We’ve met before, she says. In another lifetime. Know what I mean?

            I didn’t. I nodded anyway.

            I knew it, she said.

She buried her fists in my scarf. The gem of her wedding band winked from the taut wool.

            It’s like…All this has happened before.

Reincarnation.

That’s just what I was going to say. No one else would get that but you. Not even— Her words misted briefly in the air. My scarf dug deeper into the back of my neck.

What are you thinking? she asked, leaning in.

It’s cold out here.

Mmm-hmm, she breathed. We should go inside.

Too late, I said.

For what? she asked, grazing my lips.

I think I’m coming down with something.

Then we’d better get to bed. She took my hand and turned towards the stoop. I pulled her back to the moon-burnished pavement.

Those germs I’m absorbing through my weakened immune system? They’ll be with me a good two, three weeks. Long after you’ve gone back to your husband.

Is that what this is? Something to get out of your system?

No, I said. The flu is actually good for you. Read the studies. I could do a lot with a sick day or two.

Her earrings winked as she laughed. Her expression hardened again.

I thought you wanted this, she said.

I do.

So what’s the problem?

You only live once, I said over the incipient scratch in my throat.