Realization Without Relief

The relief washed over him like a bucket of ice and Gary couldn’t help the small smile that formed on his face. She’d remembered this place.

As soon as that realization hit him, Gary shoved away any optimistic thoughts. He had to go into this, knowing that it was probably a place that Kris remembered without any memories of him included. Looking over at only girl he might possibly ever love, Gary composed his features into a blank mask and then walked further into the alcove.

She was sitting against a tree, head resting on her knees.

“Kris?”

She didn’t move and he realized she must have fallen asleep. He hated to wake her up but she couldn’t stay there much longer without getting cold. He crouched in front of her. “Kris, wake up.”

She stirred and he shook her gently. She groaned.

“Come on, up you get.”

She lifted her head and opened her eyes.

He watched as the sleepy blue eyes focused and went from confused to startled.