Memories

The was a serenity about the place that one had to experience to understand.

Perhaps, standing on top of a mountain, exposed to howling winds, needle-like blades of snow slicing into the skin, numbing fingers and toes, was more than enough to begin a memory. Then again, it may have been the contrasts of colors, Majestic views of snow tip mountains, dark green pine trees protected by blankets of snow under Icy cold blue skies.

It most certainly had to do with the fact that Joyce was not alone here…to witness that winter had settled in over the San Bernardino Mountains.

She just stood there, oblivious to the cold, unaware of the animal tracks that disturbed the snow-covered ground. She paid no attention as her warmed breath swilled up into the sky above.

Joyce's lips cracked as she turned and smiled at her husband, Matt.

Beautiful, isn't it? She exclaimed. It wasn't a question.

Matt nodded.

He, too, was busy soaking in the sights, the sounds, the smells. This memory, their memory, was perhaps the most significant one which they were making together as man and wife. Joyce had planned all of it. Most of which he wasn't aware of. It was her gift to him, and he couldn't have loved her more for it.

Joyce had made the decision earlier, and Matt, well, he was kept in the dark from before they loaded their SUV…until they pulled off Highway 38 and started their climbed along the snow-covered fire road, up the mountain.

Joyce turned back, watching a hawk high overhead glide gracefully with the air currents. The view was so picturesque and just added to the moment.

Matt smiled; he was pleased that Joyce was so thrilled. Yet, their whole trip almost ended in disaster. Driving up the side of a mountain on an icy dirt road wasn't the smartest of ideas. Then they came to a locked gate. He had to get out and struggle with a frozen lock.

His fingers were just now starting to thaw out.

As Joyce drove around the curve, a tall gray-colored lookout tower loomed up before them. Matt turned and looked at her. The warmth of her smile made him remember so many wonderful times they have had together.

Even now, the thoughts, the memories, seeing her before him, made his heart beat faster.

Looking up at the tower, thinking of the gear in the back of the SUV. Matt finally understood what was in store for them tonight. He knew she had something special planned. A milestone in their relationship. In their marriage to each other. He was an outdoorsman, had camped in many places during his lifetime. Joyce had been there beside him for most of it.

Ya, this night was going to be unique.

They were going to spend the night in a tower—one with No heat, no water, no electricity. In the middle of winter, no less.

Shaking his head, He laughs; it was just like Joyce to come up with something so illogical.

He started climbing the ladder, kicking snow off the metal steps as he went. The winds followed, attacking any skin that became exposed. Inside, the cold air burned his lungs with each breath, forcing him to stop to ease the stabbing pain in his chest.

Yet, the idea of spending the night in this tower, with Joyce, together yet alone, to the world made it feel like being a child on Christmas morning.

Joyce was now watching Matt as he climbed up and around the tower until he reached the grated snow-covered walkway. He stopped, looking down, and waved to her. He then moved forward, and she watched the snow sprinkle like rain with each step he took.

Matt unlocked the door and went inside.

Once Matt was out of sight, Joyce hurried over to the SUV and gabbed a yellow beach tote that she had stash behind the seat. Carefully, she got a tight grip on the handles, then glancing over her shoulder, moved away from the SUV.

The cold winds blew harder as she started her climb up the tower ladder. The wind took her breath away, her eyes began to tear up. But she pushed herself forward. It was essential to get up to the top before Matt decided to come down.

Joyce was turning the handle as Matt was turning around to come back down for their gear.

Wow, what a view she exclaimed, pointing towards the far window.

Matt turned back to see what she was referring to.

Suddenly, there was a clink of glasses.

Matt turned back. There was a bottle of Merlot on the counter.

Their eyes met. Matt reached out taking Joyce into his arms, and lighty kissed her wind-blistered lips.

It was a while before they parted. Joyce smiled, turned, and poured a healthy amount into each glass.

Handing one to Matt, she took the other. Tears formed in her eyes; gone was her smile.

Neither one had second thoughts, but still, Joyce's lips trembled as she raised her glass for a toast.

"To our last night together as man and wife."

Their glasses touch; the cold liquid warmed their bodies, chasing away the cold but could not mend their broken hearts.

This night was going to be their last night together. In the morning, a final ride together to the courthouse. Together they would sign their names and then part, divorced and going their separate ways!