The Art of the Cuddle
Life has been tender for Vlad and Gene, for they have discovered the art of cuddling. They wake up together and gaze adoringly at one another, as new couples are often wont to do.
Gene teaches Vlad to use the computer. He's in awe of her teaching style, which is both eager and gentle at once.
They dance together everyday to Gene's favorite albums. Gene's favorite albums soon become Vlad's favorite albums.
As the records spin, it becomes clear that Gene is an intensely focused dancer. Some might call this a talent.
Someone like Vlad can only hope to keep up. He finds himself tentative, nervous.
Marie walks by as they dance. She stops, unnoticed, to watch them and to cast a wish that one day she too will experience a love like this.
When Vlad and Gene tire of the music and grow hungry, they run down to the kitchen like giddy children.
He sneaks off for a moment to have a look at his sister. Although he's been occupied lately, Vlad can feel her dis-ease.
Where is the sister he once knew, the strong ox who looked after him when they were children?
Vlad stands back in horror as Grenadine comes undone, sustained only by sugar, liquor, and round-the-clock swills of Pepto-Bismol.
Love is Patience
Love is Feeling Free
Love Knows No Bounds
They lose themselves in the music, and in each other.
The world is theirs, and any snack they crave is a possibility.
But before long, Vlad's thoughts begin to wander...
And sure enough, what he finds is startling.
