LATE ENTRY Luna Landscape by Matthew Tomlin

“I really wish you’d stop calling me that.” Alice rolled her eyes, a tell-tale sigh drifting from her lips.

“But you look just like her.” Mark laughed, moving to poke her in the arm but being repelled by the swat of her hand.

“Literally speaking, that’s not the actresses’ real name. How ridiculous you’re being, I mean really.” Alice drabbled on for a while longer, but Mark wasn’t paying attention.

“It’s your night tonight.” He jeered, pulling her closer.

“Lunar eclipse, yes, how amusing.”

The forest was oddly quiet, even for the middle of the night. Mark kept his eye trained on his lover, waiting for her cold demeanour to break.

“I really wish you would show some maturity.” Alice kept her arms folded around her mid-section, refusing to reciprocate.

“You’re getting pretty high maintenance; all these wishes.”

“I’m being serious.” She turned to meet his gaze. Mark still couldn’t supress his smile. “I’m sure your parents are waiting for the day when you’ll show a bit of sophistication.”

Anyone else would have been hurt. Mark would sometimes be put off by comments like that. He was enjoying himself too much this time. He stopped, while Alice continued on for a few paces. He stretched his arms out as she turned around.

“Listen.”

Listen she did, but she could hear nothing.

“Look.”

Mark gestured towards himself. Alice was confused.

“All we can see, all we can hear is each other. What’s with the serious?” He walked towards her, the forest floor crunching beneath his steps.

“There’s not often time in the real world for silliness-“Alice began, but was silenced with some annoyance by Mark’s finger pressed to her lips.

“We’re not in the real world right now. You’re here, with me, in mine.”

For the first time that evening, Alice found herself unable to process a comeback. She understood what he was trying to say.

“Are you saying that I’m too serious?”

“Yes.”

Alice stood in silence for a moment, unable to tear her eyes away from Mark’s. She couldn’t tell him he was right. That just wouldn’t do.

She jumped. They fell. They kissed.