I’m wearing sunglasses and a hat, because at the airport just when I’m saying goodbye to a woman I’ve fallen in love with over the course of one short week, is not a time I want to be recognized by anyone. I wouldn’t usually bother, but today, I’ve made the effort.

When we arrive, she checks in first so she can be rid of her luggage—which is surprisingly light for a two-month trip—and then the time has come. We’re in a public space, so a drawn-out kissing session is out of the question. I can’t go past security with her. All we can do now is have coffee together.

“They should have special cubicles or something where people can say goodbye to each other properly without needing to resort to awkward public displays of affection,” I say, when I sit across from Camille for the last time. I gave her the yellow dress she wore last night, and, on her insistence, a scarf of mine with my perfume on. But for the long-haul flight she’s wearing comfortable jeans, T-shirt and a blazer.

“Imagine what people would do in those things, though,” Camille says. “A few last minutes of passion before boarding.” She shakes her head. “Permanent cleaning staff would be required.”

“Yeah.” I’ve scooted my chair close to hers so I can at least put a hand on her knee.

“I’m going to have to go soon.” She checks her watch. “We stayed in the shower too long.” She puts her head on my shoulder. “It was worth every minute.”

“Call me as soon as you can.” I’m beginning to sound like a broken record.

She nods. “It’s been a while since I had someone waiting by the phone for me to call.”

“Are you going to tell your children?”

“I can’t see how I can keep it a secret from them. They’ll probably be able to read it off my face as soon as they see me.” She drains the last of her coffee, starts pushing her chair back.

The dreaded moment has come. Maybe it won’t be so bad. Maybe the hours leading up to it will have taken out most of the sting.

“I’ll walk with you.” I take her hand in mine. The line at security is long, but I can’t line up with her. I can wait until she has disappeared behind the panels dividing the departure hall from the inner sanctum of the airport. I’ll see her inch closer to the spot where she will disappear from my sight. Then I’ll take a taxi straight to work.