Epilogue
Elliot feels the warm evening sun on his face as he walks. Central Park is awash with people enjoying the fresh air after the heat of the day has cooled. By his side, Olivia walks with the same slow pace. They are in no hurry. They have been in no hurry all day. Time seems to have slowed in the 24hrs since everything changed Elliot thinks. Everything has changed because the person by his side told him she loved him. He has kissed her, tasted her, traced every curve of her body with his fingertips. He has lain next to her for hours. He has woken to the feel of her body next to his. He has felt a calm energy all day that he has not felt for years.
Everything has changed, and yet nothing has changed. For as they walk in gentle rhythm through the park, Elliot realizes that she has always been by his side. Since they first met. Her familiar presence is the same now as in all the years past. Nothing of their partnership has been lost, this new way of being together feels natural he thinks.
As they walk hand in hand, Elliot thinks of all the times they have walked in this park. To crime scenes and on lunch breaks but never without a purpose, without a pace. They had walked so close and in step but never quite touching. Now, as Elliot feels the weight of Olivia's hand in his, he becomes aware of the relief in his body to know her by touch.
He turns to look at her and she smiles. A smile of ease and contentment. She pulls him into the shade of a large oak tree and as he puts his arm around her waist, she moves toward him, facing him. He leans down to kiss her lips. A gentle fleeting touch. Then she kisses him harder. They move apart and stand there, smiling at each other. She moves closer and rests her cheek on his chest. He wraps both arms around her and kisses the top of her head. Olivia. At last.