Into the Setting Sun

The burning season of the Texas heat was immersed into a frigid chill from a Northern wind that cooled the air. Clouds reflected pink and gold from the setting sun, the breeze swirling the changing leaves, tearing them from their homes. A girl-- the small town girl, stepped out of the security of her home into the still green grass, her feet bare, sinking into the cold earth. She wrapped herself into her arms, the bitter wind that crossed her shoulders seeming foreign after months of summer. Her eyes matched the golden light as she gazed off into the setting sun, the breeze circling her hair into flying wisps across her face. A boy-- the city boy, watched her from his window, fascinated by her dreamy stare and commitment to watch the day end every evening, wishing he knew what thoughts were brewing in her mind. Suddenly the girl’s eyes darted up as if she felt his gaze. He faded from the window, eyes wide, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. He backed onto his bed, missing the shy smile that tugged on the corner of her lips before returning her attention back to the beginning of the night. The next evening was also cool, autumn finally claiming its place in the Southern timeline. How long the season would last was unknown. A month, a week? A mystery. Once again the girl stepped out, basking in the final minutes of the golden hue before darkness claimed for hours the surface with a saturating blue. This time, the boy did not watch. He descended the stairs from his room, throwing on a hoodie over his thin shirt. He too abandoned his home to say goodnight to the setting sun... and to her. After glancing at the girl, he followed her gaze into the evening light. Immediately, he felt his mind haze over as all thoughts disappeared into the warmth of the star. Without awareness, his lips pulled back revealing a white, toothy smile. The beauty of the colors of transition made him forget everything about that day, filling his heart with fervor to enjoy every minute and every hour of every day. At that moment, everything was possible. “Pretty, isn’t it?” She startled him. He stuttered over a couple of words, but couldn’t quite get out what he needed to stay. She chuckled, dropping her eyes to the ground still smiling ever so slightly. He studied her for a moment. Her face had become flushed from the September breeze, her hazel eyes golden in the evening light, and her hair tousled ever so perfectly onto her shoulders. She felt his stare and it made her laugh so soft that it tugged a smirk onto the boy’s lips. Without another thought, he placed his hand warmly on the back of her neck and pulled her in close. They shared the same gentle smile before enclosing their lips into a light, tender kiss...