At the top of the plastic spiral slide, there is a tiny tunnel-like area; it provides a top for you to hold on to when you launch yourself down the scratched-up green surface. I sat in that tunnel, sideways, slouched against the right wall. I let my legs drape themselves out onto the slide itself. The sun on my jeans warmed my calves, but the tunnel kept my upper body cool in the shade. A swift breeze swept by every few minutes, passing a sweet summer air through my little tunnel.

As the yellow bars lining the pathway to the slide were too uncomfortable to slouch against, you simply stood beside me, leaning on the tunnel's roof, looking out towards the same trees I was watching so carefully. The way the branches swayed in the breeze - the way the leaves shivered with every breath of the sky - fascinated me. We listened, observed, and silently "took in the world around us".

The cool breeze dried out my eyes. Compelled by nature to close my eyes and drift away, I did so, tilting my head to the right a bit and shifting to make myself even more comfortable than I already was. Even when my eyes were open, I couldn't see your face, as your head was blocked from view by the tunnel roof above me. But your presence - your presence - was all I needed. I felt safe, I decided. Safer than I had ever felt. By your side, I was at peace, with myself and with the world. It seemed like nothing could harm me or disturb my mind, as long as you were there.

Quite a while had passed since we had last spoken to each other. I had not found a need for words, so I did not voice any. I was at peace, but what about you? The possibility of discontent on your part crossed my mind. So, I asked-

"Are you bored?"

Hearing my voice, you popped your head back so you could see me. Your forehead rested on crossed forearms, which leaned on the back edge of the tunnel's roof. I turned my head back to the left to look at you - to look in your eyes. Your calm, reassuring eyes.

I don't believe I revealed any emotion on my face. It was a simple, honest question. I would not judge you if you did happen to be bored. After all, our last conversation had ended who-knows-when. Time doesn't exist, when I'm with you.

But you smiled at me, softly, and shook your head. "No, I'm not bored. I would never be bored, like this."

In your eyes, I saw that you could not be more sincere. Feeling warm and secure, I smiled back at you. A barely audible " 'kay" escaped my barely parted lips. Watching your steady eyes, watching your gentle smile - I felt better by the second. I shifted my body again and turned back towards the waving trees - towards the open field. Everything felt right. We settled back into silence.

Your presence was enough for me, and... my presence was enough for you. The trees, the warmth, the breeze, the world was beautiful, and it constantly waited for us to notice it. So, you and I together, we noticed it. And that's all that matters. No labels, no judgement, just you and me, enjoying the world from the top of an elementary school playset.

Words? They are too much. We don't need them.

We only need the sky, the trees, and... each other.


Moment of May 25th.

Your eyes, your smile. Nothing has ever been so reassuring.