So that was more than two years ago. The loss of my wife had effectively wiped those memories from my mind, but now as I stood at the door, staring at a beautiful and expectant Karla on her fifteenth birthday, it all came back in a rush. Every last detail was vivid once again. I knew why she was here, and it left me speechless. Karla was smiling but pensive, and my hesitation and silent reverie served only to increase her anxiety. I knew she was thinking she had made a huge mistake, and was calculating the best means to extract herself from what was quickly becoming an awkward situation. My shock that she had remembered my promise, and was here with an offer of unimaginable magnitude, was further complicated by the fact that I been celibate for more than a year. It had been a long time since I had even considered that love was possible again, and the emotions were nearly overwhelming, but I suddenly realized one thing with absolute clarity.
You once made a promise to me, she said.
Yes, I said, and you are 14 now.
I took Karla's hand and turned back towards the door to lead her inside. The relief that washed over her was palpable, and I knew that at least for Karla's sake, I had made a good decision. And probably for my own as well, though my uncertainty was great, and my faith in my emotions was nil. I led Karla the few steps along the hall to my bedroom door, and turned inside. Stopping at the foot of my bed, I faced her and kissed her tentatively. It was a simple peck, but the fresh scent of Karla, and the warmth of her lips, made my head swim. If I ever had a chance to know love again, Karla could make it happen, she could help me heal. One small kiss, and I knew it. One small kiss, and my forgotten passion for her was back. Recalling one of the most memorable aspects of our previous time together, I didn't speak, and to my pleasure neither did she. Instead, with unexpected confidence, and without a thought for the friends and blind date awaiting my arrival, I reached for the top button on Karla's dress as I stared into her eyes, eyes that told me to take her, fuck her, love her now…