Maddie rose from her knees and walked to the edge of the bed. Her eyes were glistening as they caught the glow of a new flame dancing in them. "I will never tire of helping you to keep her alive in your heart and mind."

Hayley's thoughts turned to Austin. How would she keep him alive in her heart? He would soon only be a part of her memory as well. She would be able to recall the time they had spent together. She did not have the same luxury with her mother. She could only rely on others to capture their experiences and share them with her. She could however, make the mental image of her mother more glorious, with the disapproval of no one. Her love for Austin was glorious, yet was met with grave disapproval.

"Maddie, have you ever known true love?"

Maddie's body stiffened. Not knowing where to lay her eyes, she murmured, "Yes." Her mouth turned up at the ends, as she fought against it.

"You have never spoken of such things-I assumed you had never…"

"Do not look so surprised!" Maddie's face flushed red.

"Is it so hard to believe I could love and be loved?"

"No, no." She could not stifle the excitement in her voice. "You are so beautiful, Maddie."

"Hush, now, with your frivolous talk." She turned away so Hayley could not see her embarrassment. "I will speak no more on the subject."