sigh...since retrospring is getting shut down next year...im gonna prepare my speech. We are here today to pay our tribute and our respect to a man of God, our brother, retrospring. Not only have people from this congregation and community gathered, but many ministers have come… ministers who have respected retrospring as a minister, and have loved him as a friend. To know retrospring was to love him! It is our human nature to want to understand everything now, but TRUST requires that we lean and rely heavily on God even when things seem unclear. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I’m not going to tell you not to cry or not to experience emotions. Emotions are God-given. They are a part of who we are.

You put a hand on his cheek, pressing your lips to his. They’re just like you remember them; cool and soft, pliable under your gentle pressure. Connor’s hands slide up your forearms as he pulls you a little closer, his heartbeat speeding up to match your own. You separate with a small sound, Connor’s lips parting as he searches your face. He looks so incredibly handsome with his hair disheveled, a dazed expression on his face. You kiss the tip of his nose, laughing softly.

“You’re so perfect,” you whisper. Connor’s brow furrows, and he pulls you to him again, eyes fluttering shut. You sigh, moving to run your fingers through his hair. The kiss ends far too soon—Connor leans away, blinking rapidly as his LED flashes yellow.

“I have to leave,” he murmurs, still holding you close as he moves to sit upright.

You tuck your head into the crook of his neck. “So soon?”

“Unfortunately,” he replies slowly. “I received a report that could progress the investigation.” Despite that, he seems hesitant to move.

You sigh, climbing off of him. “Okay. Don’t forget your clothes in the bathroom.”

“I won’t, thank you,” Connor says, standing. He pulls his hoodie off as he goes, folding it over his arm. The bathroom door closes with a soft click.

You lay across the couch, taking a deep breath as you mull over what just happened. You and Connor were a couple now—the thought brings a smile to your face. You close your eyes and take in the sunlight, the warmth on your skin matching the warmth in your chest. You hear Connor emerge from the bathroom, and turn your head. He’s back in his own clothes, which look slightly wrinkled but otherwise in good shape.

“I left the clothes you lent me in there,” he says, moving to the door to put on his shoes. You roll over onto your stomach to watch him.

“You look so cute with curly hair,” you mumble, smiling sleepily. He glances at you with a smirk, fingers running through his hair subconsciously.

“I’ll see you later.” He pulls his coat off of the hook and drapes it over his arm, turning to look at you.

“M’kay. Go stop the criminals,” you sigh, closing your eyes. You hear the door open, and then close. When you peek open your eyes, however, Connor is crouched are your level, studying you. When you meet his eyes, he presses his lips to your forehead. You lift your head and kiss him softly.

“Maybe we can have lunch?” Connor murmurs against your lips.

“You don’t even eat,” you tease, reaching up to ruffle his hair.

“I know,” Connor replies sheepishly. “But, I’d like to take you on an official ‘date,’ now that we’re a couple?”

You study his face, watching the sunlight dance in his dark brown eyes. “Lunch would be great.”