Leaving Me

Jaecar helped Samantha out of the water and into a filmy yellow summer dress.

I turned away since neither of them seemed bother by their nudity. Being mated suited them.

I’d never seen Samantha seem so confident.

Soon they were chatting and elbowing each other playfully.

Jaecar stepped behind her and tenderly twisted her hair to wring out some of the dampness for her.

“Thank you.” She peered at him over her shoulder.

“You’re most welcome.” He massaged her shoulders. “Now, let’s go find some critters for you to sketch.”

He collected her drawing book from a stand of trees and held it up to show her.

She caught his arm and they wandered off into the trees. Looking so happy I wondered if they might take off skipping.

Well, they seem to be working out well.

***

I knelt next to the cool water and began sloshing my face. Glimpsing some small f