The abandoned railway line that we had been walking on, the tracks long gone and lush green overgrowth filling in the gaps, widen into a clearing at the end of which was a tunnel built of stone that emerged from the undergrowth.

“Jesus Christ,” Lill said “What is that?” Her tone was tight, fearful even.

“It’s an old railway tunnel,” I said matter of factly and gesturing obviously to the path behind us.

“You don’t expect me to go in there, do you?”

“I thought you, of all people Wednesday Adaams, would love this place.”

She glared at me. That stare, meant to deter me, did nothing but make me want to do something to make her glare at me again. Those lips in that pout…

“It looks like a gaping void of hell.”

“You should love it then,” I teased, unable to stop myself, then musing, said, “I think it looks romantic.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Oh, come on,” I said, “it’ll be a great little adventure.” I put my hands on her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze, pulled her close to me, and nuzzled my face in her neck. Her dark hair smelt clean and fresh, just like the lush wood surrounding us.

A moan escaped those pouty lips, and I encouraged it by adding “A very hidden and private adventure.”

I had been coming here since I was a kid, and my intention of showing her my name carved into the stone wall, my masterpiece when I was 10, was quickly morphing into something decidedly more adult.

“We’ll be murdered,” she whispered.

“No we won’t,” I whispered back.

Since when did anything macabre, deter her?

“You ok?” I said, pulling away, suddenly serious.

“I am,” she said, and I saw many more words flash behind her eyes, that she was not saying.

“It’s not that long, once we are inside, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” I tried to be reassuring. “I’ve been coming here for years, it’s safe, I promise.”

Her shoulders relaxed. I wasn’t sure what spooked her, but being able to comfort her, puffed my chest more than it should.

I thought that it was an enchating place - the way that green forest sprouted out around it, threatening to swallow it. It made me think of life, and growth and renewal. Not murder! I guess, the fact that she thought that was one of the things that drew me to her. Opposites attract.

“Come on,” I said “I’ll protect you.”

Those seemed to be the magic words, because her face softened even further, and wait, were those tears in her eyes?

“Well, let’s not delay the inevitable,” she deadpanned and held her hand out to me. I laced my fingers through hers and pulled her close, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, tucking her safely into the side of my body, and like that, we walked towards the tunnel.