Three seconds.

It's not a lot of time. It's an inconsequential flash in your day.

Unless you're a goldfish.

Long enough for a decent sneeze. A safe following distance when driving.

Three.

Long enough to realize that she's too close and he's pulled the pin and will let go.

Two.

Long enough for eyes to meet across the wall, for souls to intertwine and say "I love you".

And still there's time to spare.

Time for her too short life to flash by and his too long future to stretch out.

And he's not a goldfish. He'll never forget.

One.