However long it really lasted, though, it certainly had an impact on us: when neither of us thought that we could stand it a moment longer, it ended as abruptly as it had started. One moment, Kelly and I were One; the next, I was laying on top of her, both of us stunned and panting as we continued to twitch and spasm in after shocks at the sheer intensity of it.

A lot of minutes went by before either one of us was able to make any kind of deliberate move; the first thing I did was to roll off of her so that I wasn't crushing her. When the two of us had finally managed to get our breath and our senses, I heard her whispered "What the hell was that?"

I was barely able to croak out "Damned if I know!"

Kelly considered that for a moment before replying "Well, whatever it was, I don't think I want to do it again any time soon, you know?"

I managed a small laugh before I answered "No, I don't think I do, either.", then a few moments later added "Uh, was it just me, or did something really strange just happen?"

She turned her head to look at me and answered "No, it wasn't just you. It was like I was you and you were me and we were… the same person. That's what you're talking about?"

"Yeah, that's it." I answered, looking into her eyes. I could see that she was as shaken by what had just happened between us as I was. But I could also see that she found it as strangely comforting and reassuring as I did, too.

Hesitantly, she told me "Dan, I always knew that you loved me. I mean, there was never any doubt in my mind, you know? But after… that…"

"I know", I answered, "I loved you, too, and knew you loved me. But now… its like I know our love is there the same way gravity is, or something. Kind of like its a force of nature, or something."