Goodbye.

We stood on the corner in the mist. The city streets were slick and bright. I heard cars swish past behind me as I faced him.

'Well,' he said.
'Yes,' I said. I rearranged his scarf so it crossed in front of his neck, to keep him warmer.
'There's nothing we can say right now that won't sound stupid,' he said.
I nodded.
'Is there anything stupid you want to say?' he asked.
'No. You know how I feel,' I said.
'Yes. I hope you know how I feel,' he said. 'Thank you for everything.'
I smiled and shrugged.
I held his lapels and we kissed briefly, twice.
'Goodbye.'
We both turned and began to walk away from each other. After I reached the oppposite sidewalk I turned and watched him go, across the double lanes, the island of grass, the opposite lanes. I watched until he was halfway down the next block. Then I turned around, walked into the building, and rode the elevator to the ninth floor, weeping soundlessly.