The protective world that once surrounded them
slowly twists into a snare meant to capture them.

Everyone predicted the two would soon be caught,
that they would quickly discover their limits and fall into despair.
They would come to regret their reckless choice,
begin to doubt one another’s love,
and ultimately, succumb to their fate.
This cruel certainty, spoken in one voice, poisoned the sacred well of their love.

But then, a sighting was reported
that stunned them all.

The fleeing couple, it was said, were laughing,
as if they were reveling in the chase.

Their expressions were carefree,
at times even alight with a thrilling ecstasy.

Having shattered the rules,
and calling to each other across the wreckage of their past,
they seemed to overflow with confidence,
they could build a heaven with their own two hands.

As if this chase were some exhilarating game,
they already seemed
utterly captivated by the danger.