My camera's securely mounted on it's tripod, and I'm listening to the footfalls of a man and woman (a couple I'm sure) fading away behind me. They were clad in jogging gear, and had passed me to run to the end of the pier and back again. They politely acknowledged me first, waiting for me to take the shot, but it doesn't work that way so naturally I thanked them and waved them through. It's curious how quickly the rhythmic sound of their muffled, elongated steps are disappearing. I'm alone again.