Chapter 1—Awakenings

Annie1 woke to the early morning glow, enhanced by the amber color of thetent.

Sean2 was still asleep with his lips parted so he could breathe in the bitter cold of the night air. A faint vapor formed above his face as he exhaled warm, moist breath from hislungs.

She hated to leave the warmth and smell of his body, but her bladder said otherwise. As she rose naked and exited the tent, she could feel the moistness between her legs and the coolness of the night air as it enveloped her body. Her nipples responded to the cold and hardened to the point ofpain.

She found the light outside to be much dimmer than inside the tent. Being afraid of the dark and wondering if any other living thing—maybe a hungry grizzly bear—was also out at that hour, she did not stray too far from the tent. As her warm urine splashed on her inner calves and flowed toward the downslope arch of her left foot, she could smell the aroma of their bodily fluids, hers and his. It was a sweet perfume and uniquely theirs. She lingered for a few moments to allow forevaporation.

For the field geologist, the experience of a long day of hiking and mapping in steep, high terrain, leaves the upper thigh muscles weak and the body slightly dehydrated. The sweat from physical exertion evaporates instantly and leaves a residue of salt on the clothing and body as the only evidence of theprocess.

Deodorant is a luxury, and it is not recommended in terrain frequented by predators. After several days, the hair usually needs to be washed before it is necessary to clean thebody.

Women geologists must wash their nether regions more frequently than males, so Annie carried a squirt bottle filled with water to ensure proper feminine hygiene. At that moment, however, she was not concerned with cleanliness as much as getting back to their sleeping bag and the sweet essence and warmth of theirbodies.

She entered the tent and knelt for a moment to watch him as he slept.Ah, love… it feels unreal that you find me special…you should loveme?

Sean was a strikingly athletic and handsome man, an imposing presence in the world of academia, admired by many women and men alike. But, at that moment, he lay with his mouth open, snoring quietly and looking particularly vulnerable and ordinary. He was Annie’s lover, soulmate, and best friend, who never saw himself as anything special, except in Annie’seyes.

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