Even before I was sick, if you’d asked me for my favorite part of the day I’d have said this, sundown. It’s when the world really seems to come alive, and anything, even magic, seems possible.

“We’d better head back,” James says, bent over while he packs his camera and gear into his bag.

“I suppose so.”

He flicks me a puzzled look. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic. I thought you’d be worried about all the fun you’re missing out on.”

“No, that doesn’t bother me.” I lift my dress hem up and twirl around in a lazy circle. “I love this time of day, don’t you?”

He zips his bag and straightens up, watching me with an unreadable expression. “Sunset?”

I nod and murmur in agreement.

“It’s something special, for sure.”

“You must have seen some amazing ones on your travels.”

“I have.”

I smile at him wistfully. “I’m jealous.”

He smiles back sadly but doesn’t answer.

I walk to the fence, grip the top wire, and lean over to look at the river. The surface of the water reflects the color of the sky. “It’s just so peaceful out here.”

“The countryside generally is.” I didn’t hear him move but he has walked to stand beside me.

I wish fervently that I could pause this moment. Everything. The colors, the smells, and the sounds. I want to freeze it in time and enjoy it for longer because I know that all too soon it will be over. The sun will go, the sky will darken, the birds will fall silent. I will be back in my room, tucked up in my bed, and this will be nothing but a memory. The problem is, memories don’t do moments justice. They are weak versions in our heads, a poor playback. Moments play out in technicolor; memories are insipid in comparison. Nevertheless, I tilt my head to the sky and close my eyes, trying to capture this moment in my head, so I can bring it back when I am most in need of it. But then I think…

…I don’t want to waste time trying to remember it. I am here. This is now.

I am living it.

I open my eyes.

“Turn around,” I tell James.

“Sorry?”

“Turn around and close your eyes.”

“Why?”

“Please?” I ask imploringly.

He frowns, but nods. “OK. But as long as you’re not up to anything that’s going to get me in trouble.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

When he turns his back to me I twist my arms behind my back and unzip the dress carefully, shivering as I lower it down my body and the cool breeze seizes the opportunity to caress my skin. Goosebumps spring up and I give a delighted laugh.

This is what I’m talking about.

Wearing only my knickers and a strapless bra, I drape the dress over a nearby log, keeping a cautious eye on James the whole time.

“No peeking,” I remind him, when he turns his head ever so slightly.