Free Once Within A Lifetime by Phyllis Georgina Rose

both her hands in his and said, “I must go back to the cottage and pack, though I am very reluctant to leave. When I am away from you I will remember you being here in this room, and see you sitting over there looking out the window thinking and dreaming.” They went to the window and stood there for a while looking out together and he had his arm around her waist.
    “ Can I help you in any way to get packed?” she asked him, wanting to be with him as much as possible.
    “ No, I have done some previously and have only a few last minute items I have saved out to wear around the last couple of days.” So they parted slowly and reluctantly, he held her close to him and they kissed tenderly, then he just stood there holding her for a while. They knew they would miss each other very much when they had parted for a while, but also knew they would soon be together again, though at this point it seemed like such a long time until then.
    They walked downstairs and he went to the door. They stood there holding each other for a while but parted slowly and reluctantly. It would be very hard to be so far apart, even temporarily. They knew they would miss each other for a while, but they would soon be together again in Geneva.
    As he left, she watched him go slowly down the path to the cottage and he turned to wave at her, then she went inside and up the stairs to her bedroom.
    As they awoke the next day, they both felt very sad because they knew they would soon be parting again for a while. Each time seemed harder. It is amazing how situations allow us to do what we really do not want to do, to let us override our deep emotions, so much a part of our being, he thought.  He came up to the house, joined her on the patio, and they had coffee while waiting for breakfast. They were silent because it was hard to talk about the inevitable. Nancy brought their breakfast and they ate slowly because they weren’t hungry.
    “ It is a nice day; we will have time to take a stroll through the garden before we have to leave,” she told him, breaking the silence.
    “ Yes, I would like that, it was about the first thing I did when I arrived so it seems only fitting to end my visit as it began.” He went around the table and helped her up and they walked around to the garden and out to the rose garden where they stood in the center of the space and looked around at all the gorgeous blooms. They were spectacular.
    “ You have a wonderful arrangement here,” he reminded her. “It is a good break to come out here in the middle of a project if you want to relax and clear your head. I am sure I will think of this spot many times in my absence, and I will see you here walking around and thinking of our time here together.”
    “ Yes, you are right, I do come here often. It is wonderful therapy and a great treasure. I will be reliving scenes like this many times when you are gone.”
    They walked on and the swans were swimming around the pond, gliding smoothly and effortlessly. Sometimes they stopped when they were among the lilies and it was an awesome sight, as beautiful as any master painting. They always looked so regal, like someone always at attention, very particular about their posture. Such a magnificent bird.
    “ I am thinking about getting some peacocks,” she remarked. “First I must learn what conditions they need. They are beautiful birds, I guess they are quite large, especially when their tail is spread out. But they are so colorful and beautiful”
    “ Why don’t you wait before making any plans?” he suggested. “I have friends who have some. I can find out all the particulars and they may be able to let you have some of theirs. Small ones would be good and you could watch as they grow up to see the changes. I will let you know what I find out.”
    She smiled at him and said, “That will be wonderful. I will appreciate your help and the firsthand knowledge from people who own them. We have plenty of time to do it and we