A room with a view...a story of lasting love by Jude Kyrie Venice once more she mused. the old lady sat in her chair by the window. in her room overlooking Saint Mark's square. The same room that she had rented all those years ago. Not even twenty back then. The pigeons were as plentiful then as they are today. Below the ornate lamppost a young man holds a girl in his arms they embrace as he kisses her longingly. It brought back Paul for a fleeting moment. Always. So young gallant and handsome. She could feel his arms around her strong and filled with desire. It had been here in this very room they made love for the first time. Over fifty years ago on this very day. She unfolded a bundle of old envelopes tied with a ribbon. And read the.letters from him one by one exactly in the Sequence that he sent them to her. The final one her last from him for ever. Dearest The war is endless your letters are in my uniform pocket next to my heart. I read them over and over and it seems as if you are with me. The commander has authorized weeks leave for me at Christmas. The seconds pass as hours until I can see you again. We shall be married as soon as I return. You are my shining star my love. Only two more weeks and we we be together. All my love forever Your Paul. The paper was frail and yellowed Tears had stained the letter. She held it close to her heart. And whispered It was you my darling Always you She had never married. It was always Paul He never did make it home that Christmas