The minute the doors behind me closed, I let loose the breath I was holding minutes ago while in Angelou's arms. The warmth of her embrace and the sincerity of her gratitude for what I did made me completely lost in paradise. To a realm of eternal bliss and great happiness, where everything aligns perfectly and free from any worries and stress.
Although I have dreamt of this several times before, I never thought I would be given a chance to experience her embrace in reality. The feeling was indescribable, really took me off the hook. It was a mixture of ephemeral bliss and exquisite agony, like the bittersweet of nostalgia, as if your heartstrings are gently plucked by invisible hands. A fleeting moment of pure joy combined with the sensation of pain knowing that it will be short-lived and will not last forever. It was like grasping the sunbeams in your hands, knowing that it won't last, but savoring it nonetheless.
