The Sky's Mirror

  The sweat accumulating between their tightly clasped palms loosened their intertwined fingers. The boy let go of her little hand, and reached up to push an untamed pine branch away from her side. They traded smiles as they stepped off the dirt path, and over the shoulder of the deep crimson and mauve mountain. The swirls of deep chocolate patterns etched their designs into the fac...e of the great cliff. A plethora of lush, emerald pines and dogwoods masked the strong base of the mountain, below which a quiet stream trickled over smooth, pastel stones. They walked to the edge of the shoulder, which maintained a straight shot down into tumbling, green mush. The girl gently lowered herself onto the soft earth, and swung her legs over the edge so they dangled playfully. Not as gracefully, the boy stumbled forward and slipped into the same position.

     The girl quietly giggled as they both watched a few loose pebbles roll from the boy’s fall and fly downward. They cautiously leaned forward and listened for the sound of a minute splash to ring from below. Nothing. The absolute stillness enveloped them, only broken by a slight rustle of trees from the soft breeze. They tilted their faces to the brilliant sky, which gleamed azure. They watched as the sun began to descend into the great mouths of the surrounding mountains. The sun dripped golden droplets of light upon the vast sky. The sky blazed with glowing red embers and golden hues that tinged everything in the valley that stretched below, even warming the hidden shadows of the trees.

     The boy leaned over to nibble on her ear. She turned her head to meet his lips. Their mouths moved together, syncing harmoniously. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Her chest slightly rising, the girl pressed harder on his lips, letting her cheek brush the rough stubble that traced his jawline. The boy raised his hand, resting it upon her head. He began to stroke her hair; streams of running gold. Her eyelashes brushed against his cheeks, landing amongst his passionate eyes. In the background, an opulent sunset created a golden aura that coalesced around the two embracing figures. Suddenly, the sky burst with erratic colors; deep shades of violet laced the pink and orange streams that shot across the blue. Silvery-white clouds floated blissfully along the stretch of the horizon, kissing the peaks of mountains – glistening halos above rich auburn heads, shimmering in a thousand sparkles.