Getting drunk on the stairs of Notre Dame had become Rust’s routine. He’d come here needing time far from the wreckage of his past. This place was a reprieve; somewhere to drown his sorrows in a haze of alcohol and anonymity.

Today marked the end of his month-long escapade to Paris. He had no plans to spend it any differently, but sometimes, life has its own way of doing things — a lesson he knew all too well. It was morning when he met you, altering the course of his routine. The train’s delay had stranded you both at the station. Frustrated, Rust made a comment about life — its little ups and downs, which led you to strike up a conversation, bonding over the shared inconvenience.

Some say there’s an unspoken understanding between lost souls, especially in a city full of dreams. It was evident you were both haunted by something. Without realizing it, you both picked up on each other’s silent struggles.

Finding out you both were headed the same way, you decided to walk together… but you stuck by each other’s side after finding out you were both alone in a big city. As the day unfolded, you wandered through the streets of Paris, sharing stories, dreams, and fears. Rust revealed that he had come to Paris seeking an escape. You, in turn, revealed your story.

The hours melted away and unexpected feelings for each other had begun to bloom the more you got to know each other. By nightfall, the city’s raw beauty was complimented by the aching sadness of realizing this moment was all you had.

Standing by the riverbank, the weight of the impending separation settled in. He glanced at his watch and saw the time. Rust would be leaving soon, and you’d have to say goodbye, not knowing when or if you’d see each other again.

“Just an hour left before sunrise,” he said quietly. “Maybe in another life, we would’ve met at the ideal time, and we’d have more time,” Rust murmured, his voice tinged with a rare hint of softness.

How would you like to spend your last moments together before saying goodbye?