To see a familiar face

The spark of recognition, the lucid familiarity crept its way in like the summer that we’ve just noticed is awakening all around us. The touch of skin on skin was intimate and grew less foreign with every tender look that we exchanged. Inside I’m a complete mess, shambled and confused, and maybe you are too, but outside, where you can see me and I can see you, everything is smooth and calm and natural. Your hand upon my arm and a kiss on my cheek opens that locked box and out flutters all the things I put away for safekeeping. They’re released into the freedom of the air.

And then they’re whisked away with the breeze, gone forever.