It was invigorating meeting you, and we shared the exhilaration of hiking in the wilderness, where earth meets sky. But before the end of our first night on the mountain, I glimpsed into your backpack. My heart froze as you broke into a smile.

I guess there is no Paradise.

Katherine Darlington has articles in many publications including poetry anthologies, and literary journals. She also has several published novels. See more of her work at www.katherinedarlington.com.