As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

So strange, thought Sophie, how ephemeral the memories are when faced with the sensations themselves. Kisses... touches.... So like a fortified wine -- strongly intoxicating. I could never have imagined this.

He is so sweet, so gentle -- and so beautiful to me. Yet how much do I really know him? How much does anyone need to know another before she can say she loves him?

He said he loves me.

And I feel so happy.

Do I want the pleasure or do I want him? Do I just want to not feel alone for the first time in my life? I have not thought much of what I am working on, preferring to think of him.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away.

I don't care. I shall visit him. I shall visit him now.

He said he loves me.

[Quotes from the Song of Songs.]