random thoughts... My name is Aaron, sometimes called Max because it's my middle name. I recently married a beautiful woman who just so happens to be the love of my life.

Comfortable chair, enveloping his aching muscles. How long since he hasn't felt one pain or another?

Hmph.

A faded memory ghosts across his mind. When was the last time he smiled?

*sigh*

Old friends, children, work acquaintances long gone. One by one they slipped into his memory, their final resting place.

Life continues, ambivalent to the pain in his heart, the ache in his step, and the knowledge that someday, maybe soon, he, too, will slip into memory.

He knows he's not alone. Another person occupies the house, in another room, somewhere else.

She, who once had been his wife, his lover, best friend. Now, little more than roommates; occupying the same space and time, yet worlds apart.

When had love turned to appeasement, devotion to apathy?

They ate, they slept, discussed niceties, "Fine weather we have today."

"Yes, quite nice."

He had resigned himself to this existence.

We're too old to change now.

Then he hears the music...

At first faint, it grows in volume as he directs his wandering thoughts. The music takes shape, changes, unearthing old thoughts and emotions in his tired mind and heart.

I know this song.

Walking into the small room, he sees her. No longer able to glide, she sways in the rhythm. Eyes closed, lost in emotion, surrendered to the melody

This is our song.

His heart beat quickens.

She's beautiful.

When had he forgotten this simple truth? Though transformed by age, her beauty remained in the curve of her body, the softness of her hair, the peaceful smile on her face.

How had I missed this?

Opening her eyes, she sees him standing in the doorway. Her feet become still. Breath caught in her throat, she stands silent, watching him in turn.

The brightness in her eyes had not faded over time.

Why did she stop?

He walks forward, more certain with each step.

Standing before her, he raises an upturned palm.

Will you dance with me?

Unsure, yet unable to turn away, she rests her hand in his. The weight is familiar, the touch unchanged.

I know this hand.

Stepping closer still, he wraps his other arm around the small of her back.

As one, they begin to dance.

Each step is measured, confident, remembered.

We still fit together.

Holding her in his arms, he is surprised by all that hasn't changed.

Gazing into his awakening eyes, she is surprised that, once again, she exists in his world.

And what began as a waltz, ends in an embrace.

Time has no meaning in this moment.

They stand together.

Then, for the first time in what seems like ages, they kiss, thankful for the music that brought them back to each other.