Summary

A man expresses his love by giving his partner thoughtful gifts that reflect his true self and the places he cherishes, demonstrating a deep connection and understanding between them.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds the story of a man who shares his most treasured places with his partner, symbolizing his love and vulnerability. He takes her to locations that hold significant meaning to him, including a tree where he once carved initials in hope of finding the right person. The woman appreciates the man's gifts, not just the tangible items but the intangible emotions behind them. The story is observed by a bystander who witnesses the man's careful selection of items he believes will make his partner happy, despite the slight embarrassment of being caught in the act by someone who could be his mother. The observer reflects on the couple's potential adventures in the mountains and imagines the woman's appreciation for the man's thoughtful gesture, reinforcing the theme that love can be found in the genuine acts of giving and sharing.

Opinions

The observer believes the couple had a wonderful Valentine's Day, suggesting a positive outcome from the man's thoughtful actions.
The man's purchase of sexy tops for his girlfriend indicates his desire to give her something she wouldn't buy for herself, showing his understanding of her preferences and his wish to please her.
The storyteller imagines the couple enjoying activities together, such as skiing and snowshoeing, which aligns with the man's intention to share his beloved mountain landscapes with his partner.
The observer's reflections on the couple's relationship imply an appreciation for romantic gestures and the beauty of love expressed through personal and meaningful gifts.
The narrative suggests that love is not confined to romantic relationships but can be celebrated in various forms, including friendships and communal merriment.

Pretty Words Weren’t Enough

He gave her his heart

He brought her to places where he felt most himself. With her, those places felt complete and right — Even the tree where he’d carved other initials Hoping they would be right together, As right as her refusing carving tattoos Into tree overwrought with his yearning For the right one to come along.

She knew how to receive the gift of himself With gentle hands and her own open heart Not yet believing in what they were creating Until that time they were shopping for her, he left to look at men’s sweaters, returned With that goofy smile of warm pride In her, in them, in this time together.

That’s what she thought was going on. Never would she have imagined He’d watched her refuse frivolous For boring practical and then done A loving, unexpected maneuver No one before would have imagined, Never mind put into action With low voice and trembling smile.

Out of sight, possibly that night Or Valentine’s Day or another time When he couldn’t stand the suspense, He gave her a gift she’d never give herself. With the mountains, tattooed tree, Hiking into the backcountry, He offered the places he loved To one who made them feel right.

I was there to witness gift in process.

Coming out of the fitting room, I saw her return desired to the rack, his eyes on her, on them.

Browsing a new section, he murmured something and headed for the men’s section next to the register.

There, he magicked tops secured under his arm and handed them to the cashier.

Eyes scanning the store, his landed on my own, an innocent bystander waiting to pay.

His face turned scarlet and his muttering grew more intense.

He looked at me so long and so defiant apologetic I pretended to be fascinated by a rack of winter gloves to break the eye beams between us.

I am old enough to be his mother.

He would never want his mother to witness the sexy tops he’s buying.

His mission swiftly accomplished, bag was stuffed in huge pocket and he returned to the still shopping girlfriend.

I have no doubt they had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

I tell myself stories about them:

She like the tops but loves the man for giving her what she wouldn’t give herself.
They have been here in the mountains all week, skiing and snowshoeing, spotting black-billed magpies, and visiting places where he feels most himself.

It was a romantic holiday — and also one with hugs, laughter, friends, and much merriment whether with a lover or not.

Love is always in the air, always its spectacular, genuine self.