Creative Writing: Gwen's Paw

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That was probably the fiftieth time she’d replayed every aspect of that kiss in her mind. She savored the memory, her cheeks heating when she considered how much she had enjoyed Gawain’s touch. It wasn’t as if Gwen was a virgin, but this kiss, the first with someone new in many years, brought something to life inside of her. It has been special, but the memories came tinged with guilt. A part of her could not seem to let go of being Arthur’s girlfriend, even though that was no longer the case. Regardless, Gwen needed to have a chat with Gawain about the status of their relationship. He was working late tonight, so it would have to wait until tomorrow. She had not yet decided if she was ready to allow things to grow more serious between them; …show more content…

In strode her favorite customer, Gareth, a nine-year-old boy with Down syndrome, followed by his young mother, Sefa. Gwen had met Gareth on her very first day working at the bookstore and had fallen in love with his kind wisdom instantly. He’d walked into the store that day back in September, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose while simultaneously patting down his thick mop of carrot-red hair. Gareth marched right up to Gwen and extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Gareth, and I’m nine. I love reading books, especially ones about knights and dragons. I’m named after a knight, you know. And guess what else?” he asked before Gwen had the chance to say anything. “I also like books about dogs. Mom reads to me sometimes when the books are long and too hard.” He kept pumping her hand. “What’s your name?” “I’m Gwen. Very nice to meet you, …show more content…

“I know. It seems like we go from summer to winter with nothing in between. It’ll be Thanksgiving soon enough, then the holidays… it all happens so fast.” Gareth released Sefa’s hand and charged for the Dragon’s Den reading nook. “Mom, I have to look at that book about the red and white dragons. Hi, Gwen!” He waved over his shoulder as he disappeared into the nook. “I’ll be right there,” Gwen said, then she turned to Sefa. “Why don’t you take a break? Get a little coffee or something. I’m happy to spend some time with him.” Sefa was a beautiful young woman. Gwen guessed they were about the same age. She was lean and had beautiful creamy skin, and lovely almond-shaped, hazel eyes. Yet beneath those eyes circles of fatigue were always apparent, and she usually wore her light brown hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. Between her job working in a school cafeteria and taking care of Gareth, Gwen imagined Sefa had little time for self-care. A few weeks ago, Sefa had tearfully told Gwen that Gareth had a heart defect, which was common in people with Down syndrome. While he was doing well now, that could change at any moment. Sefa’s gaze flicked to the reading nook where Gareth had begun reading aloud to himself. “I don’t know, Gwen. I feel like I take advantage of

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