James
… And so am I....
Arms outstretched, her hair flowing behind her she runs, stumbling over the uneven ground in a headlong dash to me....
.... And I to her.
She flings herself into my arms. The knot of tension in my gut unravels and I'm trembling uncontrollably as I pull her to me. My eyes squeezed closed, my face pressed to the top of her head, I hold her tightly.
“Master, I'm okay, really. Please, I need air…"
I release her from my death-grip, but swing her to me by the shoulders, cupping her face with a hand as I look her over, seeking for injuries or any sign that she's hurt.
“You're alright? Really alright?"
Oh, God… I thought I'd lost you....
“Yes, I'm fine. It was awful, but Michael.…"
“Tell me later. Come and get warmed up."
And behind her, watching, smiling softly.
