The Perfect Fall Day

Red and orange leaves slowly drifted to the cold autumn ground. Occasional gust of chilled wind would shake what leaves remained on the now exposed branches of the giant tree. There was a certain smell in the air that could only be described as “fall”. A faint smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie could always be detected. Apple orchards and cider mills are flooded with people wishing to experience the “perfect fall day”.

With cold cider and a freshly-made cinnamon sugar donut I walked through the masses of people that filled the ground in front of the cider mill store. I weaved through the generic people wearing their plain clothes; I passed the fence trapping the herd of visitors. I came to a hill in the back of the mill where people wouldn’t usually wander to. There she was, the girl that stood out.

She wore a deep green hoodie that made her eyes shine like emeralds. Her beautiful brown hair perfectly framed her blushing face. She gave me a smile that made me realize just how cute she really was. Butterflies immediately flocked to my stomach and I could feel my face turn red.

I handed her the cider and divided the warm donut into two. I handed her half and took a bite from my piece. While brushing sugar off of my hands I asked, “Are you ready to go?” She replied in a soft voice, “In a minute, this is a good place to be right now.” Confused, I asked, “What do you mean honey?” Sweetly, she replied, “I just want to take my time so I can remember this moment because it’s like it’s only you and me; the rest of the world has disappeared.”

It was at that moment that I knew it… I loved her. I was afraid to admit it to myself because I didn’t want to get hurt but, with that little moment of affection I couldn’t bear to lie to myself any longer. I held her closely and felt the warmth coming from her heart. I cupped her soft face in my hands and kissed her. I’ve kissed her many times but every time it’s like the first time; the second our lips touch my heart beats faster. This eternal moment is what I live for. To feel the love transfer from my lips to hers and- and to feel the love returned.

After the kiss I took her hand in mine and we began to walk down the leave-covered path that leads deeper into the bare woods surrounding the cider mill. We walk into a part of the woods I didn’t know. Suddenly she stopped and whispered “look!” There were two cardinals before us in the path. Majestic and beautiful they hopped along side by side, unaffected by our presence. They stayed together as they spread their wings and flew away; untouched by fear and doubt because no matter what happened they would be by each other.