They met, through a mutual acquaintance. They shook hands and met eyes. Over food and drinks, and among friends they laughed and told stories. Occasionally their eyes, lingered. Occasionally one looked away first. They shared a brief, but quiet and private moment, on the front porch. It was getting late. People were leaving. It was a new moon that night. Neither would remember that part. One of them said goodbye as they headed to their car. The other said, "Goodbye," back. They hugged. Both thinking in that short embrace about the other's body against their own. About the topography of forgiveness. And the geography of tomorrow. "See you again soon, I hope." "Yes, you too." They parted, as the one drove away. Later the other drove away. It was a fun party with good friends, good food, and drinks. They would remember the laughing and the stories. They would not remember the moon. Or the name of the other. It wouldn't come up again. They later met other people, and still other people. Later they would drive home. And drive home. They never met again. They both lived, meaningful lives. Laughing, drinking, eating, and driving home.

Plays The Division 1 & 2 on Ubisoft Connect. Username: AlienatedElian