Suddenly she stands and beams brightly as someone walks up to her table. His face is in shadow as she places her hands on his chest and plants a kiss on his lips. He stands stock still and she pulls away confused.
“What’s wrong?” Her face is a puzzle as he continues to stare down at the floor. He ventures a glance at the girl and the light of the moon illuminates his face, which glitters with fresh tears. The boy quickly looks back down at the floor but his face caught by her hands as she pulls them back towards her.
“Tell me what’s wrong, Jake.”
Jake pushes her gently away and leans against the balcony. “I can’t -” he falters. “I won’t tell you. This is not you battle.”
She jumps over the slim rusted white fence to stand on the ledge of the balcony. He starts and lets out a cry: “Cathy!”
Cathy edges towards him and he catches her wrist. “Don’t do that to me again.”
“Then tell me.” Her hair is backlit against the moon’s light but her eyes were shadowed.
He looks at her “She’s dead” and a fresh tear falls.