Slowly the sun rose, turning the ocean deep reds and gold. The early morning rays broke through the windows
of the small car, slowly bringing Charlie and Joey back to reality. For the first time that night they sat in silence,
their hands entwined, watching the world appear around them once more. With each ray of light Charlie felt a
tightening in her throat, as it dawned on her that they couldn't stay locked away in their own little world forever.
The magic of the night was disappearing with the receding dark. The freedom and peace she had felt was slowly
being tainted once more by fear. The fear of telling Ruby, of being judged by her friends and colleagues, and the
fear of the not knowing what would come next in their relationship, was starting to eat at her once more.
As if she could sense the turmoil returning Joey gave Charlie's hand a tight squeeze, trying to convey all the love
and support she could. With that simple gesture Charlie felt some of the fear recede, replaced once more
with happiness. She could do this; she could face the world once more. She wasn't quite convinced but she hoped
it would be enough. Pulling herself from her internal wanderings Charlie turned to face Joey, to swim once more in
those golden brown eyes. Joey looked back with such love and sadness. Charlie felt a ice cold stab through her heart as she
realised Joey was scared that with the new day would come a fresh heartbreak. Charlie squeezed Joey's hand back,
trying to convey all the love she felt and the promise that she won't run this time. She hoped that Joey couldn't sense
her lingering doubts. Some joggers ran by, their heavy feet and hard breathing finally bringing the two back to reality,
the magic of the night gone. With great sadness Charlie untangled her hand from Joey's and drove away from the
beach, and away from all the wonderful memories.