Portrait of Evening by Monte Mitzlefelt

Portrait of Evening

by Monte Mitzlefelt

"It's really nice out, tonight." She looked at him expectantly, obviously hoping he'd say more. He did. "It really wouldn't have to be that nice out for it to be nice. I-I mean, the nicest part is that you're here, and you're all it would take to make this evening beautiful anyway."

"Thank you." She blushed but not much. Her eyes shifted to the floor beneath the porch swing.

"You shouldn't thank someone for being honest." She looked up at him as he said this. Her eyes felt strange against his skin, and his face, too, flushed with blood.

The stars were coming out now. Beyond the protective shelter of the porch, the blue deepened, and tiny points of light shone through the dark like a candle through an old tin latern. To the west, however, twilight's muted glow lingered on. She looked deep into his eyes, caught and held his gaze. His skin became warm as the blood rushed to fill his facial capillaries, compelling her eyes back to the floor. Her face attempted to match his in color. She couldn't look up. He couldn't look away.

"I don't think you should be here." The knot in his stomach told him the same thing, sort of. He wasn't quite sure what to feel. He started to shift his gaze, to avoid further turmoil. Still, he hesitated, unsure now only of her feelings. She grasped his hand, and twilight faded to night.