Hoboken Sunrise
The distant spires of New York City poke the early morning sky, monuments to progress while between them there is none.
As night shifts into morning, they both look out over the river. A cool breeze washes over them. A smile tugs at Dana’s lips and the rising sun sparkles in her eyes as she watches a tug boat make its way upstream. Ramón puts his arm around her shoulders, kisses her softly on the forehead. She pulls him close to her, embraces him.
He lets go of her, leans on the railing, watches the sunrise, the sky a simultaneous pink, orange, white, and blue, an Expressionist painting being created in real time just for them.
They spent the whole night talking, an intense barrage of words which felt more like therapy than a discussion. He’d come to the realization that there is no hope. Everything is dead in the water. It’s a floating carcass on a sea of disappointment. Not that they don’t love one another. They’re just not in love with one another. They realize that now and know this may be the last moment they ever spend together which isn’t fraught with drama.
Seagulls swoop down towards the river. One of them pokes its beak into the water then flies away. The rest of them circle above the river for only a moment before rejoining their departed comrade.
Dana looks at him, pushes a strand of hair behind her ear, then again looks away as the breeze blows her soft blonde hair away from her face. Again, he puts his arm around her shoulders, kisses her.
It’s quiet. Her eyes say everything. There’s no need for talk. She loves him and he knows that, but it’s over.
He kisses her one final time before turning towards the PATH train. She takes his hand and he holds it for a moment before allowing it to gently slip away, giving her one last glance before descending the stairs. His heart is heavy but it’s not the end of the world. He’ll survive.
As the train barrels under that very same river back to New York City, he’s pensive. He remembers the good times and that’s what makes it sad. Her eyes, her beautiful smile, soft kisses, and warm embraces are now officially a memory, and he intends to carry them without bitterness, without regrets.
New York City, June 2003