[ —until we perish, finishes another voice in memory. Another body covering hers. Different. The same. She is kissed, and held, and loved,

I shall keep you. Forever, I think— ]

Where is he?

[ It is piteous and heartbroken and she does not expect an answer. She is not asking the man who holds her now, although she clings to him. She asks it of the world. For him, sobbed as she shakes her head against him: ]

Do not make me promises. Do not. The future is not anyone's to give.

[ She pulls back to look at him and in the glassy anguish of her eyes are the tears he had wanted, the salt against her skin. ]

Give me now. Do not say I can have anything more. I cannot bear it.