Leaning into his shoulder, she looks up through the trees at the night sky. They had been sitting together for hours, watching the stars whirl by overhead. She turns her gaze to him and smiles.
“Only a few more minutes, I promise.” Her voice was sweet, but sad. He knew that he would do anything for her.
“I could sit here forever with you.” he said, kissing her on the forehead. She looks down quickly, embarrassed.
“I know.” As she speaks, the sky over the horizon starts to get lighter. It can’t be the sun; dawn is several hours away. He glances at his watch to double check-it isn’t on his wrist.
“Is that… it can’t be.” He looks at her, searching her face for any sign of a joke.
“I love you.” She says quietly. With a sinking feeling, he knows it’s the sun rising over the horizon. And there’s no way to escape.
“Why?” he asks. She doesn’t reply. He wraps his arms around her tightly.
As the sunlight touches them, he shivers. He can feel himself stiffening as they both turn to stone.