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slowly and went to the door. I thought I heard the

squeaking sound of Evan's wheelchair and then the

nearly silent closing of his door. My heart pounded.

Had he seen us?

"Rose? Anyone there?"

"No," I said.

"Maybe I should get going." Barry said, coming

up beside me. He kissed me on the cheek and I leaned

back into him while he held me, kissed my hair, and

whispered, 'I really like you, Rose. I like you a lot." "I'm glad. Barry," I said. I turned to him and we

kissed again. Then we walked to the front door. We stood outside looking up at the starry night

sky. There was no moon but the stars seemed closer,

their illumination washing the world in a silvery glow

that turned the trees into sentinels manning the walls

of our castle, keeping all the sadness and worry away

from us. securing our dreams, It was magical. "I'll call you tomorrow." Barry promised.

"Good."

He kissed me again and then he left, letting his

hand slide slowly through mine. I kept mine extended

as if the warmth and the feel of his remained, even

though he was already down the stairs. He paused at

his car, waved again, and got in. I watched him drive

off. Then I embraced myself and went back into the

house.

I stood in the foyer and listened. The television

was still on. but I didn't see or hear Evan. I returned to

the family room, straightened out the settee, and then

turned off the set. Before I went upstairs. I walked

quietly toward Evan's room. I noticed that his door

was slightly ajar and there was some light behind it, a