She wanted to meet

at the restaurant

we went to

on our first

date.

I knew what it was,

of course.

After 3 years together

she had packed

all of her

things

and went to her

mother's

two days ago

and hadn't spoke

to me since.

Well,

besides today,

that is.

It was a guy

from her job

at the bank.

He had "ambition"

she kept telling

me.

I sat on the edge

of the bed

and stared at the

bright red

numbers

on the clock.

4:42

I had to be there

at 5:30.

I smoked a bowl,

put on my

jacket

and headed out

the door.

It was a brisk

fall

evening.

Sun still up for

the moment.

I was on foot;

the car broke down

and I was out of

steady work.

It didn't matter

though.

It wasn't far and

the cool air

was invigorating.

October was great

in the country.

My favorite

month.

All the trees

were painted

with exquisite shades

of different

colors

and the air felt

refreshing and

clean.

I lit a cigarette

as I made my way

around the first

bend.

I watched as

the smoke

whirled

wildly

in the wind

as black birds

scattered in

masses

from the waving

tree tops.

I snapped out of it

as I passed the

park

entering

town square.

The children were

laughing

and running.

They had no

idea of the

shit-storm

they were

entering.

It's all a joke.

I soon came upon

the front of

the restaurant.

My life was about

to change

dramatically.

The birds

would continue

to fly,

the leaves

would continue

to change,

the mail

would continue

to run,

and the cats

would continue

to kill the

mice.

The sun was setting;

showing off brilliant

shades of orange

and pink

as I put out my

cigarette.

I stared at those

glowing colors

for a moment

out there

on that

silent horizon,

sighed,

and reached

for the

door.