Their lips parted and their eyes slowly opened revealing soft smiles.

The bright orange glow of the sunset surrounded them in a warm embrace, but the chill of the autumn air penetrated their skin, a shiver forcing itself upon Bobbie.

“I should go,” Bobbie hastily pulled himself off from the ground, brushing dirt off of his trousers.

“Oh … oh okay yeah, let’s go,” Philip too pulled himself up onto his feet.

Frantic hands searched pockets, as Bobbie pulled at his hair in frustration.

“Woah chill man, what’s wrong?” 

Bobbie’s eyes burrowed into Philip’s, the pale stroke of fear painting his face.

“I can’t find them.”

“Can’t find what?” Philip asked as his heart also began racing in turn.

There was no answer as Bobbie fell to his knees, his hands clawing at the dirt trying to find whatever it was he had lost.

“I can’t help you if I don’t know what we’re looking for.” Philip scratched at his arm as his eyes searched the immediate surroundings.

“My keys, I can’t find my key,” Bobbie looked up, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Oh! Your car key?”

“I can’t find them!”

Philip took a long deep breath and offered his hand out to his friend.

“Let’s retrace our steps okay? They’ve got to be somewhere in the park.” Philip smiled warmly as Bobbie closed his eyes with a slow exhale.

“It’s getting dark.” Bobbie noted out loud.

“We will find them I promise, come on,” Philip took Bobbie’s hand in his as they began retracing their steps using the last remnants of daylight to search the ground.

The warm feel of Bobbie’s hand filled Philip with joy. This is exactly where he wanted him. Years of friendship had led to tonight, and with his other hand in his pocket gripping the car keys tight, he knew Bobbie could only leave when he wanted him to.