For a time they sat there on the stairs, not speaking, or speaking absently about things that had happened a long time ago, silly arguments theyd had, people they used to know, things they had laughed about together. Old conversations, repeated many times before. Then quiet again for a little while. I just want everything to be like it was, Eileen said. And for us to be young again and live near each other, and nothing to be different. Alice was smiling sadly. But if things are different, can we still be friends? she asked. Eileen put her arm around Alices shoulders. If you werent my friend I wouldnt know who I was, she said. Alice rested her face in Eileens arm, closing her eyes. No, she agreed. I wouldnt know who I was either. And actually for a while I didnt. Eileen looked down at Alices small blonde head, nestled on the sleeve of her dressing gown. Neither did I, she said. Half past two in the morning. Outside, astronomical twilight. Crescent moon hanging low over the dark water. Tide returning now with a faint repeating rush over the sand. Another place, another time.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney