The sky was entirely gray, but Davor kept adjusting his telescope. Ena stood beside him with two cups of tea and asked exactly which shade of cloud he hoped to find. She joined the astronomy-club outing because she wanted an evening without screens. Davor came with a new telescope, expecting finally to know something the others didn't. So far, both were seeing only their own disappointment.
The group leader suggested waiting for clearer skies in the mountain lodge. Davor wanted to remain beside his equipment. Ena placed his tea on the folding table and said it wouldn't become easier to use if he froze. She didn't sound reproachful. As a documentary-film editor, she knew the persistence that sometimes merely avoided admitting conditions weren't yours to control. Eventually, Davor covered the telescope and followed her.
In the lodge, they sat by a window away from the noisy card-playing group. Davor admitted buying the telescope after his youngest son left for university. He wanted to prove he still had beginnings. Ena said she had just declined a trip offering good work because she was tired of living from a suitcase. Both realized they were trying to change their rhythm, only in opposite directions.
Near midnight, they went out to check the sky. It hadn't changed. Ena still stayed while Davor showed her how to adjust focus. Through the telescope, they viewed an illuminated window in a distant empty cabin, with nobody inside. It wasn't particularly magnificent. Davor laughed at his disappointment and asked whether she wanted coffee next time, somewhere the forecast wouldn't determine whether their meeting succeeded.
Over coffee, Ena discovered that he talked a great deal when nervous, and Davor learned that she asked difficult questions without intending an interrogation. They discussed children, former relationships, and how much free time they truly wanted to share. She didn't want to become his new major interest. He didn't want to be placed among obligations she rested from in advance. There was enough honesty for them to order another drink without feigned delight.
Later, they attended another outing. This time, the sky was clear, but Ena forgot her gloves. Davor offered his spare pair without saying he should have known. They took turns at the telescope, then sat on the grass to rest. He didn't name every point of light. She didn't ask him to fill silence with a story. When she kissed him, there wasn't enough light for a good photograph. Neither reached for a phone.