Love #37: Fire Storm

 

I remember us together. 

We went high into the high mountains scouting for a fire I had smelt. The gums had dropped their branches along the top of the ranges. The old sheoks clung grimly to life only by breathing the sea breeze.

 I caught my breath as he led us off the forest trail down a dry gully to follow my pointed hand as I tracked the first signs of smoke. How we held the fire as he called in support. How they let me spray the last of the embers till they winked out. How I sat on his shoulders waving the crews home. How the sunset glorious with the smoke haze.

I remember how he broke. I heard him sobbing. Out of sight. How he turned away from those who had filled his days. How he rejected those around him. How he no longer talked to me. How much it hurt.

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