Calton Hill

The sun melted into the horizon, liquifying below the buildings that stretched on forever. Night was ready and a chill had already set into the air. They barely moved, though they could feel the cold from the stone they were sitting on seep through their clothes. The hairs on their arms and the backs of their necks stood to attention for the stars. They couldn't help but feel that they were wasting the moment, using it for the wrong thing. This should be romantic; the two of them up on the hill watching the sky turn inky. All alone in the cold. But it wasn't. They couldn't take back what had been said, and even if they could, they shouldn't. It was important, even though they didn't want to hear it. It had left them stuck. Sitting together, her leaning against him with her head on his shoulder. Just like they always had. It felt like that should be wrong, but it was too familiar. They didn't know what else to do, so they stayed sitting and watching the night take over, getting darker. They got colder together but didn't talk. The time for talking had gone.

Despite what had happened nothing felt uncomfortable. They supposed the feeling would come. Then reality would set in and they would have to deal with the consequences. But as long as they remained still and silent, their moment would last as long as they needed it to. They made the most of existing next to each other while they still could. 

They hadn't dressed for the weather. They'd planned a short walk, but had wandered up Calton Hill. They weren't going to stay, but then the conversation started. They had a sense of privacy, despite the city being splayed out before them. They were the only two up there; the only two left.

Finally they moved. They didn't know how long they had been sitting together, but night had established itself. They stretched slowly, letting blood flow properly all through their bodies. They were slow, as if just awake. It was over and rightly so. There were no arguments to be had and no loose strings to tie up. There was nothing bitter between them, and knew they were lucky to have it that way. They walked down the hill in silence, pausing at the foot. They said polite goodbyes, but nothing too much. They had done all of the reminiscing and the real farewells as the sun was setting. There was no need now to say any more.