In the Planetarium

They flowed nebulously into the foyer, buffeted by the rain.

Stairs stretched out ahead, beckoning. Early - they sat in silence; gaze refusing to meet, eyes slid off of each other like snowflakes hitting a radiator.

Ushered in they took their seats. The show began.

Stars stretched out in infinite grace; breath-taking and beautiful. The music swelled, mercurial and purposeful. Wonders swirled, a visceral balletic crescendo. The audience, except the couple, applauded.

Rising from their chairs; tenuous and vague, twin wisps of smoke. Conciliatory, hands clasped; momentarily tightening, then falling loose.

The space that she left could never be filled.