Page 9 - 2022 Tryst Sneak Peak 24

attention and, more often than not, a great deal
unworthy.

The hours Karyn spent with Jacob were euphoric
and serene; she never wanted them to end. Though, of
course, they always did. But, as few would suspect, the
best part of their being together wasn't necessarily the
wild times. It was instead, the quiet moments cradled in
Jacob's arms and the warmth of a few small candles
that Karyn loved most of all. There were never any
expectations of her will, or criticisms of her need. Time
stopped for her while lying with him. It was pure and
straightforward. Forever untainted by the emotional
corruption of those around her.

As Karyn glanced sleepily around the room, a
warm spring breeze floated through the window, tickling
the drapes in an angelic ballet of azure crinoline and
antique lace. The energy here was beyond all
compare. Peaceful. Safe. Sensuous. Exhilarating. It
was everything her real life wasn't. It was perfect. The
room, now basking in the relaxed haze of moonglow,
was decorated with the mementos of a lifetime. Letters
from friends collected through the years; pages of a
manuscript in transition; a few pieces of artwork created
by his youngest friends tacked up on a bulletin board in
the corner; and pictures upon the walls of the lives he'd
encountered and the souls who'd touched him and
changed his life. Near the window hung a dream
catcher given to him by a Native American Shaman he
met on a trip out west not long ago. Its beautiful
embroidery and delicate feathers dancing in the breeze
mesmerized Karyn in a recollection of her grandfather
and the profound impact that relationship had on her
life. It was also a reminder of how Jacob was helping
her through this trial, as well.

Diana Kathryn Plopa 9 A Tryst of Fate