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“That’s not right, Annie.” Felix said flatly, trying to hold back his smile. His wife stood in front of him, holding a sword in what was supposed to be a fierce pose, but she looked like a child who found a stick lying on the street and decided to play knight.
“Well, why don’t you help me make it right then, Mr. Elite Swordsman” Annette stuck out her tongue, changing position to an equally unimposing one as the tip of the sword slowly fell toward the ground.
Felix sighed. “Alright, if you insist.” He walked up behind her, grabbing her wrists to guide her arms. He blushed as her shoulders fell against his chest
“Oh, the sword is supposed to be aimed at the person I’m intimidating!” Annette said with mock surprise. “That makes more sense.” She bursted out laughing, the trills of her sweet voice filling Felix’s gut with butterflies.
“That normally helps, yes.” He said dryly, though he had finally lost the battle with his smile. “Enough swordplay, Annette. It’s almost sunset.”
“Well, well.” Annette said, pulling away from Felix and turning to face him, aiming the sword squarely at his chest. “Felix Fraldarius has had enough swordplay? I shall have to inform everyone! You know, Ingrid thought the day would never come.”
“Even masters of their trade must sometimes rest, that they may truly appreciate the art of their work.” Felix said, shrugging. “Besides, we haven’t missed a sunset together since our wedding day. I’d hate to start now.”
Annette placed her sword back in the rack, then wrapped herself around Felix’s arm. “You make a fair point, Felix.” She said sweetly. “Let’s go! I want to get comfortable before the sun reaches the horizon!”
Felix smiled as he let his wife drag them to their favorite bench on the property. He could never bring himself to say it, but he was sure Annette knew that ending every day watching the sunset with her was his favorite thing in life.
“Felix, come on!” Annette tugged on Felix’s arm impatiently.
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Felix laughed. He was doing that more these days, laughing.
“Not fast enough.” Annette pouted. “I don’t want Glenn to miss his first sunset on our bench!”
Felix obliged his wife, walking slightly faster. He looked to the small bundle in her arms. His son was fast asleep, undisturbed by the hurried pace Annette was taking. They had waited until his first birthday to bring him to the bench with them.
“I think he’ll be sleeping through it just fine, Annie.” Felix said. “Besides, we’ve never been late before. We’ll get there and get settled with time to spare even if we don’t run as if we’re being pursued.”
“That’s not the point, Felix!” Annette said, laughing now herself. “I don’t want us to waste a second of our time together, with each other and with Glenn. So no dallying!”
Felix looked adoringly at Annette, who’s hair shone brilliantly in the rays of the sun. No second with you could ever be wasted.
“Dad?”
Felix opened his eyes, unsure for a moment where he was.
“Dad, you’ve been asleep all afternoon.” Glenn tugged on his sleeve. “We need to leave now if we’re going to make it in time.”
Felix rubbed his eyes. “Mm. I’ll be out in a moment.”
Glenn sighed. “Fine, I’ll be waiting outside.”
Felix lay in his bed for a moment staring at the ceiling. It had been a long time since he had dreamed of Annette. At first it happened every night, but as the years passed it became less and less frequent.
Felix rolled onto his side, staring at the picture of her that he kept on his nightstand. “I miss you, Annie.” He groaned as he sat up and slipped on his shoes. He was still dressed from his meetings that morning.
Hurry up, Felix! Annette’s voice rang in his head. He smiled weakly and grabbed Annette’s picture as he headed for the door.
“Let’s go, Annette. We don’t want to miss any more sunsets.”