With a sigh, I wipe away my tears and stand up, knowing that a new day, like an unwanted intrusion, awaits me. As I begin to walk away, a wave of fear rises within me. My heart races and my stomach flutters with worry. A bitter gust of air nips at my skin, begging me to pull my cloak tighter around my body. Slowly, I turn and look at her tanned figure glowing ethereally in the early morning light – the novena candles fluttering, casting dancing silhouettes. Watching it, I can only wonder – with some trepidation – what the future holds: how many more days of apathy will I endure? How many endless nights? They play out in weeks...months...years...How long will I be deprived of the love I've barely begun to feel