*Kiona*

"I've only seen a portion of you, and I want to see all of you".

With care, he removes the pocket watch I have given him and positions it on the table beside my comb. With much less care, he shrugs off his jacket and tosses it to the floor. His waistcoat, shirt, and trousers follow.

Tentatively, I reach out and touch the healing welt that has formed in his side and will eventually leave a scar in its wake. “This nearly took you from me”.

He cradles my face. “No sadness tonight. No bad memories. The past doesn't matter. All that matters is now".

“That's what this place...