It was hard going up the rocky slope, but most of the larger boulders had been cleared away by those who travelled it. As my ankles twisted on the rubble, the criss-crossed, rawhide sandal straps dug into my low calf. I merely smiled and kept on my way. You see, I had a motivating reason for making this trek nearly every day.

As I neared the summit, the smooth doric columns seemed to illuminate the entrance into the hallowed shrine. I approached them with bowed head, fearing disrespect might prove to keep what I wanted most dear in my life from materializing.

The water of the pool was tranquil. The surface reflected the surroundings perfectly in magnificient high relief. I dared not touch the liquid, but carefully leaned over and began to gaze into it. At first, like always, no depth could be seen, but only the masonry about me mirrored on the top.

But then, the pigments shifted and bled away. I sat on the edge of the oracle, frozen, staring down into it, and into the glowing face of the most beautiful, captivating angel. And then she disappeared.

My shoulders did not slump, but instead, they felt soft hands sliding over them from behind. I smiled and nodded and was content; my Love was with me again.