Close enough to love...

Coppelia's heart was near to bursting with joy, the day she was with him again after that long absence...but her joy was not just because they were at last together. No - something else gave her far greater comfort: he told her how, three days before, it had suddenly hit him. He had missed her terribly, and had ached to see her again. Well, it was your own doing! she laughed. Yes, and I won't make that mistake again, he replied " to be apart for so long was just too much."

They left the train at Kings Cross and began walking to the British Museum, to see the exhibition The Remaking of Iran. He was holding her hand so tightly, as if he were afraid she might disappear in the London crowds. As soon as they turned into a quiet alley he stopped, pressed her hard against him, and kissed her long and tenderly.

So, he no longer loved her.

To Coppelia, whatever it was he felt for her,

it was close enough to love...