For the first time in days, we sat together in the attic. I wished for a break to the winter gloom. The Muse was thinking her thoughts, and for once, I wasn't sure what they were. She of course knew mine, and said, "Nothing is changed, you know."

"It all changes."

"Not the important things."

"It's all important," I said, "to me."

She leaned against me, and I tensed myself against her. She sighed and said, "It's still me here, you know." After a moment, I relaxed, and she rested her head on my shoulder. After a minute, I put my arm around her shoulder and held her close.

"I do love you, you know," she said finally.

"I know," I said. "Let's watch the snow a while."

Outside the glass, winter continued to reign, while inside, a gap which had opened closed just a small, important bit.