He stood on the snow-covered hill and watched the tiny cottage. If he had to wait any longer for her, he would lose his mind. But he knew he had to have patience; it wouldn't be long now. After all, he had waited so long already. What were another few moments? Finally, after years of holding on, she would let go and then he would take her away. Hand in hand, he would lead her to wonderful places; let her do things that she hadn't been able to do for a long time.

Phillipa. Even the chill winter wind that ruffled his dark hair seemed to whisper her name with reverence. He smiled slightly. She controlled his world, she always had. He had never forgotten her, not once had his mind strayed from her. His existence would be cold and empty without the knowledge that she would finally be his again.

He had watched her change from woman to wife, from mother to grandmother; all the while remaining unchanged, a perfect preservation of his eighteen year old self. He shared quietly in her every happiness and mourned every loss with her. He was her unseen companion, her guardian angel, and his love protected her wherever she went.

Inside the cottage, an old white-haired woman took her last breath as her family looked sadly on.

But, outside, two lovers were reunited after an eternity apart. The boy held his arms out to a pale blonde-haired girl who, after one last fleeting glance down at her home, rushed into his open arms.

"Phillipa." he murmured, his voice saturated with love.
"Benjamin, you waited for me." she whispered with tears in her blue eyes.
He nodded. "I promised you I would."
They kissed. Then he took Phillipa's small hand in his and they both disappeared into the twilight.