Prologue

As I sit by Taylor’s bedside, I can’t help but smile as I think back on how I was romanced by a college professor – or was it the other way around? Oh well, either way it makes no difference for when we met, the both of us were professors. I can still hear the teasing remarks from our fellow co-workers and even the students – “Romancing the professor, are you?”

It seems like only yesterday when I first met Taylor, but as I now look upon his sleeping face I am quickly reminded that it has been much longer than that. Time – it passes like clouds riding upon a mighty wind. But time has been good to me. I don’t regret any of the decisions that I have made up to this point in my life.

As I seat myself more comfortably in the reclining chair that I have been so generously afforded, I close my eyes and listen to the whispers of times past. I listen to a magical tale that Taylor has recounted many times to me, and I mingle my own story with his. As I am swept away, I reach out and take hold of Taylor’s hand, creating a mental and spiritual link between us.

Romancing the professor. Yes, Taylor and I were indeed guilty of that playful allegation.

A sense of timelessness now prevails upon my mind and serenity is encompassed within. My soul drifts off for a time and a phantom melody plays upon my ears as memories are veiled in misty glow. Echoes of the past enfold upon me as time carries me to a place beyond the invisible. I let myself go, knowing that for at least a few hours I will be afforded a wondrous luxury before reality commandingly latches hold of me once again and fills my eyes with tears and cuts my heart to ribbons.