I watch the airplanes circle overhead, like vultures on a blue, cloudless sky.

The day is still young, with the early morning light glimmering through the glass panes of the terminal. The peace and quiet of the airport soon gives way to the sounds of the new day. It is already beginning to get crowded, as people hurry to check in their baggage and make their flights on time. Through the teeming swarm of hats, coats and other assorted things, I manage to catch a glimpse of the person I am looking for. I’d recognise that face anywhere.

I make my way towards her, calling out her name.

“Hey,” I say as I walk in step with her, out of breath.

She turns to me, surprised.

“I just thought I’d come here to, uh, say goodbye,” I mumble, smiling coyly.

“Oh? Well, thanks,” she says softly, her eyes betraying her uncertainty.

“Oh yeah, and I still owe you a quarter,” I remind her, taking out a small quarter from my pocket.

“It’s all right, really.”

“Please, this time, I’d really feel terrible if I kept it.”

She hesitates, and so I open her hand and place the coin in it, before closing it again.

I embrace her tightly, for the last time.

When I step back, I notice the tears streaming down her face and realise how beautiful she is, and always will be, to me.

“See? You’re making me cry again,” she says, cleaning the watery streaks with the back of her hand.

“I’m sorry, but I love you,” I reply, wiping her tears for her.

“I love you, too.”

“Then write me.”

“I will. I promise.”

I smile, and this time I let the tears fall freely from my eyes too. She smiles, making me feel as though I’ve fallen in love with her all over again. As a final gesture of goodbye she extends her hand, and we shake hands warmly. She walks away, entering the gates and disappearing from my life.

It feels dreamlike, and as I think back, I find it a miracle how she ever stumbled into my life at all.

I am about to leave when I find the quarter back in my palm after she left. Bemused, I laugh a small, quiet laugh to myself and walk out of the airport.