Addie laughed gently before placing her free hand on Mel’s other cheek, gently holding the injured woman’s face. There was no need. Mel didn’t wait. She was the one to lean toward Addie and initiate a kiss delayed by nearly thirty years. The kiss went on and on, remaining gentle, for it was more of healing than of passion. In time, they moved away from the rough bark of the tree to lay in each other’s arms. In time, the kisses stopped but not the loving. Addie rolled onto her back, and Mel rested her head on Addie’s shoulder, each woman simply enjoying the physical presence of the other.
“It haunts me, Addie.”
Addie said nothing, she tightened the embrace, using one hand to brush a wisp of hair from Mel’s face. She waited silently, just as she waited patiently to gain the trust of a youn
