By: Christina Cruz

“This could be that moment.”

“What are you saying?” the man suggested.

“Haven’t you ever thought that there might be a time when we can no longer be together?” the woman confessed.

“Why would you ever think that?” he choked. “We’ll be alright.” He took her small palm in his and massaged the back of her hand which had gone numb. While doing so, his gaze diverted to the ring on her finger that he had placed there a week before.

“Here put on your coat,” he offered, “This weather is making you say things.” She bundled herself up in the heavy tunic and continued to stare at the unusually bright stars sprinkled across the black sky.

“The weather wasn’t always like such, now that I mull over the thought. It’s strange because it almost seems as if this bitter cold was always here but only now am I noticing that it was death’s subtle entra-”

“Stop it! You’ll be fine,” he assured her, “As long as you stay here with me. Beatrice this is nothing more than a minor setback. That’s all. Stay here where it’s perfectly safe. Just think we’ll be in New York in two days!”

“How could you be so sure Emmanuel?” she argued, “We are literally standing on our graves and doing nothing about it. Can’t you be sensible for once?”

She clasped his hands and stared straight into his deep brown eyes hoping that would be enough to convince him. A moment passed until he broke her grip and instead grabbed his scotch on the rocks. The couple remained quiet and all that sounded was the clanging of the enormous, protruding piece of ice against the glass as the man downed the remaining fluid.

“I’d prefer you drink a glass of cold water. You know how you get with liquor.”

“Maybe if you told me you were staying I would have no reason to drink.”

“I guess that you are correct. I give you that, however, if you have any intentions to arrive in New York in this fashion you better get used to cold water. That is unless you change your mind.”

“Don’t you understand once you leave this ledge you’re done for? No one can rescue you and your soul will be left to float aimlessly!” he exploded.

“And what do we have in store for our future if we remain here? Floating aimlessly may not appear to be the best decision, but it’ll be more bearable if I can drift together with you.”

“For God sakes Bee, think about our child!” he said as he gestured towards her swollen abdomen.

“I am thinking about our child! Why do you think I want to leave? Look at that light in the distance. It’s calling us.”

“No Bee it’s just calling you!”

“W-what?”

“It’s useless. Even if I tried to reach for that light, I would never make it past this ledge. You on the other hand can.”

“You mean you won’t be going with me?” He subtly shook his head and her heart sank, similar to an anchor released into the vast ocean.

“It seems as if this is that moment. But let’s promise each other to make it brief. Once the crisis here is solved I’ll swim through the coldest of waters searching for you.”

“I know you will. And until then I promise to stay safe.”

“Saying goodbyes?” An old lady approached the young woman, “I’ll be going as well. Mind if I tag along dear?” she asked.

“No, go ahead. I don’t mind company,” she replied.

The man called out, “I love y-”

“I know. Next time we see each other we’ll be in New York!”

The man smirked, “See you later Bee.” He watched from the ledge as the woman he loved descended into the dark abyss.

“Are you alright dear?” the elderly lady inquired concerned. The woman nodded. She was more interested in the light still flickering at them in the distance. It soon faded and they were left alone to float in the darkness.

“I wonder what they’ll say in the future about the tragic ‘Unsinkable’ ship, the Titanic.” the elderly lady pondered.

“To them it’ll no longer be a tragedy. They can never understand what we left behind.” The passengers winced as audible screaming echoed across the Atlantic horizon. It grew louder, then all of a sudden silent.

“Did you see that shooting star?” the older woman asked.

“Yes I did, and I miss him already.”