One by one the stars appeared in the deep blue velvet sky, creating an ethereal glow the gardens below. The crisp September breeze gently wound it’s way around the chimney pots, as a silent and graceful full moon crept up over the sleeping hills in the distance.
Inside the fire was warm and inviting, its flames licking at the hearth. All the windows and doors were locked to keep out the chill of the autumn night, and candles softly lit the large oak dining table. Only two places had been laid, for only two were needed. However, the places had long since been vacated. Their occupants had retreated to a cosy sofa that stood before a much larger, warmer fireplace.
As a soft burnished glow lit the room and the fire cast wavering shadows over their faces, the two friends gazed fondly at one another, not caring for the late hour or the waning candles that slowly grew dimmer. He reached for her hand, and they smiled before closing the gap between their lips in a welcomed, wonderful kiss.
When finally the candles burned down and the fire began to fade, she stood and pulled him up to stand beside her. They kissed again and exchanged a loving smile before proceeding hand in hand towards the staircase; and, later, as they lay in each other’s arms, they felt truly content. As they slept, the firelight played on their skin, but love kept them warmer than firelight ever could.
