreshing. It wakes you up,' I said. "I was awake, thank you!"
I brought my feet completely out and he rubbed
mine, too.
"In some countries, we'd have to get married
now." he said. "Touching someone's naked feet is
very intimate."
We looked into each other's eyes, locked in the
warm flow of our gazes. I knew he wanted to kiss me
and I wanted him to kiss me. I spun around and