Halcyon (noun): period of time in the past that was happy and peaceful

They fell in love so early.

He, the number-one of the high school mock trial team, and her, his seamless debate partner. When they adopted formal-wear for competition, an elegant suit complementing a graceful dress, the whole school scurried to make way for the king and queen.

And there was a soft side to the power couple, too.

He liked the taste of simple, plain breads and pastas, while she flamed in the kitchen with an explosive array of spices and flavorings. When they cooked for each other, it was their love that made their dishes so addictively delicious, even though their tastes were worlds apart.

Those afternoons under the campus willow tree, feeding each other the labor of their wrestle with pots and pans… Those were the good old days, those were the times that seemed no more than a speck on the horizon.

With their memories carved into his mind, he steadied his gun.

To win the war, meant protecting the one he loved.