On weekdays, university students used the field to practice sports. After sunset, we climbed the chain-link fence together. The grass was break-an-ankle long and thick as a mattress. The town lights were distant, so we stargazed, on our backs, our faces close. I could feel the warmth of her skin. When I slowly turned toward her—"Let's not," she said. "In a week, I'm going to go for a long time. Nine months," she said. She didn't move away or expect I would. She pointed out constellations and I saw them. We stayed, watching dark clouds slowly eclipse sharp stars.


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