The moments turned into days, the days into years. All the while, Ashton watched as Sam spent each day living his life, laughing with him over his joys and sharing his loneliness every night. She watched as he became involved with the town of Nora Falls, no longer keeping to himself, not having to look over his shoulder every second to see if someone had come for him, but making friends and being a friend. She watched as he became loved and respected by his neighbors, and was proud when he opened his doors to those in need.
He had many friends but never another love in his life. He missed her every day, as she did him. Sometimes, in the dead of the night, when the pain of his loss became more then he could bear, Ashton, with Saul’s help and permission, would send him a sign of her love. Sometimes it would be a dream of their time together, or maybe just a soft caress on his cheek, or a stroke on his hand by unseen fingers. She sent him thoughts that soon, soon they would be as one again. She sat before the Window whenever she could to share Sam’s life with him and watch over him.
One day, as the sun was beginning to set, Ashton was looking down on Sam, finding him on his porch rocking in his chair.
“Hello, Ashton,” a voice said behind her. She turned with a smile for Saul, although he noticed that there was still the lingering trace of sadness at its edges.
“Hello, Saul,” she said. He looked the same today as he had those many years ago when they had first met, awe inspiring and a gaze filled with compassion.
“It’s time, Ashton,” he said quietly, a beautiful smile spreading over his face, “Go get Sam.”