Summer's End

They are beautiful. A young man and woman. They make their way across the deck to the loungers waiting for them. Each with their starbucks cups, an ipod, and no awareness of the beauty at their side. She hands him the sunblock from her bag, he hands her the book she just dropped. No words exchanged. He applies the lotion to his chest, stomach, arms, and legs...looks over, hands her the bottle and lays face down on his towel. She silently rubs the lotion into his back. No lingering caresses. He sits up takes the bottle back from her as she lies down opposite him. He also, does not linger as he spreads a shield over her back. He places the bottle by the side of her lounger and lies on his back with eyes closed. She sits up and completes her sunblock application. She lies on her back, grabs her book.

No words. Not even a familiar loving glance. As if they are strangers. But they move as one. Is this love? Is this what everyone lives for?

A dip in the pool and back to the chairs. Both of them at the same time. A short nap.

After awhile, they gather up their things and leave. Together, without speaking, without smiling, they leave.