"You knew about Julie?"
"Of course," laughed Toffee. "I knew from the beginning, before you did. I know more about you than you do yourself. That's another point I hold in common with other women."
They had reached the edge of the valley and suddenly Toffee stopped.
"This is where I have to leave you." She smiled up at Marc. Suddenly, he took her in his arms, very tenderly, and kissed her. As he released her, the bell began to ring in the distance, as it had before.
"Goodbye," Toffee said softly, starting toward the valley.
As she moved, the earth seemed to dissolve behind her, leaving a narrow chasm between them. With each step the bell became more and more distinct. Suddenly, impulsively, Marc turned toward her.
"Wait!" he called, and reached out a hand to her.
Marc's hand fell to the alarm clock and he awakened to a bright, new morning with a vague sense of loss. Suddenly he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and got to his feet.
Julie would be at the office. He didn't want to be late.