One Day

Sunday, July 15, 2007. Jasmine wakes Dexter up by pressing his nose like a doorbell. Maddy is also in bed with them. They’re at a hotel in Edinburgh, where Dexter hasn’t been for many years. Dexter plans to show Jasmine around the town, and Maddy agrees to let them go alone.

Dexter takes Jasmine first to the flat where Emma used to live. He then takes her to climb Arthur’s Peak, but he’s dismayed to find that even at her young age of seven, she has more energy to climb than he does. They find a place to overlook the city. Jasmine asks if Dexter misses Emma, and he says he does—every day. Jasmine thinks she misses Emma too, though she only remembers her a little. It’s a beautiful day, though Jasmine gets bored after a few minutes, so they leave.

Back in 1988, leaving Arthur’s Seat, Dexter and Emma prepare to part ways, potentially for good. Dexter invites Emma for a drink, trying to figure out a plan to meet his parents late for dinner. He leads her back toward his flat, but they hurry toward it, they suddenly hear Dexter’s mother calling his name. Dexter instantly pulls away from Emma and goes to greet his mother and father in their Jaguar. They’re impatient to get to dinner but say that Dexter can invite his friend Emma if he likes. Emma makes up an excuse not to join, and she and Dexter each wish each other a nice life. Dexter’s mother says she hopes she isn’t interrupting anything and notices that Dexter is wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

Still in 1988, Emma walks home disappointed. She tries to think of what she wants to do with her future. She’s heard the advice to live every day like your last but doesn’t think it’s very practical. Suddenly, Dexter rushes up behind her. He says he just remembered he forgot to ask about how to get in touch with her. He asks to borrow a pen, and they exchange addresses and phone numbers. He invites her to come visit him at his parents’ house once he returns from his travels.

Still in 1988, Dexter asks if Emma is sure she doesn’t want to come to dinner. He seems relieved when she insists on not going, saying that it’s probably for the best because he’d just want to kiss her the whole time. They kiss on the street. Then they say goodbye, and Dexter leaves.