Sober Tale

An hour before midnight, on one of the blurry days between

Christmas and New Year, you texted you’ll drive to my house.

I was stunned as we haven’t communicated in ages.

You were at the area hanging out with your buddies, you told me.

You wanted to say hi.

Minutes later, you were at my front door.

We started talking.

You cracked inside jokes from before.

I laughed.

You asked how I was.

“I’m doing well,” I said. “Does she know you’re here?”

You were silenced for a second.

“No, she doesn’t,” you admitted. “But she knows you’re still the one.”

I chuckled, “yeah right.”

With a smile, you professed, “It’s true.

“I’m just lucky she hasn’t left me knowing that.”

“Don’t say that,” I said sadly.

“I still wish you chose me, though,” you confided.

Then, you commented, “he left you anyway.”

Chortling, I sighed, “yeah he did. But that was a long time ago.

I’ve moved on”

“Still. I never would’ve left had you chosen me.”

“I know that. I’m sorry”, I whispered.

“You broke my heart but it’s okay.” You went on, “anything for you.”

“Well, then, take care of your girlfriend so she won’t ever leave you,”

I remarked.

“I’ll do my best,” you vowed.

I beamed.

Moments passed, thunders were threatening rain.

You lived in a different town.

I told you to go on home.

You had a long drive ahead of you.

Ever so slightly, you brushed my arm.

Aware of your touch, I stepped back, blurted,

“you don’t want to get caught in the rain. Thank you for visiting.”

You smiled.

“Drive safe.”

“Bye, Maria,” you called out.

I was winded for a minute.

You used to call me that.

I smiled, in spite of myself.

Fifteen minutes in on your way home, downpour came.

You got caught in the rain.

I took out my phone and typed in, “I hope you got home safe.

Thank you again for visiting”

When you could, you answered, “I’m home.”

Another message came in, “I really wanted to hug you.”

“You should have,” I typed back. “Good night.”

You sent a ‘good night’ text with a ‘sleep well’ in it.

I was still up; I didn’t reply.

Days following that, you messaged me a couple of times.

I never responded.

I flew back to the city.

That was the last time.

Au revoir.