the first promise

Dark eyes, ancient karma, they blazed black with fire and I remembered when she swallowed the caterpillar. The afternoon sun was shifting pastels across the marsh creek, the tide high and the water like rippling glass. I peered up at her as she dangled the potential butterfly.

"I promise to keep your innocence safe," I said.

She smiled and the caterpillar tugged at her lips. Her mouth opened and she dropped it in, eyes widening. My heart beat hot. I saw myself in her black eyes. She swallowed, and the caterpillar became part of her.