Lifeline slipping

"And it continued on like this for several blocks. My scarf, loosened from constant movement, had to be repeatedly adjusted to protect myself from the chill. We walked fast. I too fast, perhaps. Never glancing back, I talked ahead and kept my sights forward, scanning the rooftops for an audience more receptive than that which was behind me. But no such luck. Still I told myself, "Don't look back." Patronizing, dismissive and without care. In retrospect, regretfully. On towards to no warm place and further from the perfect evening we had both (presumably) envisioned."

From The Evening Walk by Jonathan Taft.