But ... I hadn't noticed—the red rises to my cheeks—his arm is still under my arm, confident, natural. How is it that it never occurred to me that it should always be so?
Shall I dare to tell him how sweet it is to feel him so close to me, our two lives joined, our two souls welded—how necessary it is to me?
Feelings depart quickly, and joy too. I can scarcely follow my feelings and my joy. When my heart has slowed down, yes, I will speak to him, I shall feel his breath on my voice, his warmth against my breast. And I shall obey this visible will which comes running to me, springing from the smiling house-fronts, falling from the sky padded with pink.
We are drawing near to my lodgings.
Still this street, where the gracious wind dances for its own pleasure. A few moments, and we shall be leaving each other.
Leaving each other...?
Ah, I know now what to say. I know what the will of a little while ago wanted, and my life and his life. I am going to find the words....
"Listen. I have been thinking. Don't let us part again. Never. It is I who am asking you. Let us live together ... I cannot say anything else, that sums up everything, it is everything, to live together. Is it love?... I don't know yet ... but I know we ought to live together, and you, you know it too."
My voice is thick and has the taste of tears; it scrapes in my dry throat, it won't come out. He takes my two hands, draws me close to him, his gaze caressing my eyes which strain to escape. With his body he supports my rigid, awkward body, which struggles hard to remain upright and does nothing but tremble.