The Lesson

FIN

Loring went out into the street. She felt that if she did not go outside, she would not be able to go ever again. The day was a long low-ceilinged day, and there was a shawl of grey pulled over the town. But there by the edges, it was breaking. What passed at the edges could not at first be seen.

It was long and far. It was like something heard, but it was seen. She was smiling and her face was unchanged, it was like a last face, the last face a person wears.

In the distance, she saw birds turning in the air — a hundred of them, all turning. Where had they been going, and why in error? They turned in a great sweeping arc, and came back.

Oh, my love, she thought, and she ran there, as if running, crying out,

Nonetheless, my love, I hold out my hand only to you as the train departs!