Marie would give him a peck on his cheek. An unconditioned reflex. In essence , a grateful “thank you", for listening and being there as a friend. On other occasions when tears began to show, the simple peck became an embrace. The strength of his arms and comfort of his shoulder was just what she needed.

One time the embrace, turned to a kiss. Immediately they felt the passion, the warmth, and desire. Although their young, innocent lips were committed to someone else, their hearts belonged to each other. 

They met weekly at the empty elementary school where they were once co-workers. It was there they  became friends. The friendship continued to grow until they fell in love.

They would sit in his old homeroom, basked with afternoon sun and share stories of their children. Each hid a false interest, thinking what they once could have had.

Through the musty, staleness in the air, they slow danced to Etta James’s, "At Last”, or “Let’s Stay Together”, by Al Green. If they felt playful, they would disco to the Bee Gees in the hollow hallways.

Together they thumbed through gardening magazines, played gin rummy on the dusty desks and completed the New York Times crossword puzzles.

Outside, they would act like middle-schoolers and push each other on the rusty swings till their toes touched the clouds. On the teeter-totter his eyes would lock hers as her silky smooth hair rose and fell with each push. Laughter filled the playground.

Neither could tell their spouses about these trysts. Their bond was special, strong and deep. The relationship was too meaningful, neither wanting it to end.