... the inside joke accompanied by the warm sideways glance and one-uplifted-corner-of-the-mouth grin ... late-night, early-morning conversations in the outdoors when it's just cool enough to raise goosebumps on my arm ... anticipating vacation: time in the sun, morning quiet times, relaxing evenings ... the brush of the fingers ... washing dishes alone after a busy bustling evening ... a new outfit that makes me feel like the sh*t ...