By the time Jorden opened the car door, she had composed herself. Tealand Deli was off to the right after entering the mall. A lunch crowd had lined up to place their orders; Matt and Jorden followed behind them. Heads turned to look at them. Typical, Jorden thought. She ignored their looks of curiosity.

“What would you like?” Matt asked.

“Surprise me. I’ll have whatever you order. I think I’ll look at the teas.” Jorden stepped out of the line to browse through the various selections. None of them registered. Her eyes could not focus. A half hour later they were on their way to the park. The clouds were getting darker. The threatening weather seemed to thin out the number of people at the park.

“There’s an empty picnic table.” Matt pointed it out as they walked along the path. He placed the sandwiches and beverages on the table. “Turkey or roast beef? What’s your pleasure?”

“Turkey’s fine.”

Matt handed Jorden a sandwich and a Coca Cola. “Cheers!” He lifted his Coke, attempting a toast.

“What are we toasting?”

“To a good future.”

“What an odd toast,” Jorden mused.

“It is and it isn’t. I wish the future held us but we know it doesn’t. Still, I wish you the best.” Matt swung his leg over the bench. Jorden felt his thigh next to hers—it felt good. Right now she couldn’t think of the future. She only wanted to hold onto the moment.

Off in the distance, two small children chased each other. The shrill laughter resonated in the air.

“You’re not eating,” Matt observed.

“Neither are you,” Jorden replied.

“I guess I’ve also lost my appetite. We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?”

“I’ll say,” Jorden agreed.

Matt placed his hand on top of hers. They sat still, watching the children play. Within minutes the sky darkened and drafts of air swirled, causing the trees to sway back and forth. Droplets of rain hit the table top. Parents scurried after their children, gathered their belongings, and ran to the parking lot. Lightning flashed, followed by a heavy burst of thunder.

“Let’s go. I’ll race you to the car.” Matt threw their lunches in the bag. They were drenched by the time they reached his Dodge Dart.

“Aren’t you a sight?” Matt laughed.

“You’re not any better,” Jorden quipped. The laughter helped relieve the tension.

“Let’s go to my place to dry out. Chip and Lyon are gone. Besides, we can put our clothes in the dryer.”

They spent their last few hours in his familiar bedroom on a rainy afternoon. Jorden didn’t want to leave. Tears slipped down her cheeks. Matt held her close, appearing to deal with his own loss.

“It’s almost six,” Matt said softly. “I need to drive you back to your place.”

“I don’t want to go.” Jorden’s voice shook.