Within the forest border, I awaited her the following week. She did not arrive. Stepping to the path, I peered toward the modest stone structure beyond the oaks. Nothing. My yearning for her would not allow me to walk away, though. Like an ensnared predator, I stalked left and right, eyes never once leaving where I suspected her to be. On the verge of relinquishing hope, movement caught my eye from near the small cottage. Moving closer, I watched the approach of the female, almost mistaking her identity in my eagerness, despite the subtle difference I detected in her scent. She did not stop walking until she reached me. “I come only to ask you to stay away from my daughter.” To see so much of Jem’s expressions reflected within her mother’s features did little to assist my yearning, and I peered beyond, to her home. “She will not be coming any longer.” “Is that her wish?” I asked, giving her my attention once more. “That she not see me again?” “Go home, Mr Holloway.”
