It was the first and last time. They never quite made it.
They had met in their 20s. Through mutual friends at work.
The usual banter. The jokes. The jabs to the shoulder that never went anywhere.
One was in a relationship. The other knew better.
They remained in the same friend group. Relationships with others came. And went. Nobody lived up to their expectations. They were waiting. Just for a chance.
There was never anyone else. It was always one another.
Yet they never made it. The war. Their careers. The long distances separating them, despite their correspondence.
One day they were old. It rushed in like a train. Where had their 20s gone?
One was in bed. Hospice. Old friends came to visit. And went.
Finally the other came too.
"I've always loved you, you know."
"I loved you too."
It was the first and last time.