‘Freeze’ brought us to a stop
under a warm spotlight.
I turned to face my partner
and saw these hazel eyes.

Eyes that had felt distant,
dodging my very presence.
Uncertain, I looked at them -
prepared for rejection.

But they wrinkled at the corners
to match an unexpected smile.
Paired with a long sigh -
a ‘phew’ that filled the distance.
Melting away the tension
and inviting my heart to soften.

I found myself engulfed
in these hazel eyes.
Shielded by sharp lashes
as if to protect for a while.
A guard let down
allowed mine to drop into ease.
A wide smile emerged
and claimed my face.

It was pure magic,
to finally feel seen.
But magic is short-lived -
it was soon time to say goodbye.
I crinkled my eyelids,
pushing this moment to a hidden room.
A room only I could visit
when loneliness strikes.