The World Without Us

By Kelsey Soto

She sits on the short concrete wall with him standing by her side.

He shifts his head away from her and blows the smoke away.

The two of them look towards the setting sun and the crashing waves.

That moment freezes, the smell of cigarette smoke and sea water remain.

In that moment, there is no single person.

There is only the world without us.

An assortment of pinks and blues, the vibrant orange shines through.

In that setting sun we once again are reunited with each other.

Feelings of hope and warmth emerge.

The cold wind picks up and goosebumps form.

He draws her in closer and she embraces him.

That sunset allows them to forget the future that will drift them apart.