How poetically appropriate that in the light of one of us taking off for the next month, it is our shadow that remains. While I’m away in Germany, Caroline will be out here taking walks on her own. Her memories of us walking together will act as the shadow of the two of us. At home, the tiny sounds of breathing, sniffling, mouse clicks, keys jingling, yawns, and other audible signs that I’m nearby will all be quieted until my return. Snuggling into her neck while she pours our morning coffee or her stopping by to press her face into my shoulder are all on hold as only the shadows of these moments remain. Electronic connectivity only goes so far in the shared reality where smell, touch, and the warmth of the other defines something far bigger than the word love.