Chapter 30

“And yes, I said ‘harkens.’”

“It’s a good word.”

“What are you thinking?” I wanted to know.

“I keep closing my eyes to remember the sunrise we shared.”

“Ah.”

“It’s selfish, maybe—greedy—when I should live in the moment of the beautiful twilight. But somehow, I want both at once, to feel both at once. All of it, the sunrise, the sunset, and you.”

I held him tighter. “Can you?”

“You try.”

With my eyes closed, I went back to that morning when we watched the horizon brighten on a new day. I remembered Z’s touch. I felt it. “Yes.”

“Keep it. Hold on.”

My eyes flew open. “There’ll be more.” I lost my grip on him. “I hope there will be.”

“I do, too. Just stay a moment, Nero.” Z grappled for my hand again. “Feel it some more.”

I closed my eyes again and tried. Now, something felt off, though.