#15 Finding Love

by Molly O’Connor

The artist captured that light reflected in the tiles so perfectly? I knew that hallway, I knew that light. I had climbed those stairs, spent the night in a featherbed snuggled under a voluptuous counterpane, felt the warmth of him against my rump, the heat from his body blended with mine.

We met through strangers, brought together by a desire to be loved; we were both lonely and needy. I knew our meeting might be the moment my life would change; I feared it might not. I had reservations and doubts that told me I was not ready for this.

It was a mixed gathering, male and female, all searching for that missing element in their life, a need to bond, to be with someone who shared their world, shared their feelings—shared their love. I faltered and backed away pausing by the door to gather my courage.

I saw you across the room. You were focused on activity near you. I watched. I observed your strong features, admired your long firm body and watched how you moved with grace and dignity. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.

Then you saw me. Brown eyes latched onto my blue ones. You slowly moved toward me, caution in every step.

I knew the minute our eyes connected we were meant for each other—passion flooded the space between us. I knelt, held your face in my hands and kissed your forehead. There would be no other dog for me.