Love in a time of apocalypse

I will always remember our last moments: memories literally burned into what’s left of my mind. We were sitting on the grass near the mountain’s summit, eating sandwiches and resting our feet, the green valley laid out before us, the sea a distant glimmer, buzzards mewing to each other as they circled up the thermals.

I think we had argued earlier that day but the climb and the view pushed it all aside and we were laughing when the world ended. The blinding white light in the distance could not have meant anything else, although I don’t remember any sound – the fire was travelling faster. I’m sure I could still hear the buzzards.

There was no escape – I’m glad we both realised that. As the shock wave ripped and burned its way up the valley, at least we had enough time to cling to each other and say our goodbyes.

Now I am just a breath on the wind, but still sure that you are close beside me somewhere, your ashes drifting with mine. Perhaps I should be grieving for our lost future but all I really feel is immense and overwhelming gratitude that, at last, I am with you.