we really did love each other

The girl lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She hadn't slept the whole night, choosing instead to watch shadows dance across the walls for hours. Now that the sun had begun to rise, it turned the shadows into the outline of leaves, backed by a golden-yellow glow.

Karelos had always been fond of the tree outside her window. It was an apple tree. She remembered countless summers of eating sour apples, something not uncommon with homegrown fruits. When she picked the first apple a couple days ago, however, things were different. It had been sweet. The sweetest she'd ever tasted.

She wasn't one to believe in God, but even she had to admit to herself that it was a sign. A sign, but for what? That was the question, the reason keeping her awake even now.

The bedroom door creaked open. Karelos didn't stir, she didn't bother raising her head to see who had entered. Only one other person held a key to the apartment, and that was its owner.

She squeezed her eyes shut, heart beginning to pound in her chest. He was trying to be as quiet as possible, but the creak of the floorboards under his weight was unmistakable.

He set down his bag with a muffled thud, one she had heard many times before. Even with her eyes closed, she could sense his presence beside her, feel him watching over her. A strong hand smoothed down her hair; she smiled slightly.

"You're always home so late."

The hand was quickly withdrawn. Karelos opened her eyes to see Cloud's face, inches away from her own. He seemed surprised as he grasped for her hand.

"Did I wake you?"

He was exhausted; she could tell from his tired tone and the way his clear blue eyes seemed duller than usual. But, bathed in sunlight, he was still the handsome man she'd always known.

"No... but I do wish you wouldn't work yourself so hard." She stroked his cheek. "You hardly have time for me anymore."

She shifted over and he climbed into bed beside her.

"I'm sorry. It was another graveyard shift at the station..."

"Get some rest." Karelos ended the conversation. She wasn't in the mood for his explanations. It was always the same; he'd be gone during the day, come back early morning to sleep, then disappear when afternoon rolled around. At times she felt as if she dated a phantom.

"You're angry..."

Familiar, comforting arms found their way around her.

"I'm sorry I can't always be with you." She felt him bury his face into her dark hair. "You know that doesn't change the way I feel."

"Go to sleep..." she whispered, and hugged the sheets closer. He did the same with her body, holding her close like something precious. She continued to stare at the ceiling long after his breath had steadied beside her.