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Like gawking teenagers, they fumbled. Trying to learn about each other, Feeling, holding, sometimes touching, sometimes simply watching each other was enjoyment enough. He was her first and she so wanted it to last forever.
They shared a small apartment near a park. Each morning they spent a few moments walking under the trees. Many times they would walk across the grass, through falling leaves or over a dusting of fresh snow, leaving the normal path to spend those cherished moments together.
Almost too quickly the time was over and they would hurry home. She would rush to her office while he stayed in the apartment, performing his duties. Each evening as she entered the door, he would rush to her waiting arms and soon they would be strolling through the streets or wandering through the park, laughing, playing and being like all lovers, free with their emotions.
They became inseparable it seemed. Always together, defining their own rules and following a path laid out in their minds. Traveling, visiting friends, playing games and training for their lofty goals took up many of their weekends. They were in love, and everyone who met them saw it in their glow, their smile and their actions.
For six years they worked slowly towards their goals. Achieving one, they would set their sights on another. One summer day, their lives changed. She met someone new. He accepted the newcomer and over time learned to share his home and her bed with the stranger.
Sometime late in their eighth year together, he strove to prove that he was still one of the best. He reached down within himself and with the help of friends fulfilled an elusive goal. His achievement set him apart, made him one of only a few and most of all, made her proud of him; again.
A year later he knew it was time to go. He tried to tell her, but his methods were subtle. Not wanting to hurt her his calm appearance hid his acceptance of the pain. On a clear, frosty morning they walked together through the woods to a small pond. Standing in the shadows they said goodbye.
Moments later, I took her hand and we walked down a dirt covered drive. The trees arched over our heads allowing beams of sunlight to pour through lighting our way. Tears streamed down our faces for the love we both were losing, yet we smiled as we felt him run freely over the bridge and into the fields. He will always be known as CH Mole End Hold That Tiger VCD1, JH, AX, OAJ but his friends all knew him as Tige. He may be gone, but his memory will live on forever.
As we stood in the glistening sunlight, the stranger, who three years earlier had changed their lives, came up and nuzzled her hand. The stranger, now known as Beacon, has big paw prints to follow. The love affair continues.
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