LAST SUNSET

She was waiting for him to arrive. They had been separated for over a year with divorce imminent. The cottage was sold. She had been packing when he unexpectedly phoned. “How about a drink for old time’s sake?” he asked.

She hesitated. What harm would or could it do?

“Oh, okay,” she responded.  “Where do you want to meet?”  “How about right there on the deck?”

He arrived flashing his oh so familiar smile at her. A bottle of wine appeared and she watched while he expertly uncorked it. He presented a glass to her with a flourish as they moved outside to the deck.
The lake was calm with a few of the resident ducks floating easily by. She would miss them and all the creatures that called this their home, including that part of her own persona, which belonged to this country life. The sky was a golden colour with hues of pinks, orange and purple streaks.

“I had forgotten how beautiful this place is,” he said.

She was remembering the first sunset, as viewed from their canoe. It had convinced them to buy the place. They were from the city and such tranquility and water views were lost to them there. This would be their week-end getaway and eventual retirement place. She found herself smiling, thinking back to those days.

The sun was going down now but it was still warm on the deck. He poured them another glass of wine. She was feeling a bit more comfortable but the reality of leaving was looming on the door step.
Extending his hands, he jokingly queried, “Madam, may I have this dance?”

Together they stood and embraced in a silent waltz around the deck. It was almost romantic except the ties that bind had been broken and she had to remind herself of that. They were sitting in the semi-darkness now and only a sliver of the sun remained. She suggested he best be on his way, as she had a lot to do the next day.

He responded with, “How about I stay over? We can then watch the sun rise to-morrow. I’ll cook up some eggs and toast. It will be like old times.”

“What?” she questioned. “I thought we were getting a divorce?” “For sure we are,” he said. “But we can still be friends. How about it?” Not to-night or any other night resounded in her head. “Uh-I don’t think so,” she said.  “Oh, okay then. I’ll be on my way and return early morning so we can catch the sunrise together and remember all our good times. Maybe I can help you with a few boxes too.”  “Okay.” she agreed reluctantly.

They shook hands politely at the door.

It was still dark when she awakened early the next morning. She got busy making coffee for two. She was glad she hadn’t packed all her Starbucks supplies. It would be something they could enjoy together. A farewell morning to remember. Putting on a sweater, she sat on the deck to wait for him. Dawn was slowly peeking through the trees.

Was that a car? No, it was only the coffee pot blubbering its readiness. She poured herself a cup and continued waiting. The sunrise was resplendently displaying its golden hues with just a touch of pink tones. Alone, she marvelled at the beauty.  She sat for awhile reminiscing and telling herself how grateful she was to have had it all at the cottage.  Sunrise, sunset and love.  The divorce decree would finalize it all.

It was time to move on.