For days at a time, Ehme would vanish for hours. 

“I’ll be back momentarily, my sweet Den,” she would say each time.

But where was she going, it would wonder each time she would depart. 

The leaves had their own ideas of her absence. 

The Doubting Leaf would say, “She’s probably going to see her other lover; she cares not for you anymore, Den. Why else would Ehme leave for hours at a time, with little to no explanation regarding her whereabouts?”

Den would ponder the Doubting Leaf’s accusations.

No. There is no way my sweet Ehme would cheat on me. Her heart is always in the right place. Although I am her first resting place, she must be satisfied with my large branches.

She must…

The Selfish Leaf would offer its own theory: 

“I imagine Ehme needs her space. She can only spend so much time sitting and talking to you, Den. We all need our own personal moments, so I wouldn’t stress over the situation too much. Be patient with her disappearances. You two were meant for each other. Like the very Sun and rain that nourished you, she needs you as much as you need her.”

Den would ponder the Selfish Leaf’s recommendation.

I suppose you’re right. Ehme tells me of her love for me, of her devotion - the way her hearts aches. I will always wait for her, no matter where she goes, or what she does with her time. 

—-

And so, after weeks of Ehme disappearing, Den confronted her. 

My gorgeous Ehme, where do you go when you leave my shade? I’m empty when you are gone, and I must know. 

Ehme answered its question willingly:

“Den, you are my foundation, my sturdy home during the most willful of storms, my temple of pleasure, my love. You provide so much for me, so I thought I would make you something.”

“That hill in the distance? Over it, there’s a massive forest. Many of your brothers and sisters stand there. Over the course of my visits, I’ve amassed a collection of berries - each of different shapes, sizes, and flavors.” 

“Your friend, the Sun, allowed me to use its rays to dry these fruits. With my beak, I hollowed out each one, and made this. For you.”

—-

Ehme presented Den with a wind chime of her findings. 

“With this, my lover, my Den, we will be able to be with each other always.”

“When I am absent, let the soft tones of this gift remind you of me. Let it remind you that I am always thinking of you. That I’ll always be here.”

And when I am asleep or otherwise occupied, let the sultry sound of the wind passing through this chime remind you of me. Remind you of my everlasting devotion to us. 

—-

“I’ll always love you, my Den.”

And I’ll always love you too, my blinding light, my Ehme.