It was an impossible situation for them both; she felt miserable and so in love with him and he felt horrible that she was in the least uncomfortable or sad or wounded and he was so in love with her.

He couldn't think of anything to do other than to hold her. He couldn't think of how to breakinto that tiny, precious part of her that was discontented. He couldn't fathom a way to get to her heart without bruising every delicate part of her along the way. He wanted to be inside her, but he didn't want to own her or restrain her or damage her.

He only wanted to see that one moment when her bud would open up to him and become the beautiful rose that the were both waiting for.

Ahh, to smell the sweetness of her first bloom...