The sun had set by the time they left the park.
The city had shifted into evening mode — lights flickering on, restaurants filling up, the energy of a Sunday night humming through the streets. Emma and Nick walked slowly, hand in hand, neither of them wanting the day to end.
"Are you hungry?" Nick asked.
Emma shook her head. "Not yet."
"Thirsty?"
"Not really."
"Then what do you want to do?"
Emma looked up at the sky. The first stars were appearing, faint against the deepening blue.
"I want to stay here," she said. "Right here. In this moment. Forever."
Nick stopped walking. He turned to face her, his hands finding hers.
"Then let's stay," he said.
"We can't. Tomorrow is tomorrow. The world keeps moving."
Nick pulled her closer. "Then let's pretend. Just for a little longer."
E
