1 Death and the Lighthouses (1 January 2001)

But even Luke and Mark, although not realising it, were dealing with an
unreal concept. And when Luke died, Mark’s beliefs were shattered.
*
Luke hadn’t felt so happy for a long time. As he sauntered along Princes
Street he became introspective: his past had followed him into new worlds,
was something he wanted to discard. But I’ve no right now, he said inwardly,
to be unhappy. I enjoy my work, I love my new city. And Mark, my beautiful
lover.
He was scanning the architecture, when he saw his lover and his lover’s
brother across the street. He waved and called out their names, but they
were busy talking. Always talking, he thought, and Matthew learning little.
Ah well, Mark knows best.
Is it possible for a body to suddenly take on a physical lightness, a
lightness of joy This is what happened to Luke as he crossed to meet his
friends. Everything was as it should be. He was happy not for the past or the
future, but for the
He was alert to the bright colours of the city and the humming of a
summer wind through the avenues. When he caught Mark’s eye, a profound
sense of calm seemed to take control of the movements of his body. And he
felt his face breaking into the biggest smile.
1 (1 January 2001) 16