He walked up to her door and stopped, ringing the doorbell.

“Hi Mrs. St. John.” He said politely, smiling at Claire’s mom when she opened the door.

“Oh, hello Stephen.” She said, returning his smile and ushering him inside. “Claire is still alseep upstairs, but you’re welcome to wake her. I doubt she’d mind.”

“Thanks.” Stephen said, taking off his shoes and coat. Claire’s mom walked away and he started up the stairs quietly. He paused for a moment in Claire’s open doorway.

She was laying peacefully on her bed, her arms wrapped around a pillow. She looked younger, somehow, in her sleep. For a moment, he didn’t think he could disturbe her slumber.

After a moment, however, he crossed the room to her bed. He sat down and leaned over her. Gently he brushed a strand of hair from her face, his hand lingering over her skin. Then he bent down and kissed her lips gently.

Claire gasped slightly and opened her eyes. “Stephen Robinson! You scared me.”

He laughed, “I’m sorry.”

“I fogive you.”