Story - Lovers at the end of the day

She lay immortal in the mere sheath of a body. Aged to the very lightness of being, her heart beating like a feather on a very old but true drum.

He lay beside her in a separate bed, crisp white sheets over the now withered hulk of so many dreams and adventures.  

They reminisced together in the twilight reminding each other of forgotten friends and rare moments of tears and laughter.

Now and then a young man or woman in pastel uniform would come with a tray or medicine.  

Then their conversation would continue and they’d smile. There were tears in her eyes and his too.  The conversation was so rich.

“They’ve not spoken now for  days,?” The nurse told the doctor as he made his rounds.

  “But they’re still smiling.” He asked.  

“Yes,”

“No food or fluids.” 

“No.”

“It won’t be long now. Unusual that they should go together.”

The conversation continued as they rose and walked to the light leaving the noise and worry behind.  She was radiant as was he. Two children, like when they’d met. Lovers on a playground.  How soon they’d forgotten.  Now it was all coming back as they joined friends and family.

Their bodies were removed and buried beneath happy trees. The grass was thankful.  Few stood around remembering.  

The laughter in the light was louder now. The hugs and smiles and touches on the cheek from light fingered hands melting together in an envelope of love.  Too precious.  And still they talked.  As only old lover can.  With familiarity and respect and a little bit of sacred wonder.  

How long has it been that you’ve loved me now, she asked.

An eternity. He replied.