He waits for her by the porch swing, holding his gift for her. The gift catches the star light perfectly, he thinks, and so will her pretty, blond hair. This is her favorite spot, he knows. She’s told him. Not with words so much as her light laughter and the way she insists on whiling away hours to read her books here.

She is the princess of his story. He smiles, knowing how her face will look when he presents her this precious thing- this offering of forever together. He will surprise her tonight. Her best friend has promised not to tell her that he is coming.

Any minute now, she will come up the cobblestone walkway. He wonders which book it will be. But they have their own story to write tonight, and he holds the pen.

Ah. Here she comes.

He smiles, tucking the gift he’s chosen just for her behind his back. Her humming is so beautiful-he could spend forever just listening.

She smiles and calls his name. She comes to him happily.

Yes. Tonight, they begin their forever together.

The knife comes out.