Getting my wife to do anything she has no wish to is a task often far beyond my paltry powers of persuasion. When the mood strikes her, though….

And she says she's not sentimental.

Right.

"Two of a Kind"

By Maria Gabriella Manno

(with Joseph Manno)

There was a soft mutter.

"Bear?"

No answer.

"Where are you, Bear?"

She turned over on soft flannel sheets, right hand groping across the bed, reaching for…

"Bear?"

Parihn forced her eyes open—to find herself alone.

Sighing heavily, she tumbled off the bed, still groggy, and saw Cicero-Bear on the bedside chair—alongside a single yellow rose.

She hugged him to herself, feeling alarmed at how much she loved and needed Bear.

As she prepared herself for her shift, Parihn remembered the kiss he'd given her before leaving for the bridge…

…and thought, All my love is with Bear.