She squeezed my hand, looking up to my face for any sign of emotion.

"I can't believe you're leaving," my voice echoed hollowly as I gazed over the terrace.

"You know it is not my wish to leave you. But I must go to the university and get my education. Wait for me." I fingered the ring in my pocket before taking it out.

"I want you to have this. It's a promise ring. I was going to give it to you at the formal next week, but..." I trailed off, not wanting to admit what would inevitably happen. Suddenly the air was filled with the clip-clop of horses hooves.

"I have to go," she cried apologeticly as she climbed down the latticework. Our parents did not know of our romance, and if they did they surely would not approve. I watched as she left. I knew not when, or if, I would see her again, but I made a silent covenant with myself: I would wait for her if she came back. I would wait.

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