She disappeared into the cave, telling me that love was singing to her out of it.

I could not hear anything.  In my feet and on my head, I could feel the mist of reality, the sureness of being alone.

I gazed into the darkness after her.  I could smell the sweet earth, feel the wetness dripping from the mossy leaves.

"Hello?" I called.  My voice did not return.  I stood and walked back.

photo by Anna Verlet.