bring on the wonder, we got it all wrong

"Forever and always," her husband promised monotonously. Bazi felt a familiar sting of irritation. Scimitar was not known for his wordiness, but he had been particularly silence since the birth of their children. Or did it pre-date their arrival? Bazi could scarcely remember a time in the recent past when he had said more than two words to her - and always with what seemed to her like reservation. Bazi propped herself up on her elbow, eyeing her lover with narrowed eyes and a thin smile. "How do you feel - about everything?" she asked, "In more than four words," she was quick to append, ears swivelling and seriousness settling upon her features.