They sat together upon the top of the hill overlooking Newcastle.
From this vantage it was possible for them to see the entire lay of the land stretching out generously before their eyes. The glowing city huddled amongst the dark mountains presenting itself to them like a beautifully couched crown. Beneath the velvetly cloak of the night its tightly packed suburbs twinkled like clusters of jewels embedded in dense black earth. Stockton Bridge took up its graceful arch over the river where lights, like flecks of gold, helped navigate sleepy cars back to their sleepy homes.
From up here it was hard to tell that the city was industrious and full of matter-of-fact people living matter-of-fact lives. Its soft flicker belied its history, a city driven by the coal industry. The laden coal trains heavily snaked their way through the back streets traversing the psyche of its inhabitants. It seemed to have an accumulative affect on the people here - all stoney faced, resilient to time and its weathering effects.
But tonight up here beneath the sweep of stars all she saw was a glittering gem.
He leaned in closer to her making sure his soft sentiments were heard.
"You're a diamond amongst all this Newcastle coal."
