Kiss on the beach

Few bonds tied him to this world, but there was one unique connection that had always shaped his life and philosophy: an old friend who was always ready to meet him anytime, anywhere. A friend who never judged or blamed, who listened when no one else could understand his feelings, a reassuring place he turned to when all other doors were closed. He decided to meet that old friend this time, but not alone

Time moves fast. Before they know it, they’re in the car. She plays some songs from her favorite bands; he recognizes Guns N’ Roses. The music is cool. She drives to the beach. He enjoys watching her behind the wheel; she puts much focus on driving, which makes her look funny. The roads started to become narrower. On the sides of the road, giant green creatures emerge, beings that have always held his admiration. The true owners of this land, long before and long after humans. This place is called The Old Wood, a name that reminds him of one of his favorite novels, Norwegian Wood

As they near the beach, the road narrows more. She takes several sharp turns. Yet the trees remain, towering from the earth toward the sky. She tries to find a place to park, but she is always anxious about finding a parking spot. The road to the sea is a straight, downhill route. They walked along the shore, and it was really windy, and the air was cold. She is always ready and has adjusted her jacket to protect her hair. He was struggling to find a way to cover his head and ended up wrapping the hood in a way she finds funny, but he was trying to survive. They passed a couple and a lone bird by the water, an oystercatcher. Its black-and-white body and bright orange beak stood out like a surreal symbol. He looked at it and whispered inwardly, Where have I met you before? Did he send you?

He paused at the shoreline. The sea, neither calm nor stormy, shimmered like a living thought. He stared into its vastness but said nothing. For once, silence spoke louder. Inside him, all the old storms had ceased. The wars had ended. He turned to her. And in her eyes, he saw something he had forgotten he deserved: peace. Many scars remain, but he is determined to heal them

And before they left, in the cold wind, they shared a kiss. A long, warm kiss in the heart of a cold and empty universe. Somewhere between singularity and eternity

Behind them, the sea smiled and whispered

"You truly won."

...But they were already gone