Writing. Well… I was until the sun ran away with my light. Tina said.

I could turn the porch light on for you. Bette offered.

No, thats ok. Its nice listening to the night sounds without littering the night with fake light. Tina said, although she wished she could see Bettes face in the darkness. She was having a hard time reading Bette through only her short words.

Well, Im going to head out. Bette said as she started to turn away. Suddenly, an urge to invite Tina along overpowered her. Before she could even think about what she was saying, she blurted out, You want to join me?

When Tina didnt respond right away, Bette was kicking herself inside for asking Tina. She was surprised though when Tina said, Ok. Ill go.

They walked side by side in silence for a long time, both enjoying the warm nights air on their skin. They simply listened to each others breaths. They hadnt done something like this in as long as either one could remember. Theres magic in the nighttime. That was something they used to tell each other from time to time when they were still married… if they were having an intimate moment or swimming in the moonlight or basking in their friends company or looking for shooting stars on the beach. Maybe a little of that magic followed them to this place during this walk, or so they both wondered.

Tina?

Hm?

On this trip, you were the last person I wanted to see and the first person I wanted to see. Does that make sense? Bette quietly asked, in disbelief at her sudden honesty.

Yes. I felt the same way. Tina confessed. Its not easy facing past demons.

Am I a demon to you?

Youre no angel.

Bette let out a dry laugh. Do you remember that night, probably a year after we were married… we were in bed up all night and we traced pictures on each others backs?

***

That tickles, Bette. Tina laughed and giggled, her body shaking.

Hold still. Bette said.

Tina was lying on her stomach, her bare back facing the ceiling in their bedroom. Bette was using her finger to trace pictures on Tinas back. They were playing a game in the middle of the night. Bette would draw something on Tinas back with her finger and Tina had to guess what it was. Then Tina would do the same to Bette. The sheets were moist from recent love making and they were acting like high schoolers, staying up all night playing and kissing.