Ralph and Phyllis TO REALLY APPRECIATE THE EXPRESSIONS ON FACES, PLEAS USE ZOOM. As young people, both Ralph and Phyllis were attracted by the hundreds of life-supporting worlds, which were being found, explored, and settled. They weren't interested in being colonists so much as in seeing as many planets as they could experience. Both joined the Space Exploration Corps (SEC) and it was in that capacity that they met each other on Durand II. Their chemistry was intense and they had a passionate affair without any pretense that there would be anything beyond that. Then, Phyllis was posted to another world for an extended tour and a few standard months after that, Ralph received a new assignment to Barrington IV. After that, their paths crossed many times during their tenure in the SEC. Sometimes, they would be together for only a few standard months. One poignant coming together lasted only a couple of standard weeks. The longest was several years. Always, though, they seemed to take up their relationship; and both admitted that while they had casual affairs now and then, there was never any serious relationship with others. But, then, they never admitted to each other that their relationship was serious. Years began to pass. Neither was young as they once were. Eventually, they retired from the SEC, mustering out on Coleman III, and both settled down to jobs in the local economy. It seemed natural to just take up their relationship and both did so without much thought to the future. They were in their early fifties. Time had put some lines in their faces and some blotches on their skin despite some rejuv treatments. Both were physically fit and each pleased the other. Phyllis, though, began to examine their relationship. The more she did, the more dissatisfied she became. She wanted something beyond what they had. Then she asked herself what exactly did they have? How did she really feel about Ralph? The last question was the easiest; she loved him. But did he love her? He had never said so. Relationships have mutually agree rules--some voiced, some not. It is often the unspoken rules mostly determine the lasting power of the relationship. Rules that are difficult to mention or change. Phyllis felt constrained to not demand a declaration of love from Ralph, but she began to tell him that she loved him. Ten Standards passed. Little had changed in their relationship. Over the years, Ralph had grown more considerate, more attentive. She knew he had her back as she had his. If only he would just say he loved her. Phyllis sighed. The man never would. One day, as they neared their seventies, the pair went for a drive out in Coleman's countryside. The stopped their tricar and went for a walk. For days, Phyllis had been moody and unhappy. Ralph had hoped their outing might help. The day grew late. Coleman set in the east and the two moons came out. "What is it?" Ralph asked. "Why are you so unhappy?" "I just want to know if you love me," she answered. Ralph stopped, placing his arm around her shoulder. "Phyllis. Don't you know I love you? I always have. Ever since we first met." Phyllis's widened in astonishment. It wasn't exactly a declaration of affection, but it was likely as close as he would ever get. She knew Ralph really did love her. It was enough. __________________________________ Thanks for looking! Jeremy CREDITS: Male: DAZ Hiro 3 realistic with KymJ's "Ralph for M3-Older Man 2" (Renderosity). His Hair: AprilSYH's "Ivandra Hair" (Renderosity). His Clothing: Adzan's "Midnight Soul" (ShareCG). Female: DAZ Akio 3 realistic with KymJ's "Phyllis for V3-An Older Woman 2" (Renderosity). Her Hair: Neftis's "Noemie Hair" (DAZ). Her Clothing: SilverElf's "Rejindo" (Poser Pros). Vehicle: rj001's "Truck 2" from his "2011 SF Truck Bundle" (Renderosity).