Vacation

         He sat at the foot of the bed and watched her, long and still, as the sun slowly lit her face.  She breathed slowly and quietly, barely lifting the ivory sheets as she slept.  At home, her breaths were deep and efficient, and he never got the chance to admire her like he was now.  Silent, adoring moments passed and the sun grew brighter.  A bird began to chirp just outside the window, and his song soon grew higher and louder.  She drew a long, deep breath, then exhaled slowly, as if she had nothing else in the world to do.  Unaware of the admirer watching her from the foot of the bed, her eyes fluttered open and gazed contentedly at the scene beyond the window. 
         Acres of lush pasture land rolled nearly as far as she could see, and just beyond that a rim of purple mountains stood majestically in the distance.  Tall, stately trees swayed in the breeze, and a sparkling river flowed through the heart of the open land.  She could hear the rushing waters lulling her, inviting her back to sleep.  She closed her eyes again, hearing the water and feeling the warm light on her face.  She lazily brushed a wave of hair from her face and let her hand fall on the pillow beside her.  It was empty.  She opened her eyes again, more hastily, and immediately found who she was looking for staring back at her from the foot of the bed.
         “You’re breathtaking,” he murmured reverently.  She glowed, and he was drawn to her.  He laid down beside her, holding up his head to look on her shining face.  “You’re so beautiful.”
         She gazed warmly up at him as he took his time tracing the side of her face.  He rested his arm around her waist and she snuggled into him as they both admired the scene outdoors.  After a moment, she sighed contentedly.
         “You belong here,” the man said simply.  “I don’t know what it is about this place... but you sleep better... and longer.  You’re peaceful here.  You’re... glowing.”