Chapter 30 Rocco

• Seeing Aria relax into the chair as we walked out into the sunshine made me aware of just how much this was the right thing to have done. The beautiful smile upon her face as she tilted her face up to the sunshine warmed my heart. I wanted so desperately to gently kiss her cheek the way I used to. To stroke my hand upon her cheek, and then move it on up into her hair… the way she used to love... the way that so often would lead to a kiss, as we looked into one another's eyes... but instead I simply observed her. Knowing that at this moment in time, she is no longer mine to touch.
• I smiled tenderly as I watched her turn her head, here and there… taking in every little thing. Her eyes darting back and forth, not knowing where to look next... like it is all new to her, despite the fact we have spent many an hour out here in the past. Yet the expression upon her face tells me that none of it is familiar to Aria. But I know I should not be surprised. Her eyes light up as she watches birds flying by, or as she looks upon the many beautiful flower beds laid out within the gardens. Gardens I plan to take my time walking through.
• “Mmmm, it is so warm out here.” She murmured, enjoyment clear in her voice, and I smiled. Aria had always loved the sunshine, from what I recall. The tales of her parents telling her how much she enjoyed the beach as a child, frolicking in the sea under the scorching sun… or playing in the forest under the glorious sunshine. Crying when it was time to go inside. All her tales seemed to involve the sunshine. So, the appreciation of the sunshine today did not surprise me, and had been one of my main reasons for suggesting the walk.