Mateo was on edge.
The evergreen trees shielded warm rays.
A creek flowed over a small waterfall.
A brisk breeze moved through his hair like static.
Mateo’s legs hung over the ledge.
He kicked his feet and batted, asking Scarlett to marry him again.
The tip of Mount Adams had a dusting of snow.
A red-breasted nuthatch made a fast series of nasal,
hornlike notes that echoed “yank-yank.”
Mateo signaled mental notes to summon twisted arguments
about why she loved him or not.
Scarlett, his long-term love, occupied his mind,
so his heart considered reasons to avoid a life together.
If he fell, he’d free-fall.
But he’d splatter on the trail they walked
during weekend hikes filled
with long conversations about this or that.
Scarlett would write something.
He didn’t know what, but he knew she’d find something.
Mateo was ready to dive headfirst into love with Scarlett.
He heard dirt and gravel shift as footsteps approached.
“It’s hot out here,” Scarlett said.
“It’s just you,” Mateo replied. “You’re on fire, girl.”
Scarlett blushed. “Whatever.” She sat beside him. “You okay, dude?”
“I think…”
“I saw the ring,” Scarlett said. “And the answer is yes.”
The edge marked a new beginning.