"I don’t want you to go."

"I know, darling, but this such a cool gig I’d be a fool to turn it down."

Max watched as Ceri checked over her equipment piece by piece and packed it carefully away.

"Hang on, are you taking the old stuff?"

Ceri snorted before replying, "If you mean my 35mm, that would be a yes. The client wants both digital and ‘old stuff’."

"Cool, does this mean I get you alone in your dark room when you get back?"

"Play your cards right, banker man and I’ll see what I can do."

"I still don’t want you to go," Max pouted, making Ceri grin. She put her camera down and went over to give him a hug.

"It’s only for a couple of week, darling."

"21 days," Max replied pointing to the paperwork Ceri had received in the post. "21 days in the back of beyond, no doubt with no cell phone signal. Do you really think I can survive without hearing your voice for three long weeks?"

"Oh, Max, you make it sound like I’m off to another planet. I’ll be at the Kakadu National Park, and I won’t even be staying in a tent. I’ll be staying in Katherine, in an honest to goodness guesthouse…with running water and everything. So, my darling, you’ll be sick of the sound of my voice by the time I get back."

"I love you, Ceridwen."

"I love you, to Maximillian."

"I’m proud of you as well. It’s a big deal to be chosen by the Aboriginal owners to do this photo shoot. I know you’ll knock ‘em dead."

"Thanks, Max. I have to go, the taxi’s waiting."

"I’ll keep the darkroom warm for you," Max replied, kissing her soundly.