A short story by Nic Ollivere
First published on October 1 1998
The sun set itself amongst the tall buildings, flinging its dying breath of light across the city. Dark reds and oranges danced between the buildings, chasing each other down narrow streets. Clouds glowed a vibrant red and brown for only a few minutes, before the sun disappeared, and the remaining light flowed away, like rain water down a street drain. Then the moon edged its way across the sky, bringing with it the darkness of the night.
"Are you OK?"
"Sorry?"
"I asked if you were OK?"
"Yes I'm fine. I was just... watching the sunset."
"Oh right." She began to walk away.
"It was beautiful wasn't it?"
"I didn't notice it, sorry." She walked further away.
"Maybe you should." I said.
"Pardon?" She stopped walking.
"Maybe you should stop, and take more notice."
"OK, thanks." She carried on walking, and was quite far away by now.
"It's important," I shouted as she turned the corner. She was a long way away. And I don't think she heard me.