Closure

We lay in an embrace. My arm gently caressed her, while she drew random patterns on my chest.

'Ed..?' she began.

'I'll be with you, forever and a day. It will work. We can make it work' I interrupted her.

She looked up at me, her eyes full of surprise. 'How did you know what I was going to ask?'

'I know you well' I said simply.

* * * * *

Many months later. We were on our way to the airport. I had a flight to catch in an hour's time. She pulled over as soon as we crossed the entry gate.

'Ed...' she began and paused.

I didn't say anything and let her continue.

She took a deep breath and continued. 'It will not work between us. I am sorry things didn't work out the way we planned.'

I continued looking ahead, as if there was no one in the car. Without turning my head, I replied. 'I am not the one to toot my horn. But you will never find someone like me. Remember that.'

'I know. I hope I never have to regret this.'

'I hope you do' I replied immediately. The words came out before I could check them. I sometimes surprise myself.

'Wha...?'

'I just wish that someday all those who put me in this predicament will look back and wish this never happened. And I want know that when it happens. Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn what you think of me right now.'

She kept quiet. She started the car and drove towards the departure terminal.

I got out, removed my bag and turned to walk away.

'Ed... will you keep in touch?'

I looked at her, not knowing whether I should say something rude or nothing at all. 'I cannot promise' I said instead.

I began walking towards a queue that was slowly forming at the entrance to the departure terminal. I couldn't bring myself to turn back and look at her for the last time.

* * * * *

Many years later.

It started as a call that I felt I should make.

It wasn't easy. But an hour later, I reached a level of comfort that reminded me of the initial days. It was a little unsettling.

'It is getting late and I have an early meeting tomorrow, I mean today' I said.

'You were making those statements for the sake of arguing, weren't you? I know you Ed, I know you well' she said triumphantly.

I couldn't deny it.

'Good night Anna' I said instead and disconnected.

The closure that I thought I had, I got it today.